Category: Stylish Holidays

2020 – Looking Ahead…

Posted on by Strathmore House
pile of three books and reading glasses on a sofa with orange cushion

In hospitality, we are always looking ahead, making sure that we understand new trends and changes in the needs of our guests.

In January we are planning Christmas and in May we are looking to the summer … a year from now!

So, as 2020 edges closer in our ‘hospitality’ calendar, we take a look at how Strathmore House Apartments can align with shifts in the market and customer service.

Looking ahead to the future gives us the opportunity to prepare for any major trends and stay on point for our guests. We consider all new trends and challenges as opportunities to make experiences even better.

Here are two key areas that our guests tell us will continue to be essential for them in 2020, when choosing their holiday home away from home…

Sustainability & Environmental Impact |

We hear every day from guests that they value and expect our business choices to be as sustainable and ‘green’ as we can possibly make them; and that wont be changing.

Light sensors, recycling and up-cycling, using sustainable materials like locally sourced toiletries, and reducing single-use plastics are already outcomes of redeveloping our Environmental policy in 2017.

2020 will be much the same, and wherever and whenever possible we will ensure that our choices are as ‘green’ as they can possibly be without impacting or affecting our customer’s experiences.

Health & Well-being |

Increasingly, we know that our guests are seeking health and well-being benefits from their hospitality experiences; whether it’s through their food and catering choices or accommodation.

With our fully fitted kitchens, our guests have the ability to remain healthy and cook as they would at home. That coupled with the free use of Club Continental; a leisure complex with indoor heated pool, sauna, steam room and two air-conditioned gyms, means that looking after your health and wellbeing whilst staying with us is made easy!

We know that 2020 will bring new challenges and therefore opportunities for us to make experiences even better for our guests.

We can only anticipate so much, so we listen wholeheartedly to our guests and what they ‘need’ from Strathmore House Apartments.

If you would like to contact us about how you see the future needs of our guests evolving – we would love to hear from you.

Our City & Our Culture…

Posted on by Strathmore House
microphone

We Are Proud Of Our City And It’s Culture…

 

Plymouth has been connecting, engaging and showcasing culture to audiences for years; it has become recognised by many of our guests as a rich and varied ‘Arts and Cultural Platform’.

Thought of to many like a waterfall; it both allows you to observe its beauty from a far (without getting wet!) or leap in with both feet, letting the water cascade over you whilst it takes your breath away.

Whether you class yourself as culturally aware or just enjoy the occasional show, exhibition or performance; Plymouth has something for everyone.

There is a large and ever evolving community in Plymouth that work passionately to create a programme of events and activities that both entertain, and cross boundaries; to help us escape from our ‘everyday’.   

Many of them also linked with a deep rooted commitment to use art and culture as a force of change; to aid growth and change lives; offering unlimited possibilities to all. So audiences become more than observers, but by their participation they too are creating a long lasting legacy.

Mime

No matter what day, night, week or even year you are staying with us, it’s safe to say that across the plethora of amazing settings there will be something sensational to see, to do or to be part of.

Plymouth’s natural beauty, heritage, cosmopolitan flavour and rich cultural diversity is exactly  what offers our guests such a variety of ways to experience the amazing city we are proud to call home; to explore and truly enjoy Britain’s Ocean City.

A Day To Celebrate Our History…

Posted on by Strathmore House
house with amazing blue sky

Plymouth has such a rich history. It also boasts an amazing list of advocates and pioneers; either calling it their home or going out of their way to ensure they played a part in the growth of both its social and economic landscape.

Here at Strathmore House Apartments, we are extremely proud to call Plymouth and Elliot Street our home; and so on this day, that celebrates inspiring women, we look to a neighbour who made not only Plymouth history, but British history too.

Lady Nancy Astor became the first female MP to take a seat in the House Of Commons in 1919, just 100 years ago!  Nancy represented the Plymouth ward of Sutton for 25 years. She was also Lady Mayoress of Plymouth during the Blitz.; a lady who had a deep and powerful conviction to help others; pushing for peace, progress and prosperity.

Her ‘Plymouth Home’ was at Number 3 Elliot Terrace. Just a stone’s throw from Strathmore House Apartments. It was designed by George Wightwick, a pupil of John Foulston and built by John Pethick in the 1870’s.

