May opening announced for Royal Garden hotel’s new restaurant

Hotel News,  Openings, Restaurants

May opening announced for Royal Garden hotel’s new restauran

London's Royal Garden hotel is to open its new Park Terrace restaurant and bar in May.
Steve Munkley, who has worked with the hotel for the past nine years, is executive chef, while Jorge Canela will be restaurant and bar manager. Canela has worked at the Royal Garden for the past four years.
The new restaurant will be on the ground floor of the Royal Garden - London's largest independent five-star hotel - offering views of Kensington Palace Gardens.
It is set to offer three areas: a restaurant serving à la carte British cuisine, with a strong focus on locally-sourced ingredients; a lounge area offering a more informal dining option; and a bar, visible from the hotel lobby.
The menu will include starters such as Cromer Crab Ravioli, Samphire and Shellfish Bisque and Organic Beef Fillet Carpaccio. Meanwhile the main courses include Lavender and Herb Crusted Rump of Suffolk Organic Lamb and Pan Roasted Cornish Halibut.
Lunch will be priced at £15 for two and £19.50 for three courses, while dinner will be priced at £26 for two courses and £31 for three courses.
Meanwhile, the lounge will offer Beer Battered Bristol Channel Cod, Spiced Potato Wedges and Pea Purée or Potato and Herb Gnocchi, Roasted Squash and Spicy Sausage with Tomato Salad. Traditional afternoon tea will also be available.
And the bar, headed up by Vilmos Csehi will offer classic cocktails with contemporary British highlights such as the Kensington Martini.
The restaurant will also offer a private dining room with space for up to 36 guests. Bespoke menus will be available in consultation with Steve Munkley, starting from £31.00 per person.
Park Terrace's opening follows the launch in September 2008 of the Min Jiang restaurant on the 10th floor of the hotel, also with Munkley as executive chef.

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Tags: 5 star hotel in london, and Niaouli, blue gum, Customer Service, Eucalyptus, hay fever treatments, Hayfever, Lavender, London hotels, Peppermint, Royal garden Hotel, Royal Garden Hotel in London, Soma Centre

CALENDAR GIRL PRAISES ROYAL GARDEN

 

 

Anglea Baker, founder member of the Calendar Girls

Following the sad loss of her husband John to Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in February 1998, Angela Baker and the couple’s many friends in the close-knit village of Cracoe decided to do something positive by which to remember John and help other cancer sufferers.
Angela and her friends at the Women’s Institute quickly settled on the idea of a charity calendar, in the style of the famously revealing Pirelli calendars – an idea that, poignantly, had been mentioned on several occasions before John’s death and one which he never thought the WI would actually get round to.
With plenty of determination and the support of local businesses and individuals, finances for the print of 3,000 copies were raised and the calendar -despite some last-minute nerves -was produced.
Much to the surprise of everyone, it was a huge hit. The original print run soon disappeared, and what had begun as a tragic tale became both an uplifting and remarkable one. Such was the appeal of this inspiring story that director Nigel Cole decided to turn it into a film, starring Helen Mirren and Julie Walters. Naturally, the finished product was a hit at the box office.
To date, the Calendar Girls have raised over £3million for Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research and are now the subject of Tim Firth’s Calendar Girls stage show which has now seen over 100 sell-out weeks across the country, and has become the most successful play to ever tour the UK.

The Calendar Girls

When did you first stay at the Royal Garden Hotel?
It was 2003. We were down in London for the premiere of Calendar Girls at the Odeon in Leicester Square.
What were your first impressions of the hotel?
I thought it was an amazing place. Everybody is just so friendly, so polite, so kind. The service you get is wonderful.
And, for you, service is the most important thing at a 5-star hotel?
Yes, absolutely. When you arrive in reception they always recognise you, so the welcome feels personal and genuine. That attention to detail, right from the start of your stay, makes you feel special.
How would you describe the style of service at the Royal Garden?
The staff are attentive, but they’re not in your face all the time. For me, it’s important that there’s a balance and I think the staff at the hotel understand this.
How often do you visit the hotel these days?
Whenever me and the other Calendar Girls have a Leukaemia & Lymphoma event at the Royal Albert Hall we go there. Which makes things incredibly convenient, of course. We also often have teas in the Park Terrace Restaurant because we offer them as raffle prizes at a lot of the fundraising events we run. It’s just like going home really – I know a lot of the staff, and quite a few of the waiters and waitresses recognise me.

