4 minute read
Reality check: We test drive an electric rental vehicle and
Reality check
Go online for the full reviews: thebusinesstravelmag.com
CAR HIRE: VAUXHALL CORSA E RENTAL FROM ENTERPRISE
BACKGROUND Starting with Teslas two years ago, Enterprise has been expanding its electric fleet and this summer added a selection of lower-mid range cars, including the Vauxhall Corsa E. With five doors, built-in satnav, climate control, and up to 160 miles range on a full charge, it seemed perfect for our 850-mile Scotland trip.
BOOKING The online booking process was easy. We’d originally booked to collect the car from the Edinburgh Waverly branch but due to Covid it was temporarily closed. Instead we were offered complimentary pick-up from our accommodation to collect from the Edinburgh City Centre branch.
COLLECTION The wheel was wrapped in a protective cover and with Enterprise’s ‘Complete Clean Pledge’ we felt very confident the car was sanitised and all necessary precautions had been taken. Masks were worn at all times, even outside. After a thorough check and a brief on how the charging worked (more on that later), we hit the road.
THE RENTAL Branch staff had told us charging the car was a very easy plug-in-and-go process but whilst this is the case for Teslas, all other makes of electric cars use a different network of chargers and it’s more complicated. It turned out we needed an account with ‘Charging Place Scotland’ to access the network, and ideally a RFID card linked to our account to tap on the machines to begin charging. It's also possible to charge using an app but this caused us a wealth of problems as internet signal was limited, if not non-existent, in many locations. The machines themselves also needed internet connection to receive data from the app and more often than not this proved impossible. Thankfully, mid-way through our trip, a fellow EV driver kindly lent us his personal 'Charging Place Scotland' card so we no longer had to worry about difficulties charging. This meant we could begin to really enjoy the car – effortlessly smooth and almost eerily quiet to drive. At drop-off, staff were very receptive of our comments on charging issues and said they'd relay this back to the head office.
THE VERDICT A smooth drive overall, but with a few bumps in the road. Directions on charging could have been clearer but otherwise the process, and the car, was efficient and enjoyable.
THE DETAILS enterprise.co.uk; 0800 800 227. Rentals from £88 a day.
A SMOOTH RIDE OVERALL, BUT WITH A FEW BUMPS IN THE ROAD
April Waterston
THE HOTEL A Hastings Hotel property and a Small Luxury Hotel of the World, this five-star hotel is six miles from Belfast city centre and yet its setting is more akin to a tranquil rural retreat. With the wooded slopes of the Holywood hills as its backdrop and 12 acres of manicured gardens, it has a real sense of grandeur, history and serenity. Its 98 elegant rooms and suites, spa and restaurant have been recently refurbished.
COVID STRATEGY Health and safety protocols are in line with industry-wide 'Peace of Mind Policy' guidelines, an industry standard established in association with the National Tourism Organisations of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Measures include sanitising stations throughout the hotel and a chemical-free disinfectant system.
THE CHECK-IN The reception area is surprisingly small for such a large property but never felt crowded. Two front desk staff members, wearing masks, were friendly and efficient.
THE ROOM My spacious and ultracomfortable Bishop Suite on the fourth floor had a partial dividing wall separating the bedroom from the lounge area. Features included a King Coil ‘Cloud Bed’, a work table, couch and lounge chairs, and two TVs. A large bay window offered views down to Belfast Lough and the County Antrim Coastline.
THE BUSINESS There's a dedicated business reception area, with secretarial services, and a plethora of conference and meeting rooms. The gardens offer team building exercises and activities like archery, laser clay pigeon shooting and target golf. WiFi is free and speedy.
THE FACILITIES The main restaurant, Vespers, is serving dinner only on a Friday and Saturday but is open daily for breakfast. The Lough Room, which will revert to a residents' bar once Covid rules allow, offered a limited but wholesome menu. At the bottom of the estate is the pub-cosy Cultra Inn. Afternoon Tea is served in the Drawing Room. There's a gym, Spa (with ESPA treatments), a pool (with Jacuzzi), a weight room, sauna and an eucalyptus steam room.
THE VERDICT A premium-class hotel with top-range facilities that offers a sense of peace and solitude that no city centre hotel could match. THE DETAILS Bangor Rd, Hollywood, Belfast, BT18 0EX; hastingshotels.com. Rooms from £300, including breakfast.
HOTEL: THE CULLODEN ESTATE & SPA, BELFAST
SIX MILES FROM BELFAST BUT ITS SETTING IS MORE AKIN TO A TRANQUIL RURAL RETREAT