John was a leading Victorian property developer and the property was then acquired in 1908 by Waldorf Astor; when it then became the Astor’s Plymouth home.

The good things we build, end up building us…

Like Elliot Street, Elliot Terrace forms part of Plymouth’s iconic parade of Italianate buildings on the city’s world famous Hoe. And just like the buildings, the occupants of the day have also stood the test of time and are remembered today.

100 years on Plymouth is still celebrating Lady Astor’s great and many achievements.  A pioneer of day nurseries for working mums, a lady that understood passion drove change and that it wasn’t a case of tongue in cheek words, but hand on heart promises and actions.

Plymouth is bulging with beautiful buildings steeped in history, places of both extraordinary beauty but also striking pasts. The area in and around Elliot Street is no different. Famously standing strong during the Blitz and being home to some breathtaking moments in time.

A building can be beautiful, but when you understand a little about the part it played in history, suddenly that building becomes epic.

See for yourself…

Join us, come and see for yourself the extraordinary beauty and rich history that Plymouth has to offer; we know you won’t be disappointed.

Wedding Guests…

Posted on by Strathmore House

Five Ways To Ensure Your Out-Of-Town Wedding Guests Feel At Home In Your City…

Over the years we have loved welcoming out-of-town wedding guests to Plymouth. There is something so exciting about sharing a new city and a new life in one weekend! The smell of perfume and aftershave linger in the lift and the outfits are always on-point, stylish and super chic.

But what happens when your wedding guests don’t just live down the road? How do you welcome them and ensure they have a great time while you’re busy getting wedding ready?

We share 5 of our top tips on how to enable your guests to feel at home…

1) It’s all in the detail…

Your out-of-town guests will go through a lot of effort, and probably expense to share in your momentous occasion. And they wouldn’t have it any other way.  Part of your job though is to welcome them, but that’s easier said than done when you have so much to do before your special day.

To help them get around and ensure they stay entertained during their time in your home town a great tip is to create a wedding itinerary. After sending out your invitations, mail guests an additional clever, elegant or interesting ‘communiquè’ with a complete rundown of the events leading up to and following your walk down the aisle, with tips on what to do in spare time. We love hearing that couples have created a Facebook Wedding Group, or even websites! These are easily referenced one-stop-platforms for guests to check up on everything you have planned. In both cases, include key times, locations, who is hosting, what to wear and how to get there – then get them to tag in any pictures so you don’t miss out on all the fun that the guests have!

2) Welcome Hampers…

We adored the ‘welcome hampers’ left in the apartments for the arrival of a couples out-of-town friends. It was all things Plymouth and really aided their recovery from the long drive down South!

The purpose isn’t to show off or spend loads of money; home made cake or brownies would be perfect. It’s just nice to let guests know you appreciate their effort to join you for your special day.

The hampers that were left with us apparently had phone numbers of the families of the bride and groom, the names of the other guests staying in the apartments with a ‘they said call them when you arrive’ message, nearby hot spots to check out and local maps and transport details.  The tear-jerker for this family travelling down was a penned personal note from the bride; thanking her sister and family for making the journey.

Mid-week weddings at the New Continental Hotel, from just £1500 per package. 

3) Help Them With Their Home-From-Home…

Overnight accommodations, fuel and transport in general isn’t cheap, so doing some of the leg work for your guests, using your local knowledge, will really help them.

Hunt out important details, like train and coach times and prices, hotels and apartments.  Share websites, street addresses, phone numbers, directions and cost information with your guests and even go as far as to take a look around them so you can make personal recommendations.

Look for places to stay near your ceremony and reception sites, if you start calling around six months beforehand to check on  availability for the days surrounding your wedding. Always ask about group rates too.  Some settings will allow you to block rooms and apartments to ensure they are available and close to one another. Always ask.

Keeping an idea of your guests budget too; and always plan for those guests that may want to make a min-vacation out of your special day.

4) Show Off Your City…

Leading up to your big day, you will have lots to do and time will whizz by! But your out-of-town guests may feel a little stranded. To ensure they have plenty of literature and information visit your Tourist Information Centre and ask for a local pack of things to do, places to go and wheres good to eat. When we live in a city we tend not to ‘tourist’ very well. This way you too may find out some handy information, things for you to do once you’re married!

Make your wedding day extra special at the New Continental Hotel, Plymouth.

