THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, June 4, 1995 TAG: 9506030023
SECTION: DAILY BREAK PAGE: E1 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY DENNIS A. CARAGNARO, TRAVEL CORRESPONDENT
LENGTH: Long : 168 lines
AS WE ENTERED the elevator of London's Victory Services Club, we were confronted by two short, happy Gurkhas turned out in full uniforms complete with swords. We could look down on their pillbox caps held on at a jaunty angle by chin straps.
For the first time in my life, I was face-to-face with serving members of one of the world's top military forces, the legendary Gurkhas. Hardy hill people from the Nepalese Himalayas, the Gurkhas have served as mercenaries for Britain since 1812.
The Victory Services Club is but one of a number of military veterans clubs worldwide that welcomes American comrades-in-arms.
More than 16 million Americans saw military service during World War II, and even more have served in the 45 years since. Anyone who has served honorably in the American forces or the allied forces, along with their families, enjoy great savings in accommodation at non-exclusive military clubs in cities including San Francisco, New York and London. The welcome mat is out at many additional veterans' clubs overseas that offer good cheer but not accommodation. Because of their membership policies, close monitoring of identification cards and long tenured staff, these clubs offer an extra measure of security.
(Note: The rates quoted are current but certainly subject to change. Those overseas are quoted in their approximate dollar equivalents, which vary with changes in exchange rates.) SAN FRANCISCO
San Francisco's Marines Memorial Club, just two blocks from posh Union Square and only one from the famed Powell Street cable cars, offers 137 first-class rooms, including 14 luxury suites, at rates one-third of those charged by its 5-star hotel neighbors.
Active duty military are automatically Marines Memorial Club members. For anyone else who has served honorably in a U.S. or Allied military service, membership is a $50 annual donation ($60 the first year), which is plowed back into the refurbishment of the club's facilities.
The Club Exchange may be the only place not on a military base that sells distinctive Marine Corps items and gifts with the Marine Corps motif.
Rooms with private bath are $65 to $75 single occupancy ($70 to $80 Saturday and Sunday); $70 to $80 double ($75 to $85 Saturday and Sunday). Nonmember (guests of members) rates are $25 higher as are the rates for the 14 additional suites.
More info: (800) 5-MARINE. 609 Sutter St., San Francisco, Calif., 94102. (415) 673-6672. Reservations are also suggested for the dining room.
On any given night at the Marines Memorial Club, members might see Kirk Douglas, Peggy Lee, Buddy Ebsen, Cloris Leachman, Lynn Redgrave, Julie Harris or Phyllis Diller. They are just a few of the stars who have performed in the club's Marines Memorial Theatre, one of the most important theaters in San Francisco. NEW YORK CITY
The Soldiers', Sailors' and Airmen's Club in mid-town Manhattan is one of New York's best-kept secrets. The club's 29 rooms are only $25 per person (enlisted active duty, including cadets and midshipmen; retired former; and dependents), single occupancy per night. Doubles are $45. The rates for officers (active, retired, former and dependents) are $30 for singles Sunday to Thursday; $35 Friday, Saturday and holidays. Doubles are $45 and $65.
The club is within five blocks of Grand Central Station, not far from the Empire State Building and Penn Station. Also near, the famous Gen. MacArthur USO, a source for free Broadway tickets, meals and much more.
The SSAC serves a free continental breakfast on Saturdays and Sundays. The club has television, pool rooms and a library. Its clubroom and other public rooms are richly decorated with 19th century antiques. The club room is just like one you'd find in private gentlemen's clubs in London.
The club serves active duty men and women enlisted and their families (children ages 12 and older). It will also accommodate - on a ``space available basis'' - retired, reserve, National Guard enlisted, military academy cadets, midshipmen and former (ID DD-214, VFW, AmLegion, etc.) military.
The SSAC (between 36th and 37th streets) is located at 283 Lexington Ave., New York, NY 10016; (212) 683-4353 or (800) 678-TGIF. LONDON
London offers two similar clubs. The Union Jack Club enjoys modern facilities just opposite Waterloo Station (and Waterloo East Station). It is within walking distance to the Old Vic, the National Theatre, Royal Festival Hall and the popular and new Museum of the Moving Image. Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey are a short walk across Westminster Bridge.