You mentioned the afternoon tea events in the Park Terrace. How else has the hotel supported your work?
Providing us with somewhere to stay and a place to hold events has been great, and chef Steve Munkley organised a great event where he cooked a lot of our recipes. On top of this, the hotel has also been actively involved in fundraising itself, asking guests to donate a pound at the end of their stay, donating money from afternoon teas and organising staff events for Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research’s 50th Anniversary.
And presumably you’ve attended a few big events at the hotel?
Yes, I’ve had some great nights at the Royal Garden. The conference and banqueting facilities are brilliant for after-show parties. They look fantastic.
How has the hotel changed in the time you’ve been visiting?
I guess the most obvious change is the recent refurbishment work. I was there a few times while it was going on, and – to be honest – it was so organised and calm that I didn’t really notice it too much. I think the finished result is great though, even better than before.
How much longer do you think you’ll be coming back to the Royal Garden in your capacity as a calendar girl?
As long as we’re still enjoying the work, I guess. Everything’s got a shelf life and we’re probably getting a bit old for this! I’m sure we’ll all continue to do our bit in whatever way necessary. As long as we can still stay at the Royal Garden Hotel when we’ve finished, of course!

Tags: 5 star hotel in london, Angela Baker, Calendar Girls, Customer Service, leukaemia & lymphoma, London hotels, palace suite, royal albert hall, Royal garden Hotel, Royal Garden Hotel in London, steve

TAKE THE GARDEN ROUTE THIS SUMMER

Friday, May 13th, 2011

Chelsea Flower Show

London may be one of the world’s busiest cities, but amidst the hustle and bustle are a number of fantastic green spaces in which to relax, unwind, and enjoy some truly spectacular flora. From the royal parks to botanical gardens, there is something for everyone, whether you’re a keen botanist or just want to sunbathe in the sun.
The end of this month, will see the annual staging of the Royal Horticultural Society Chelsea Flower. The four-day event is a Mecca for flower enthusiasts and landscape gardeners, with thousands flocking to the Royal Hospital Chelsea to see hundreds of displays and gardens competing for the coveted medals. For traditional flower arrangements to thoroughly futuristic gardens, there is something to suit every taste and plenty to fire the imagination.
Situated just a short tube or bus journey from Chelsea, The Royal Garden Hotel is the perfect accommodation option for anyone coming to the Chelsea Flower Show. Of course, we also have two of London’s finest green spaces on our doorstep. Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park both offer ample opportunity for relaxation and recreation – so much so, in fact, that you might even forget you’re in the middle of a metropolis.

Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

Also in London are the popular Royal Botanical Gardens in Kew. Easily accessible by train from central London, Kew is arguably the world’s most famous garden. Visitors can explore glasshouses, landscapes and 250 years of history at their leisure or enjoy the benefits of a guided tour. For those a little more adventurous, there is also the opportunity to explore the treetops and rainforest within this stunning oasis. With nearby Richmond offering a range of excellent pubs and restaurants, Kew is a great part of the world to while away a lazy summer’s day.
Of course, if you prefer your exercise a little more vigorous, London’s Parks are a great place to run, cycle and rollerblade. With miles and miles of parkland in central London, the Royal Parks Foundation even stages a half marathon every year. This year’s event is on Sunday 9 October, so if you fancy testing your legs you’ve got all summer to get in shape. The race starts and finishes in Hyde Park, which – of course – is just a short hobble from the Royal Garden Hotel

CONCIERGE TOP TIPS FOR LONDON

Trooping the Colour

We’ve had some unbelievable weather over the last few weeks, although if truth be told, we could do with a little bit of rain ahead of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show that begins on May 24^th.  Britain’s biggest and most celebrated horticultural show will see thousands of visitors over the course of four days, and – unsurprisingly – tickets are nearly sold out. Please come and speak to me and my team if you’re hoping to secure tickets for this fantastic event.
If you haven’t been able to get down to the coast during the mini heatwave we’ve been having, you might also be interested in ‘Southend on the Southbank’. Throughout May city dwellers can enjoy the very best of the popular seaside resort on the banks of Thames. A beach for children, Punch & Judy acts, a funfair and traditional fish and chips are just some of the attractions on this ‘pop-up’ beach. Guaranteed great fun for all the family!
For something a little more traditional, 11 June sees Trooping the Colour at Horse Guards Parade. This annual custom marks the Queen’s Official birthday and is a spectacular display of pageantry that remains one of the key Royal events of the year.
Another Royal event that attracts from all over the country, and indeed the world is Royal Ascot. Britain’s most popular race meeting takes place on 14-18 June and remains a must for those who want to see and been seen in high society, royal watchers and, of course, horse-racing enthusiasts. A great excuse to dress your best (and maybe even win a few quid!), this is a great day of sociailsing and sport.

Wimbeldon 20th June - 3rd July

Talking of which, it’s not too long before the strawberries and cream will be coming out in SW19. Wimbledon is always a highlight of the sporting summer, and since 2009 the presence of a roof on centre court has meant less Cliff Richard and plenty more top-quality tennis. As always, tickets are incredibly tough to come by, so get in touch with Concierge if you need help organising your outing.

