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Eurostar Resumes Direct London to Amsterdam Centraal Services – But More Disruptions Are Ahead
After an eight-month suspension, Eurostar’s direct service between Amsterdam and London is finally running again.
The high-speed rail link was halted last year due to construction at Amsterdam Centraal, which meant changing trains in Brussels.
There will now be three direct services each day (at a reduced capacity of 400) Sunday-Friday, and two on Saturdays. This will increase to 600 people on 22nd April and 650 in December.
Looking ahead, Eurostar aims to run six direct services each day by 2026.
The New Amsterdam Centraal Terminal
The new terminal has ultra-fast WiFi, more seating options, and a new cafe.
Despite the upgrades, the only lounge available is before security (NS Regus International). You will need to make sure you arrive at the UK terminal on time for ticket, security, and border checks. This makes the Amsterdam-London journey much more stressful. Set off too early, and you’ll have a long wait in the terminal, but set off too late, and you might miss your train!
Prepare for More Disruption…
Before the trains can operate at maximum capacity, there’s another round of disruption to deal with. The terminal at Amsterdam Centraal will close again between 30th March and 22nd April, meaning you will once again need to change in Brussels.
Hilton Honors Diamond Status Until March 2027 with Just 14 Nights
Hilton is offering a status match which offers an easy route to Hilton Honors Diamond until March 2027.
This status match is for those of us who hold mid-tier status with another hotel loyalty programme. Hilton decides what qualifies as ‘mid-tier’ for each programme.
You won’t be eligible if you already hold Hilton Gold or have previously done a Hilton status match.
Programmes you can match to Hilton with include:
- Marriott Bonvoy
- IHG One Rewards
- World of Hyatt
- Best Western Rewards
- Choice Privileges
There is also an ‘other’ box. If you have status with another loyalty programme that’s not listed, it’s worth applying anyway!
To apply, you need to provide:
- Proof of your current elite status with another listed loyalty programme: This must be in screenshot format.
- Evidence of a recent paid stay with that programme: This can be a screenshot of your reservation or a hotel receipt redacting any personal information other than your name and membership number.
Hilton will then take 7-12 business days to process your request.
Once approved, you will receive Hilton Gold status for 90 days. Completing 8 nights within this period extends Gold until March 2027, while 14 nights upgrades you to Diamond:
Gold status is one of the best mid-tier hotel statuses. You will receive an 80% points bonus on stays and daily food and drink credit or breakfast (varies). There are also potential room upgrades to the executive floor and milestone rewards!
Diamond status includes additional benefits such as a 100% points bonus on stays, executive lounge access, premium WiFi, and potential suite upgrades!
The 90-day window begins as soon as your application is accepted. You need to time your application well. It makes sense to apply when you have a series of Hilton stays planned so you can meet the requirements.
You can request a Hilton status match here.
Earn Triple Avios or Miles & More Bonus Miles with Avis
Avis has launched two generous promotions for British Airways Executive Club and Lufthansa Miles & More members.
Triple Avios
You can now earn 15 Avios per £1 spent with Avis (up from 5).
The offer is available to bookings made before 24th February for rentals completed by 20th May 2025.
You must book through avios.com to earn the bonus Avios.
This is one of the best earning rates Avis has ever offered. Pricing appears the same as standard BA Executive Club bookings, though only pre-paid rentals are supported.
Book your rental via avios.com >>>
Miles & More Bonus
If you collect miles for Star Alliance Flights, Avis also has a flat rate bonus promotion for Miles & More members.
You can earn:
- 4,000 bonus miles (3-5 days)
- 6,500 bonus miles (6-10 days)
- 7,500 bonus miles (11-14 days)
- 8,000 bonus miles (15-28 days)
This is on top of the standard 3 miles per €1 spent (minimum of 750 Miles & More miles).
To be eligible for this promotion, you must book a rental by 30th March and complete it by 30th June. Again, you must book via Miles & More to be eligible for the promotion.
Book your rental via Miles & More here >>>
If you’re a member of the British Airways Executive Club and Miles & More, you will need to do the maths based on the length and cost of your rental. Collecting Avios is better for short but high-value rentals, whereas the Miles & More offer is better for longer rentals. The booking deadline and rental period also differ between offers.
3 comments
If you have status with avis car rental and book via the avios / ba executive club site can you still avail of your status benefits?
Yes, if you have status with Avis Car Rental and book through the Avios or British Airways Executive Club site, you can still enjoy your Avis status benefits. Just make sure you provide your Avis Preferred membership number during the booking process
Why anyone would want to spend time in a city centre train lounge is beyond me – especially on the continent, often the cafe’s near the station are excellent (there’s even a couple of good ones near Paris Nord).
I fail to see how arriving at the station to complete ticket, border and security checks makes a train journey so much more stressful?
Any journey that involves crossing an international border would have the same issues.
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