Category: Plymouth

Maximising The Micro – With Airbnb Experiences…

Posted on by Strathmore House
Picture of a painted landscape

Experience Plymouth with a new lens…

Booking.com revealed that in a recent survey they found out that over half of global travellers (53%) reported they plan to take more weekend trips in 2019.

It’s a year that’s predicted to be all about made-to-measure, bite sized travel with more bespoke and tailor made curated travel itineraries. All squeezed into shorter time frames.

Less is most definitely more as travellers are offered a more bespoke experience.

Bespoke experiences have always played a key part of our holidays. In the past (before technology) we were guided by  recommendations from friends that knew us. By travel agents that could inform us and a great deal of hoping for the best!

Now we have the world quite literally at our finger-tips. Many of our guests tell us they use YouTube to watch peoples holiday videos that they have uploaded, TripAdvisor for reviews and recommendations and a host of other websites and social platforms (hash tags were a big part of our guests research tool belt!) to check out local areas and attractions.

Here at Strathmore House Apartments, we have been a host on Airbnb for some time; making connections and using it as a platform to connect not only our guests with our apartments…but also our guests with and our beautiful city.

Airbnb Experiences…

Airbnb experiences have been a great way for us to signpost and share local attractions with guests. What we love is that it’s not restricted to just guests who are booking through Airbnb. Anyone can use it! Even in your hometown. Search experiences in your city and uncover amazing trips and experiences on your doorstep. Many thank you may not even know about!

Airbnb experiences are one-of-a-kind activities. All designed and hosted by locals. So unlike a typical tour or workshop, these experiences really do go beyond the activities themselves and offer so much more. They take you on a deep-dive into the local host’s world through their passion for what they love but also their city.

Hosts offer their guests special knowledge, unique skills, and inside access to local places and communities that guests couldn’t find on their own.

They enable and empower guests to create lasting connections and treasured memories.  What we think is so powerful t about Airbnb experiences is that they go beyond typical tours or classes; they immerse guests in a host’s unique world whilst soaking up the locality and beautiful vista.

Plymouth…

From seaweed walks around the rock pools to Yoga, juicing and meditation classes. Or perhaps an introduction to natural dyeing or Gin schooling. There really is something for everyone to experience, to learn and to explore.

If you have booked with us and are looking forward to your Plymouth micro experience have a look at Airbnb experiences. See if there is something that tickles your fancy whilst exploring the beauty of Britain’s Ocean City.

The voice of the sea speaks to the soul…

Posted on by Strathmore House
lady jumping with green trees either side in the sunshine

Since 2001 the Mental Health Foundation have run an awareness week every May to highlight a specific theme for mental health.  This years theme is body image; running from today until Sunday 19th May.  

Here at Starthmore House Apartments, people really matter to us.

We spend a great deal of time talking about the beauty of our city and the many amazing reasons why escaping here is so truly wonderful. But rarely do we speak about a deeper reasons why sometimes it’s good to escape.

Today, thanks to #mentalhealthawarenessweek, we have decided to be brave ourselves and talk openly about how Britain’s Ocean City has spoken to so many people’s soul – and helped shine a light on positive mental health.

We talk to some amazing guests who retreat to Plymouth on a regular basis to recharge; and to be a little more mindful of their own needs.

This blog isn’t about us. This is us saying you matter. This is us sharing what others say about how much it means to them to spend time in our city by the sea.

It’s about why we all deserve to give ourselves moments and time; time to be more mindful of what WE need.

We also asked what they each bring with them on their break away. To help inspire us, be it during our lunch break or a short escape away. We hope you enjoy reading this blog as much as we enjoyed exploring why other love Plymouth as much as we do!

We would like to take this opportunity to thank them for their honesty and time…

 

“The voice of the sea speaks to the soul…”

Guest One |

“I travel to Plymouth at least three times a year from London. It’s only ever for a few days, normally a long weekend.  It’s become exactly what I need; for me.

I studied in Plymouth for my degree, I enjoyed my time here but for me it’s not just about reminiscing or escaping to soak in the vista. It’s not just turning the out of office on – for me this has become my lifeline. My tonic.

I no longer feel guilty when people ask why I didn’t take the kids. For me it’s not selfish, it makes me better at everything I do – it make me a better version of me. 

I walk, I write and I read. A few nights and a couple of days that belong to only me.

I highly recommend getting away. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy, or even for days.  Perhaps first  start by just scheduling a day which is just about you – no distractions!

My Item: “I take a note book and pen and my headphones. I listen to podcasts and I write lines I like or that inspire me. Then I keep going back to them when I’m home. It’s become a special journal to me, and I would be lost without it now!”

Guest Two |

“Plymouth is so unique. They say the best gift you can give someone is appreciating them for being in your life – yet how many times do we take the time to appreciate ourselves; our bravery, curiosity and determination. Rarely ever!

A walk around Smeatons Tower when I am in Plymouth, and it really helps me breath in life! It helps me appreciate the moment.

Whatever situation is causing me to feel anxious or powerless at the time – seeing the sea and feeling the wind on my skin really helps ground me, it lets me see a clearer path ahead.

My Item: Me and my thoughts!

Guest Three |

“A ‘beach summer holiday abroad’ is not for us! The thought actually throws panic in the air for me; suddenly a feeling washes over me like the greyest clouds on a winter’s day!  I don’t want to even contemplate donning a costume! In my 20’s it was all I longed for, now in my 50’s its just not!!!

But,  that doesn’t mean that I know that holidays with my husband aren’t important and we love Plymouth. With young grandchildren, life is busy and we both made goals to put our needs first and let go of the guilt and the negative thoughts that are sometimes attached to ‘getting away’ for some us time.

Plymouth is perfect for us. The sea, the moors the Theatre and the food! It has absolutely everything we need and want. We love having date nights, dressing up and walking around holding hands.

It’s the little things that become the big things; after 39 years of marriage, to want to spend time together is pretty remarkable! Next year is our 40th Wedding Anniversary and a big year for Plymouth – we have already booked our week away! “

Our Items: “We have always loved to read. So, when we go away we take two books each. One that we choose for each other to read, and one that we choose for ourselves. I’m not sure if it’s after so long being together or not, but ironically, we often prefer the book we choose for each other!”

More than just a weekend…

Posted on by Strathmore House
lady looking at a rail of vintage clothes

Some say that a weekend consists of a Saturday and Sunday –not in Plymouth! A weekend is so much more!

A city steeped in history and packed full of fun action, events and things to be part of EVERYDAY!

This weekend is no exception:

Bohemian Rhapsody Outdoor Cinema Experience |Fri 10 May –  Saltram House

Pirates Weekend | Sat 11 and Sun 12 May 2019 – Plymouth Barbican

Cheese Fest |  Sat 11 May 2019 – Plymouth Pavilions

Performance: The View From Behind The Futuristic Rose Trellis | Sat 11 May 2019 – Barbican Theatre

Worth The Weight – Vintage Sale | Sat 11 May – Plymouth Guildhall

Plymouth Comic Con |  Sun 12 May 2019 – Plymouth Life Centre

We hope you enjoy your weekend in Plymouth if you are staying with us. Alternatively, if you have a stay planned and would like to know more about all the fun happening during your stay in the city by the sea, we would love to hear from you.

Simply comment with the dates you are interested in and we will be sure to send you all of the action!

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.

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.