Head Concierge Robert Shorter

Rob Shorter’s Story
Hidden London uncovered…
This week, I thought I’d put a few interesting London facts together. If you’re wandering through the city in the next few weeks, why not check out some of these locations?
Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese Pub in Fleet Street, was the first new building to open in London after the Great Fire in 1666.
St Mary Abbots Church in Kensingtonhas, at 278 feet, the tallest church spire in London. The Gothic building was designed by Sir George Gilbert Scott and was completed in 1872.
The oldest fig tree in Britain stands in Lambeth Palace garden. It was planted by Cardinal Pole in the 16^th Century.
TheEgyptian sculpture above the door of Sotheby’s Auction House in Mayfair is the oldest man-made object in London.The little black artefact is carved from igneous rock, and some believe it to be more than 5,000 years old.
For more up to date information on the Royal Garden Hotel and events in London please follow us on Twitter and become a fan of us on Facebook

SPRING SPECIALS AT SOMA

Treatments at the Soma Centre

Conveniently located in the basement of the Royal Garden Hotel, the Soma Centre offers customers (both hotel guests and local residents) a combination of complementary therapies and exercise classes.
The perfect solution to today’s hectic lifestyle, Soma is more luxurious than a private health club and offers a personal service, focusing on health-related fitness rather than traditional routines that work on body image through muscle building.
Incorporating Yoga, Pilates, personal training and complementary therapies into its fitness programmes, Soma encourages the development of a healthy mind as well as a healthy body.
The brainchild and passion of fitness guru Carolan Brown, former personal trainer to Diana Princess of Wales, the Soma Centre represents a unique concept: no membership or joining fee – simply pay-as-you-go as often or as little as you want.

Enjoy a relaxing massage this Spring...

To give you even better value for money this spring, the Soma Centre is currently offering some great rates on two very special treatments:
Spring Detox Clean – £75 per session (reduced from £92)
Specifically targeting the lower body and upper arms, this localised wrap tackles stubborn water weight, swelling and bloating. The treatment can also be modified to focus on cellulite and draining the fluid from the fat cells around the hips, stomach and thighs.
Royal Treatment – £115 per session
In commemoration of the recent Royal Wedding, the Soma Centre is offering this special celebratory package. As well as a steam or sauna session, the treatment includes a Soma Specialised Facial and eyebrow shape, a 30-minute back massage, manicure and plenty of relaxation.
With summer just round the corner, the Soma Centre is currently working on a Complete Summer Package, which will offer everything you need to get in shape for the sun-soaked getaway.

 

OPEN ALL HOURS

 

Bertie’s Bar manager Luis Cobas talks about the special fizz of the Royal Garden.
If you work in a hotel bar you have to be enthusiastic – it’s not a job you can do if you’re not willing to work hard – and I’d say that my staff at Bertie’s are amongst the most enthusiastic in London. These days most hotel bars will close at 1 or 2 in the morning, but you’ll often  find me still making cocktails at 4am. It would be easy for me to say “Let’s close the bar” when it starts to get a little quiet, but we know that there’s always a good chance that we could get some guests wanting a drink in the early hours.
One of the main reasons for this is that the Royal Garden has always attracted a lot of guests from the entertainment world. There’ll often be a band coming back from a gig at midnight, maybe a bit later, and – like most musicians – they usually want more than one drink! It’s something that we’ve done for a long-time and something that all our guests, not just the rock stars, appreciate. Besides, hard work is not a problem for me – two days with no sleep is easy!
It’s not just our opening hours that set us apart from other hotel bars. Part of what makes Bertie’s so special is the friendly welcome we like to give guests and this has made us one of the most popular bars on High Street Kensington. Having worked at the hotel for nearly 40 years now, I’ve spoken to so many guests and one of the things they like so much about coming here is the relaxed atmosphere we provide. A friendly face, a good memory for the customer’s drink of choice or a friendly chat whilst you’re mixing a cocktail really make a difference and the management encourage us to make sure this sort of service is offered to everyone.

High Street Kensington by night

Perhaps the most rewarding element of my job is making sure that all my staff are able to achieve these standards of service. I might get someone to train who can’t speak more than a few words of English, but given the right training it’s not long before they’re better than me! It’s very rewarding to see them succeed and put a smile on our customers’ faces. Hotel bars have to be welcoming places.
Of course, as well as service, a good barman has to know everything there is to know about the drinks behind his bar – when it comes to cocktail making you don’t want to be checking a recipe every five minutes! Of course we offer every drink imaginable (and plenty that people make up on the spot!) so we’re can’t claim to know every drink off by heart, but most of the time people don’t go for anything too crazy.