Members and guests, (serving former as well as retired enlisted officers and their families) can use 208 single rooms and 63 twin-bedded rooms, each with their own wash basin. Baths, showers and toilets are centrally located on each floor. Additionally, the club offers 52 single rooms, each with a private shower and toilet; 20 twin-bedded rooms, each with private bath and toilet; and eight family suites with a private bath and toilet.
Facilities include a self-service restaurant, a bar, three television rooms, an excellent library, a writing room, a three-table billiard room and a launderette. Limited parking is available.
Although the Union Jack Club is a membership club, it welcomes U.S. active duty, retired and former military, and their families.
American military are considered temporary honorary members. The room rates range from about $35 for a single room without private bath/shower to about $100 for the family suite with private bath/shower. Children under 5 stay free.
Info: The Secretary, Union Jack Club, Sandell Street, Waterloo, London SE1 8UJ, United Kingdom. Telephone (071) 928 6401 (for reservations, ext. 148 or 155). By mail, include a deposit for one night (VISA accepted), and include an International Reply Coupon to defray return postage.
The Victory Services Club is equally well-sited but in London's West End. It's but two blocks from Marble Arch and an easy walk from the American Embassy, Navy Annex and Oxford Street.
The club's 152 single rooms and 57 double rooms accommodates all ranks, serving former, retired and their families (children 8 to 16). The rooms have washstands and bath/toilet facilities centrally located on each floor. The club includes a restaurant/grill room, bars, lounges, ballroom, games room, television rooms and a library.
The club requires membership of all its guests, including spouses, except children. Membership is about $16 annually.
Room rates vary between about $30 for a single room without private bath to about $85 for a twin with bath, inclusive of VAT.
Info: The Secretary, The Victory Services Club, 63/79 Seymour Street, London W2 2HF, United Kingdom. Telephone (071) 723 4474.
The Royal Fleet Club in Plymouth, England and the Portsmouth Royal Sailors' Home Club offer inexpensive single and double rooms, to American military on a ``space available'' basis.
Info: The Manager, The Royal Fleet Club, 9-12 Morice Square, Devonport, Plymouth PO1 3HS, United Kingdom; (0705) 824231. HONG KONG
Hong Kong's Mariners' Club is for merchant seaman, but American active duty service personnel are welcome on a space available basis. The club's location in Kowloon is excellent, a block from the famed Peninsula Hotel and just behind the Sheraton.
Rates vary from about $28 for a single to about $42 for a double. Family quarters cost about $55.
Info: Manager, Mariners' Club (The Sailors' Home & Missions to Seamen Hong Kong) 11, Middle Road, Kowloon, Hong Kong 3-688261. PARIS
Paris' Cercle National des Armees De Terre, de Mer et de l'Air welcomes American officers, active duty, reserve, retired and their families to its lovely 19th century architectural masterpiece on Place St. Augustin. The Cercle is but one block from Gare St. Lazare, two from Galeries Lafayette and three from Place de l'Opera. It offers 140 first-class rooms, reading and writing rooms, a 30,000-book library and game and television rooms. The basement gymnasium is most often used by fencers.
Rates range from about $60 for rooms with shower and toilet to $70 for rooms with bath and toilet to apartments at $100. A few rooms are on the top floor (some with great views of the Eiffel Tower) without shower. Reservations are usually limited to a maximum stay of eight days.
Info: Cercle National des Armees, 8 Place St. Augustin, 75008 Paris, France. Tel. 45.22.71.50. Metro Station-St. Augustin. WASHINGTON, D.C.
The Army and Navy Club of Washington is a bit more restrictive as its dues-paying membership is open to active duty, former and retired commissioned officers. The club, founded in 1885, is located in a high-rise building within a few blocks of the White House. It offers 29 double bedrooms ($100 per room) and suites, squash, handball and racquetball courts, sauna and steam baths, a dining room, bar, restaurant-grill, cardroom and a barbershop.
Info: Office of the Secretary, The Army and Navy Club, Washington, D.C. 20006. (202) 628-8400.
MEMO: Dennis A. Caragnaro is a retired Marine Corps major who lives in
Oakland, Calif., when he is not on the road researching travel stories.
ILLUSTRATION: Color photo
San Francisco's Marines Memorial Club offers 137 first-class rooms.
by CNB