View from the Links at Lansdowne

Sometimes the best trips can’t be planned.

That was the case last weekend when I got stuck in Leesburg, VA overnight, along with 60 other people bumped from a United Airlines flight to San Francisco. When they handed over my hotel voucher, I suspected I’d be lodged in a Motel 6-quality establishment on the airport road and spend the night listening to jumbo jets touch down.

Instead we stayed in the cushy, AAA Four Diamond Lansdowne Resort, about 20 minutes from Dulles airport. Though I arrived late and left early, missing out on some of the hotel’s charms, like Spa Minerale, I did get enough of a taste to wholeheartedly approve.

First, the desk staff were competent and charming, quickly processing the long line of “distressed” (the official designation for “bumped”) guests, as well as one newly married couple that included a pregnant teenage bride wearing a too-large gown. Hey, the Lansdowne welcomes all types.

Stunning view from a rocking chair

My clerk handed me a toothbrush, a voucher to use in the bar and directions to the business center, where I checked flight information and walked past a wedding party wearing beautiful saris–no surprise, given the event spaces, including a terrace that overlooks the rolling Virginia hills.

My room was spacious and well decorated, with great water pressure and fluffy pillows. And that bar voucher came in handy–San Francisco-bound passengers took over the place, which included pool tables, several TVs, and a selection of fine bourbons I was pleased to happen upon.

All in all, a relaxing (and unexpected!) visit to a great hotel!

images from Lansdowne Resort