We are currently running a half-price champagne offer

One of the most popular drinks for our customers is a glass of champagne. We currently have a half-priced offer on Canard Duchêne, which has proved popular with a lot of city workers looking for a bar on High Street Kensington as well as in-house guests and is a great way to start the evening in style. As for me, I’m more of a Bloody Mary fan, although my

 

In the wake of the current political issues surrounding Israel (whose embassy is adjacent to the hotel) and middle east politics, our Diplomatic Consultant, Charles de Chassiron, explains his role at the Royal Garden and how the hotel caters for high-profile diplomats and visitors.

The role of Diplomatic Consultant at a London hotel is something that first appeared in the 1980s. There are four or five other hotels in London who employ someone in a similar position, but not all 5-star hotels have someone doing a job like mine.
I’m not a public member of the hotel staff, I’m a part time consultant (as my job title suggests!), but I work closely with a lot of my colleagues – particularly those in the sales, banqueting and guest relations departments – to help them cater appropriately for the international diplomatic visitors we welcome frequently to the hotel.
Having worked in the FCO (British Foreign & Commonwealth Office) for 35 years, the main focus of my job is to ensure that the needs and expectations of high-profile diplomatic guests are understood and any special requirements are seen to.
Of course, there are a lot of diplomatic missions in London – around 180 embassies and 30 international organisations – with Kensington Palace Gardens itself in the heart of ‘embassy land’. We have a close relationship with many of these missions, and our proximity makes us the perfect choice for guests here on diplomatic and international business.

President Sarkozy meeting Former PM Gordon Brown in 2008

In 2008, for instance, President Sarkozy was here on a State Visit and we were able to cater for a 90-strong journalistic corps from France. Obviously, being just up the road from their ambassador’s residence was very convenient for them. The same applied in 2009, when President Medvedev of Russia stayed while attending the G20 summit.
In addition to this convenience factor, my former colleagues in Protocol department of the FCO will recommend a hotel that employs somebody in my position – like the Royal Garden Hotel – because they like to use somewhere that really understands the diplomatic requirements of different guests. Of course, I also know a lot of the staff at the missions and ambassadors themselves, which helps to build relations between particular missions and the Royal Garden Hotel.
In an average week, I’m in and around the hotel for three days, but I’ll be on hand at special events or when a particularly high profile guest is arriving. A couple of weeks ago, we hosted two national days in our state-of-the-art Palace Suite – one for Cameroon and one for Senegal who were celebrating 50 years of independence.

The Palace suite has hosted many recent national days

It helps for me to be on hand for certain events such as this. Of course, the vast majority of my colleagues, especially in guest relations are very good at what they do, but with so many different nationalities and cultures coming to the hotel, sometimes they just need that extra bit of guidance or advice.
When it comes to welcoming diplomatic guests, what makes a good hotel is being aware of who visitors are, what they need and – above all – levels of service. In this respect it is no different from the demands of every guest who come through the doors at the Royal Garden Hotel, even if the reasons for or the practicalities of their stay are rather different!

Serving up the perfect afternoon tea

Afternoon Tea in the Park Terrace Lounge

Inspired by the championships, the team in the Park Terrace has created a special ‘Wimbledon Afternoon Tea’ with cakes named after the famous faces and features including Lemon McEnroe, Sharapavlova and Roddick’s Roulade.
The perfect precursor to an evening watching Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal or our very own Andy Murray, the Wimbledon Afternoon Tea can be enjoyed from 20 June to 3 July.
Here at the Royal Garden Hotel our Afternoon Tea has been recognised by the Tea Guild as meeting an exceptionally high standard and complying with afternoon tea etiquette. Tea and in particular Afternoon Tea has grown in popularity in recent years and has become a must do when visiting London.
The rise of Afternoon Tea stems back to Anna, the 7th Duchess of Bedford who complained of ‘having that sinking feeling’ during the late afternoon. The solution was a pot of tea and a light snack, taken privately during the afternoon; and this concept has evolved in to a famous British tradition.

Enjoying Afternoon Tea in the Lounge

At the Royal Garden Hotel, afternoon tea is served in the relaxed Park Terrace lounge, overlooking Kensington Gardens. It is the perfect setting to sit and unwind after a hard days shopping or as a special treat.
Afternoon Tea is served between 14.00 and 17.30 in the lounge and booking is essential. Give our reservation team a call on 0207 361 1999 to reserve your table!

