‘This is what we do every day’: After honeymoon canceled, Hilton delivers special staycation for couple
When Jacob and Abbie Bennett had to cancel their 30-day European honeymoon this summer, they decided to book a staycation in their home city of Washington, D.C., instead. It turned out to be an unforgettable “trip.”
Jacob, a kindergarten teacher, caught the flu during his first honeymoon in Hawaii, so the trip was supposed to be a do-over. Obviously, the COVID-19 pandemic thwarted those plans.
“My wife and I have been strict about social distancing and staying home during this pandemic – it’s been tough,” he told Hilton in a statement.
The couple chose to stay at the Conrad Washington D.C. When the hotel learned about their story, it decided to go the extra mile to bring Europe to them.
It reached out to luxury Hilton hotels around Europe including the Waldorf Astoria Berlin, Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam, Waldorf Astoria Versailles – Trianon Palaceto and Conrad London St. James.
The Conrad delivered personalized notes, photos and videos for the couple to enjoy throughout their stay and sent themed canapés and cocktails to them to represent each city.
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Vera Vandijk, front office director at Conrad Washington D.C., planned the experience for the couple.
“(Vandijk) is originally from the Netherlands and had also canceled an overseas trip to visit family. Personally, she wanted to bring a special taste of Europe to Jacob and Abbie and show our appreciation for everything Jacob does as an educator, especially with the unique school year approaching,” Laura Schofield, general manager at Conrad Washington D.C., said in a statement.
“When asked about creating this special stay for the couple, Vera said, ‘This is what we do every day,'” Schofield added.
The Bennetts are planning to reschedule their live 30-day European vacation for 2021. But will it compare to the Washington trip?
“This honestly made for a great last weekend before returning to teaching,” Jacob Bennett said.
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