5) Enjoy Them…

It may sound daft, but enjoy their company. What better reason to see loved ones than them coming to celebrate with you. Soak in their love, their time and their presence. This is your day and they are beaming that they could make the journey to share it with you.

PHOTOS THANKS TO THE NEW CONTINENTAL HOTEL; THE PERFECT WEDDING VENUE. MID-WEEK WEDDINGS FROM £1500!

Home Away From Home This Easter…

Posted on by Strathmore House

Everyone loves a family holiday.

There is no question, if we could all be guaranteed a couple of weeks a year when we can all diarise the time to take off together we would.  Ok, so we would also all diarise non-moody teenagers, tantrum free toddlers and partners with patience – but time at least is something most of us can manage!

Easter is the perfect time to get away; it’s a reward for getting through the first part of the year, and the springboard that connects us to summer being just around the corner!

Staying at the Strathmore House Apartments makes so much sense; it is the perfect home away from home for all the family!

 

New Continental Hotel’s leisure complex; swimming pool

PLUS…Strathmore House Apartment guests get to use Club Continental for FREE!

Meaning parents can have some chill time in the sauna and steam room; and children can have some fun time playing in the heated indoor pool.

 

Steve’s Brasserie is also just a moment away from the apartments and based in our sister hotel; the New Continental. Great for families, as they not only have an amazing pizza oven (see here for offers) they also have a great children’s menu.

Outside Strathmore House Apartments…

Plymouth as a city offers so much to see, do and be part of.  There are lots of free activities as well as theatre fun, the National Marine Aquarium and MUCH, MUCH MORE!

The Theatre Royal Plymouth has these amazing shows coming up this Easter, and it’s just a two minute walk from the apartments:

Pepperland | The Worst Witch | We’re Going on a Bear Hunt | Woodland Tales with Grandad

Saltrum House is an amazing National Trust House & Garden. It was once a home to the Parker family and is now a home to lots of wild animals.

You could easily spend one or two of your days in Plymouth exploring the park, dressing up in the house or finding out all about natures ‘Grand designs’. There is an infamous  Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt too.

Easter Egg Hunt | 24 March – 8 April | 10am to 4pm. £2 per hunt. Normal admission prices into the house and garden apply. There is no admission charge for Under 5s and National Trust members.

Plymouth by Foot & Bike  is an amazing FREE activity. Given our cities history; there have been many famous people walking the Plymouth cobbles. Follow in their footsteps of these infamous explorers, pioneers and artists and walk the Southwest coast path from Royal William Yard to the Barbican.

You will encounter iconic naval buildings, breath-taking views over the natural harbour of Plymouth Sound and the intriguing characteristics of the former towns and villages that make up this original marine city.

Also on route are lots of Cafés, restaurants and bars such as The Mission as well as  Smeaton’s iconic tower, the Mayflower steps and The Hoe Promenade.

Getting Here By Road…

A city that is easily accessible, the road trip here is good too! And if you want some tips on how to survive ‘The Family Road Trip’, staff at the New Continental Hotel have shared some of their own survival tips! They have added some great printable resources too!!

With so much to see and do; check our availability or contact us for more details?

We would love to hear from you.

Family Fun In Plymouth…

Posted on by Strathmore House
baby on playmat with toys

Family Holiday In Plymouth…

Sometimes, all you need is a family holiday. It can work wonders for your family dynamic to just take a few days out and have some down time. Some time to relax and unwind and reconnect with each other again.

Not only as parents do we need to step off the treadmill, but our children need to see us a little more care free from time to time too, at our best and at peace some might say.

Being free from the demands of a hectic schedule, housework and ferrying from club to club; quality time together, it’s a real tonic.

If you are thinking that it’s time in 2019 to reduce stress levels and connect as one again, we have just the solution.

Plymouth is an amazing city to enjoy some downtime in; and Strathmore House Apartments is the perfect location to kick back and relax…together.

With our one, two, three and four bedroom apartments, we are the perfect home from home; just without the everyday stresses and strains!

Cost doesn’t have to be high to have a relaxing getaway, and to safe the stress in the planning; we have done the hard work for you!

Below you will find links to some great family sites and family fun activities in and around Plymouth. With our low prices and so much to do; Britain’s Ocean City makes for the perfect family holiday destination.

Mum and son by the sea laughing

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