HOW TO… Open a bottle of champagne

Opening a bottle of Champagne

Every bottle of champagne or sparkling wine (with a few low-end exceptions) has foil wrapped around the outside of the cage. In the old days, some foil was lead-lined to keep mice from eating into the cork of wine, but in modern times you just remove this foil. Click here to watch the video
Here’s our simple guide on what to do next:
1. Once you’ve removed the foil, keep the cork pointed in a safe direction, and keep one thumb on it just in case. Corks can loosen over time, so even if you think you’re not ready to pop the cork yet, the bottle may have a different idea!
2. Undo the wire cage. This cage ensures that the cork doesn’t pop out of the bottle until you are ready. Loosen it gently, being sure to keep a thumb on the cork to prevent unexpected surprises.
3. The cage is off. Hold the cork in one hand (usually under a towel, if you have one), and the base of the bottle in the other. Turn the Bottle, not the cork, slowly and gently. You want the cork to ease off with a soft “whoof”, not with a pop.
4. The cork has just eased off. You have managed to save the bubbles and air from being lost (never mind the Champagne!) and should now quickly pour it out. Slide the towel around to the neck of the bottle for pouring.
5. You can now pour, with or without the towel. If you become experienced at this, you’ll find a quick turn of the bottle when you’re done pouring each glass will catch the drops on the edge of the lip. Pour down the sides of the glasses to minimise head and therefore bubble waste.
6. The glasses are poured! Raise them, and give a toast to celebrate!
HALF PRICE CHAMPAGNE!
Right now in Bertie’s Bar you can enjoy a bottle of Canard Duchêne Champagne for only £27.50 with our Half Price Champagne offer.
Simply quote ‘Half Price Champagne Offer’ when you arrive.
Whether you working in London, shopping for a new wardrobe or sightseeing in London, there can be no better way of ending your day. Or why not begin your evening in style for a fraction of the price.
This incredible offer is available Monday to Saturday from 5.00pm-8.00pm. Or alternatively you can enjoy it by the glass for only £5.50. This exclusive promotion is available for parties of up to 6 people and includes a maximum of 2 bottles per order. Please note this offer may also be subject to availability.

HOW TO… Decant a bottle of wine

Massimo De Venuto Decanting Red Wine

There are three reasons why decanting wine can be a good idea. Older red wines, especially vintage wines, can have sediment; decanting aerates the wine; and – of course – the decanter adds an elegant touch when serving the wine. Watch our How To video here
Here’s our simple guide to decanting your wine:
1. A couple of days before you plan to open the bottle, stand it upright.
2. Come serving day, assemble what you’ll need: a wide-mouthed decanter or elegant pitcher, a candle, and a corkscrew.
3. Carefully remove the foil capsule, shaking the bottle as little as possible.
4. Uncork the bottle.
5. Light the candle.
6. Hold the bottle so you can see the candle flame through the bottle’s shoulder, where it flares out under the neck.
7. Tilt the bottle, and gently pour the wine into the decanter. You want a thin, steady stream with no gurgling.
8. Watch the flame through the wine in the bottle as you pour.
9. If there is sediment, you will see it as a thin dark stream moving up the inside of the bottle.
10. Continue pouring slowly and steadily until the sediment climbs into the neck of the bottle and then stop.
TOP TIPS
Slow and steady is the key. With practice you’ll be able to pour all but the last half-inch of wine before the sediment reaches the mouth of the bottle. Be careful not to hold the bottle directly over the candle flame, or soot will blacken it and you won’t see the sediment.
Of course, if you’d rather leave it to us, there is a wonderful selection of wines available in our two restaurants, Bertie’s Bar and via room service.
And right now at the Park Terrace, we’re offering the perfect accompaniment to your favourite glass of wine – our fantastically priced Lunch de jour
Priced at £15.50 for just two courses and £20 for three courses, this exquisite menu offers exceptional value for money.
Let us spoil you with freshly sourced seasonal produce, a relaxed yet vibrant atmosphere, 5* service and views onto Kensington Gardens.

Tags: 5 star hotel in london, Bars in London, Customer Service, decanting red wine, finding restaurants in London, fine wine, Five Star Hotel, how to videos, London hotels, Park Terrace Restaurant, Royal garden Hotel, Royal Garden Hotel in London
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STAFF LAUDED FOR LONG SERVICE

Friday, June 3rd, 2011

Staff Enjoying the Long Sevice Awards

At a special awards ceremony, 20 employees were honoured for five years or more at the hotel, while a further 25 were commended for 15 years (and, in some cases, considerably more) of loyal service.
Amongst the long-serving staff were General Manager Graham Bamford and Bertie’s Bar Manager Luis Cobas, who has been at the Royal Garden for more than 40 years.
The Royal Garden Hotel has always prided itself on its truly 5-star standards and we believe that having staff with a wealth of experience is central to the warm, friendly and efficient service that our guests experience every time they come to the hotel.

