Showing posts sorted by relevance for query milestone. Sort by date Show all posts
Showing posts sorted by relevance for query milestone. Sort by date Show all posts

Saturday, March 1, 2014

The Best Hotel in London - The Milestone Hotel

Do you see what I did there?  I checked out again for a few days.
I had five posts scheduled for the week,
but my little post-it notes just marched on to a later date.  Again.

I've been focusing on a few big life issues that have taken center stage in my brain.
My Spousal Visa expires next month, so it's time to apply for my Indefinite Leave to Remain.
I'm studying for my Life in the UK test.  I'll post all about the process, once it's complete.
I'm also still taking UK driving lessons, which I don't wish to discuss.

I've ramped up the job search.
I've been going on interviews and meeting with placement agents.
Looking for a full-time job is a full-time job.  It's time to put that accounting degree to good use.

But it's Saturday, so let's not dwell on that stuff.
How about I whisk you away to a five-star London hotel?

Milestone Hotel in London, UK

A few weeks ago I attended a Brit Mums Travel Think Tank at The Milestone Hotel.
Talk about fancy.  It's a luxury, Grade II listed, boutique hotel in Kensington that was voted
the UK's Number 1 Hotel by Tripadvisor Traveller's Choice Awards 2014.
And after our event and spending some time with the staff there, I can certainly see why.

Milestone Hotel in London, UK

Milestone Hotel in London, UK

Milestone Hotel in London, UK

I've mentioned before that we usually stay in mid-range hotels.  Nothing too extravagant.
So, sometimes when I think of five-star hotels I think of a stuffy, posh place with
snooty staff where I'll feel like a hillbilly cousin.  This was not at all the case at the Milestone.
The thing that stood out the most was how welcoming the space and the people are.

Milestone Hotel in London, UK

Someday, I must get dressed up in a sparkly cocktail dress and sip champagne in this incredible Conservatory.

Milestone Hotel in London, UK

Milestone Hotel in London, UK

It's absolutely gorgeous down to every detail.
But, the best part was how warm and comfortable it feels.  You can tell that the staff really love the place.
They go out of their way to make sure their guests feel welcome, at home.

Milestone Hotel in London, UK

Milestone Hotel in London, UK

Milestone Hotel in London, UK

In 1998, the Milestone became a part of the Red Carnation Hotel collection.
At the heart of this hotel is a love story.  I think that must be why it has such a great feel.
 In the 1950's a young South African beauty fell in love with and married
a hotelier known for always wearing a small red carnation in his lapel.
If you like a good love story, take a look at The Red Carnation Hotels Story.

Milestone Hotel in London, UK

Milestone Hotel in London, UK

Milestone Hotel in London, UK

As you can see, it's just stunning.  Luxurious and elegant.
We toured several of the rooms, each more breathtaking than the last.
There was a lot of oohing and aahing.

Milestone Hotel in London, UK

Milestone Hotel in London, UK

Milestone Hotel in London, UK

They completely spoil their guests with a welcome drink upon arrival, round the clock room service,
twice daily maid service, in-room entertainment systems, complimentary wireless,
luxurious bath accessories, robes and slippers, and personal butlers.
They cater to families and business travelers, with thought to the smallest detail.

Milestone Hotel in London, UK

Milestone Hotel in London, UK

With rooms starting at £342 per night, we will be saving this one for a very special occasion.
However, I will be going back soon for their scrumptious afternoon tea.
They also offer a Gentleman's version and a Little Prince & Princess Tea for children.

Milestone Hotel in London, UK

Milestone Hotel in London, UK

I'm thinking that this would be the perfect spot for an upcoming #LDNBloggersTea.
What do you think?

Have you stayed in a five-star hotel in London?
If you have, I'm totally jealous.  You must tell me all about it.



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 *The BritMums Travel Think Tank were guests of The Milestone Hotel for tea.
 All photos, writing and opinions are my own.
As always, I promise to be open, honest and transparent with my readers.
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

 You can find this review and many others in my
London Attraction Guide.

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

#LDNBloggersTea at the Milestone Hotel

May 17th was our third quarterly London Blogger's Tea!
I love that the most amazing bloggers are joining the fun and making connections.

This time it was at the 5-Star Milestone Hotel.
If you read this post about my first experience at the Milestone 
you will know why I selected this beautiful hotel.