General Manager Graham Bamford (left) presenting an award

Underpinning every department within the hotel are individuals with the knowledge and experience to meet and often exceed customer expectations, and – apart from anything else – we know that our regular guests like to see the same friendly faces whenever they are in London.
With staff given the opportunity to both progress within their department or move into other areas of the hotel, we have been able to create career paths and develop loyalty that not only benefits our staff and the hotel but also means that we have hundreds of years of experience and expertise on call to ensure guests are looked after from the moment they walk through the door.
As a continuing commitment to high standards of service, we are currently encouraging guests to provide us with as much feedback as possible. Whether it is via our facebook page, twitter account or via TripAdvisor, we’d love to know what you like about the hotel and what you’d like us to improve.
Royal Garden Hotel Long Service Awards 2011
(15 years) Tino Verducci, Manuel Rebon, Luis Garcia Cobas, Jean Blacklock, Susan Newland, Christophe Lambert, Max Lenders, Jonathan Lowrey, Barbara Elliott, Nicole Davies, Evelyn Gonzales, Nicholas Hollands, Basil Taylor, Steven Munkley, Joao Malho, Nimfa Morillo, Isabella Brightey, Josefina Jones, Nour-Eddine Yacoubi, Bogumil Sur, Gillian Evans, John Pexton, Paul Bodenham, Peter Bodenham, Graham Bamford,
(5 years) Sultan Raja, Dariusz Czarny-Bojanowicz, Javier Garcia, Gloria Dennett, Aurelija Dimale, Danguole Zikiene, Elwra Jonkuviene, Miroslawa Hachula, Angel Marco Conca, Susie Wadsworth, Amit Chakrawati, Kiril Slavchey, Christopher Munroe, Edson Zuniga Cutipa, Alex Carroll, Koudou Fabrice Bleyiri, Felicity Hall, Seung-Jin Lee, Adam Faries, Patrick De La Mar

 

 

 

6 Reasons To Visit The Royal Garden Hotel This Christmas

Distinctive Comfort

Christmas Dining With A Difference

On Christmas day, enjoy a classic roast of the highest quality while taking in the picturesque view of Kensington Gardens at our Park Terrace Restaurant & Bar. All the traditional British favourites are on offer as well as some exciting new ideas in a four-course menu priced at £110 per person, and £60 for children under 12 years. And for those looking for an alternative take on Christmas Day lunch, Min Jiang – our stunning Chinese restaurant up on the tenth floor – will be offering a selection of set menus from £50 per person.

Christmas Banquets And Parties

We offer an excellent choice of Christmas packages from £85 per person. For larger Christmas parties, the Royal Garden Hotel is the perfect venue, with an excellent choice of spacious and elegant banqueting suites. The Palace Suite is the largest room, for up to 360 guests, with its own private street entrance and reception area. As well as offering the finest food and wines, the suites are ideal for live music and discos.

Our flexible Palace suite is hosting many Christmas parties

Shop Until You Drop

London is a great place to do your Christmas shopping and there’s no better place to find the perfect gifts this winter than the capital’s leading department store Harrods, which is just a stone’s throw from the Royal Garden Hotel, in Knightsbridge. And the shopping experience just got even better with our fantastic package. Book this exclusive offer now and you’ll receive a £50 Harrods gift voucher, a bottle of Canard-Duchêne champagne (if booking a Garden Room or above), complimentary use of our Soma sauna and steam room facilities and a full English breakfast.

December Afternoon Tea

Treat yourself to a quintessentially British tradition this winter and enjoy afternoon tea in the Park Terrace Restaurant & Bar. Choose from the Kensington Festive Tea for £22 per person or really treat yourself and go for the Royal Festive Tea at £33 per head, including a selection of sumptuous sandwiches, cakes and pastries and a glass of Canard-Duchêne champagne. There will, of course, also be a wide variety of fine leaf teas on offer and our sommeliers will be delighted to take you on a journey around the world of tea.

Festive Afternoon Tea at the Park Terrace Restaurant

 A New Year’s Eve To Remember

Start the New Year as you mean to go at Royal Garden Hotel with two fantastic options to see in 2012 in style. Enjoy the spectacle of the fireworks along the Thames from the warmth of the tenth floor at Min Jiang and indulge in a lavish Chinese banquet. Alternatively, let the champagne flow at our Park Terrace restaurant and bar at this year’s Gala Celebration. There will be a magnificent banquet of food, wine and music, making it truly an evening to remember.

Park Life

The Royal Garden Hotel is perfectly placed to enjoy a scenic winter walk in either Kensington Gardens or Hyde Park and there are also plenty of activities to entertain adults and children of all ages. None more so than the Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park, where there will be outdoor ice skating, winter fairs and Santa’s Grotto. The wonderful wonderland opens its door on 18 November and runs throughout the festive season until 3 January.

He’s made his list and checked it twice

He’s made his list and checked it twice…

Make sure you swing by The Citizen Hotel this holiday season to see who made Santa’s Naughty & Nice list! Did he miss anyone? Let us know!

Occupy the Mall

Whether you’re part of the 1% or the 99%, you probably still need to do some shopping this holiday season. Demonstrate your right to shop with our “Occupy the Mall” package! This one-day deal is only available on Black Friday—the perfect night to violate your curfew. You’ll load up on energy drinks and power bars before taking our shuttle to Arden Fair Mall for the best deals in town. Once you’ve shopped till you’ve dropped, our shuttle will bring you back for a good night’s sleep, which you’ll be sure to get with a guaranteed late checkout. After waking up rested, enjoy breakfast for two in Grange while we wrap your Christmas presents for you. No protesting required.
Package includes:

• One-night stay in a King, Queen or Double Room on 11/24/2011
• Energy drinks, bottled water and power bars for two
• (2) Arden Fair Mall swag bags
• Transportation to and from the mall starting at 11:30 pm and running every 30 minutes
• Breakfast for two in Grange
• Gift wrapping
• Late checkout 2 pm

Offered at $199. Requires 24 hour notice. This package is only available on 11/24/2011.
RESERVE NOW

Sacramento is Awesome in August

Thinking about planning a trip to Sacramento this summer? Use promo code AUGUSTUS for a $99 rate any day in August!* To make it easy on you, we’ve compiled a list of fun events to make your trip even more enjoyable;

Wag Hotels Summer Camp – Did you know that The Citizen is pet friendly? Your pup will love doggy summer camp at Wag, where every day has a theme with treats and games! Sign up for one day, one week or the entire event. It’s bound to be a doggone good time!

August 6: Third Annual CAM Car Cruise -  Sacramento will come alive with the sights and sounds of hundreds of unique cars from all eras and manufacturers as they celebrate an American summertime tradition of cruising with community-wide particpation. The 3rd Annaul CAM Car Cruise, hosted by the California Automobile Museum (CAM), will be a fun-filled day for the whole family as it cruises through the streets of Sacramento, along Fulton avenue where the event concludes with a huge car show at Fulton & Marconi.


August 14:  Sacramento Antique Fair -300 vendors from Sacramento, San Francisco, Berkeley, the Central Valley, Chico, Redding, Oregon, Nevada, and beyond set up shop at 21st Street between W & X Streets in Sacramento to sell antiques and collectibles of all eras! Furniture, vintage clothing and accessories, architectural items, garden, art, jewelry, textiles, paper, lighting, and collectibles of all kinds are there for the taking. A HUGE treasure hunt!

The Art of Light – Check out Urban Light, an exhibition at the Center for Contemporary Art of cityscapes by Sacramento-based artist David Lobenberg. This exhibition of acrylic paintings, curated by Stacey Hilton, focuses on seasonal views of Sacramento during certain times of day.

Every Wednesday: Follow the Chef – Follow our very own Brad Cecchi around the Cesar Chavez Farmer’s Market every Wednesday. Learn how to choose produce, what it means to be certified organic, how the weather affects what is in season, and so much more! Understand the slow-food movement as Brad shares his knowledge of California’s freshest grown foods, grown locally in and around Sacramento. Tour is followed by a three-course lunch served with wine at the chef’s table.

August 15-23: Midtown Cocktail Week – Midtown Cocktail Week is a dynamic annual event that is ever-evolving to lead the way in Sacramento’s cocktail culture. Join us in Scandal on August 19th for our very own cocktail celebration with celebrity guest bartender Jayson Wilde!

Hot & Spicy Valentine’s Day at The Citizen

Let’s face it—wine and chocolates are overrated, not to mention a total cliché. This Valentines Day, we’re  spicing things up with a sizzling package for both locals and out-of-town guests alike. Upon arrival you’ll receive a bottle of our very own Joie de Vivre Blended Herradura Tequila Reposado, along with a selection of local citrus and salts, perfect for the rim of the glass or anywhere else you choose to use them. Enjoy a basket of perfectly paired house-made tortilla chips and spicy salsa, designed to set your mouth on fire. Not hot enough for you? Your night will be complete with a scented candle, heated massage oil, and love dice.

Package includes:

• One night of deluxe accommodations in one of our luxurious rooms.
• One night valet parking with in and out privileges
• One bottle of JDV blended Herradura Tequila
• Shot glasses, local citrus, salts
• Housemade chips & salsa
• Scented candle, heated massage oil, and love dice

Available Friday-Sunday for one-night stay only in the month of February; rates start at $219.

*Disclaimer:

-This package is not guaranteed to initiate romance; roses might help your chances.

-Side effects may occur, and may not be fully apparent for up to nine months.

-The Citizen Hotel is not responsible for heated massage oil mishaps or injuries.

-If hangover(s) occur, please seek immediate breakfast in Grange Restaurant.