#LDNBloggersTea at the Milestone Hotel

There were 23 bloggers in attendance from a wide variety of backgrounds.
We all gathered in a wood-paneled private room and started our tea with some bubbly.

#LDNBloggersTea at the Milestone Hotel

I know it can be nerve-wracking walking into a room of strangers.
But, I'm always amazed at how quickly it just turns into a room of friends.
We share a common interest and read each others blogs.
It's the perfect set up for making connections.

#LDNBloggersTea at the Milestone Hotel

I stood outside the room quietly at one point and listened to all of the chatter and laughter.
I'm certainly no event planner and this is out of my comfort zone.

The company was fabulous.  The tea was nice.
After our last event, I think we are all completely spoiled
and this tea didn't quite get the rave reviews that the Royal Horseguards did.

#LDNBloggersTea at the Milestone Hotel

The sandwiches were good and plentiful with traditional fillings
although I think they might have been sitting out a bit longer than they should
as the bread was a bit dry.

#LDNBloggersTea at the Milestone Hotel

The scones were good and our request for "more cream" was quickly answered.
Our tea selection was limited to just English Breakfast and Earl Grey.
My first experience at the Milestone, I was able to select my tea and had my own pot.
We were just limited because of the size of our group, I would imagine,
but it's always nice to have more of a choice.

#LDNBloggersTea at the Milestone Hotel

I was so full from the sandwiches and the scone that I couldn't fit more than one sweet treat.
But that red velvet cupcake was divine.

#LDNBloggersTea at the Milestone Hotel

 Admittedly, there were a few problems with the special dietary requests and service.
I think most of us agree that it didn't deserve a perfect score.
Many of the bloggers have already posted their reviews with similar comments.

Personally, I will continue to recommend the Milestone
for afternoon tea because of my first experience.
I know what they normally provide to their customers and it's pretty special.

If you are interested in getting information about our next quartely #LDNBloggersTea
which will be in August at an as-yet-unnamed location,
please drop me an email at selena_jones@me.com.
We would love to have you!

Have you ever had tea at the Milestone Hotel?
What did you think?



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 The regular price for Afternoon Tea with Champagne atThe Milestone Hotel is £46.
We were offered a discounted rate of £30 per person for our tea.

Monday, April 4, 2016

My 500th Post and an update!

Guess what this is!  My 500th post.  Can you believe it?  I certainly can't.  Four and a half years of blogging.  If I'm honest, I feel like it should be more.  But every post represents a special moment or story, a place I never dreamed a might see.  A milestone in life that is deeply cherished.  My stories and memories.  And my connection to you.  To those of you that read my blog, follow along to encourage and support.  That's still the best part.  So thank you for helping me get to this milestone!  I also have to tell you about a new journey that we're starting soon.  I'm hoping that you'll come along because I will certainly continue blogging along the way.



Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Cologne Christmas Markets and a Milestone

Happy Birthday!!!  Today my blog is one year old. 
I can't believe it's been a year already, and what an amazing year.  
I look back over the 150 post and I can't believe everything that I've experienced.
From those first posts about saying goodbye, the posts about waiting,
and now feeling so much more settled.  

We moved here in January 2012 which means it's almost time for my
One Year Well-Expat Check up.
I have quite a bit of reflecting to do about this year.

I don't say it enough, but thank you so much for those of you who take the time
to read and comment on my little corner of the internet.
You've made me laugh, cry, and let me know I'm not alone in this journey. 
I'm so thankful for the connections I've made and maintained through this blog.  
Thanks for the warm fuzzies!!

My brother also celebrated a birthday this week!  Happy Birthday, Bubba!!
I miss you like crazy and can't for you to come visit.
Soon, please!!!

xoxo 
Selena 

P.S.  Here are the photos from the Cologne Christmas Markets.  Such a fantastic weekend.  Christmas Markets will now be an annual tradition.  My new goal in life is to make sure that I get to experience them with Sugar Bear.  She is gonna LOVE it!!!


 

 








Check out that chocolate camera!!


 I think we should all go in costume next year.


 Artwork on the ceiling of the restaurant where we had dinner in cologne.

Where is your favorite Christmas Market??



Warning... Shameless plea ahead.

If you want to wish my blog a Happy Birthday, 
visit Expat Blogs, scroll to the bottom and leave a comment. 
They will be announcing the Expat Blog awards for England in a few days.
Can you believe I've sent TE this link a half a dozen times and he still hasn't left a comment?