Ready. Set. Click.

One of our favorite things to do is peruse Flickr for guest photos of the hotel. We love to view the property through the eyes of our guests, and see what catches their interest.
In the spirit of kicking off 2011 with some fun, we’re holding an Instagram photo contest! For those of you who aren’t familiar with Instagram, “it’s a fast, beautiful and fun way to share your life with friends through a series of pictures.” This free app for the iPhone transforms average looking photos into wonderful works of art, which can easily be shared via Twitter, Facebook, and Flickr.

{ The Citizen Hotel – lobby books }

The rules are simple. Submit your favorite photo taken in either The Citizen Hotel or Grange Restaurant and we’ll upload it to our Facebook page. Every photo that receives at least 25 ‘likes’ will receive a $20 Grange gift card, and be entered to win the grand prize: a one-night stay in a one-bedroom suite at The Citizen Hotel!
Follow these steps to enter:
1. Submit your photo with a short description to Ashlee via e-mail: agadd@jdvhotels.com
2. We’ll upload our favorite photos to The Citizen Hotel Facebook page.
3. Every photo that gets 25 “likes” will win a $20 gift card to Grange Restaurant. The photo with the most “likes” will win a one-night stay in a one-bedroom suite at The Citizen Hotel.
4. The last day for new photo submissions is January 27th; the contest will close on February 3rd.
Don’t have an iPhone? Borrow one from a friend, or bring Ashlee a Go Girl and she’ll let you use hers.
Good luck!

How Sofitel Earned 28,000 Twitter Followers and Became One of Klout’s Top 20 Most Influential Hotels

Travel Spike Social Media Manager Carly Redgers and President Ryan Bifulco shared with us the inside story on how Sofitel Luxury Hotels earned over 28,000 quality followers on Twitter – and became one of Klout’s Top 20 Most Influential Hotels – within one year.
How do you define “quality” Twitter followers?
Quality is, of course, very subjective. For some clients, you might say it’s related to power or influence, so you’d review their Klout score. Our project objective – how we define quality – is to earn fans and followers that are local and interested in fine dining, wine or french culture.

Tip #1 – Appoint a social media coordinator for each property.

This person will be the eyes and ears on the property, including sharing specials at the spa or menu changes at the restaurant. They coordinate with sales, marketing, weddings, meetings, events and the concierge to share updates and help their social media team get the message out.
How did you select a social media coordinator at each property? What was your criteria?
We asked each hotel to identify the person that either had the most experience or enthusiasm for social media. Since Travel Spike trained them on social media and we ultimately handle social media strategy and management, we did not need anyone to be an expert, just passionate about the project and willing to learn.

The Sofitel Miami's Leblon Party

Tip #2 – Be authentic.

Customers don’t want to read updates that sound like a robot has written them. Sofitel is a unique upscale brand known for its stellar service and French style, so the social media updates stay true to the product.
Could you define “be authentic?” How did you allow personality to come through while still adhering to guidelines?
Authentic means to keep things real and applicable, rather than just sharing corporate robotic propaganda – regardless of the company. Sofitel does have corporate guidelines, but we allowed the brand’s personality to shine.
Sofitel is French, stylish, magnificent, elegant and upscale. So we give their social media presence a bit of a personal touch, and include local specials and events they support.

Target your demographics.

For Sofitel, targeting discerning travelers and gourmet diners remains a top priority.
How did you target demographics?
We started the social media program with just Facebook and Twitter, and we’re expanding the program in 2011 to new outlets. Our team reviews public information provided in profiles on Facebook and Twitter. Our Miami hotel networks with people living in the Miami area, for example, because they want to promote their restaurant and bar to locals.

Tip #4 – Sprinkle in local events.

Show off your concierge skills by becoming the local inside source for events, parties and festivals. Sofitel Los Angeles, for example, tweeted live from their recent Golden Globe Gifting Suite.
How else can events can be used as a social marking device?
You can do a lot with events. We’ve organized TweetUps at properties – where we invite Twitter users to network in person. We tweet live during the event for extra exposure. You can also Tweet live from other events around the city or promote events on the Facebook events calendar.

Tip #5 – Engage with your audience. Don’t just sell.

The quickest way to lose a consumer is to ‘bang them over the head’ with product information. Sofitel Washington DC asked their Facebook fans which DC tips they would like to receive; consumers responded that they want to hear more about museums, family travel, luxury dining, and romantic tips for couples.
What questions did you find got the most engagement? Can you tell us a little more about how you used social media for research?
We keep things fresh and engaging by varying interactions with our followers; fun trivia questions are very well received. We solicit feedback from the followers and invite them to participate in the process, which goes over quite well. For example, we might ask followers to vote on a type of drink special, or suggest a new spa treatment.