Palma de Mallorca- A Perfect Getaway

Palma de Majorca was an impromptu decision to travel for me and my best friend. Our whole trip actually materialized in a span of about ten minutes. During our catch over a drink (..or two..or thr…!), yet again the conversation about ‘getting a life’ took over. We never tire of that subject and let our imagination run riot coming up with notions of getting rich and retiring before long! Anyhoo an impromptu plan to take a weekend away turned out to be one of the finest getaways.

Our search on one of the travel sites led us to book a flight and hotel to Palma de Mallorca. We originally searched for self catered apartments but due to unavailability ended up booking a nice hotel (more costly though) called Catalonia Majorica Hotel. It was situated on a hillock with a gorgeous view of the sea line.

       

To be honest even Palma de Mallorca came as a surprise to us. It was trendy, chic but raging with fun and vitality. The island’s capital city overlooks the Mediterranean, delightfully sparkling blue seas. You could actually go on to saying that it can be compared to Barcelona for its architecture.

Along the seafront is the Passeig Maritim where the luxury yachts’ berths. One of the best walks ever. The bikers, skaters and joggers make you want to get off your sun lounger and take in the fresh air of freedom and then there’s the beautiful tree lined promenade of the La Rambla and Passeig des

To the west of the Cathedral is the district of La Llonja. It’s quite quirky and artsy, in a good way! It’s charming medieval street are lines with galleries, boutiques, bars, restaurants and jazz clubs. We ended up going there both nights that we were there. It’s a pleasant walk (if you not walking averse!) to Santa Catalina which again has a great selection of bars, cafés and restaurants. When in Spain be Spanish was our dictum for the trip. It was Spanish Tapas, pitcher full of Sangrias and innumerable bottles of Riojas! Few of the many must tries are Gambas al Aijillo, garlic shrimps (especially for the garlic lovers!); tigres, stuffed and breaded mussels fried; tortilla Espanola, potato omelette; Pulpo Gallego, octopus served with boiled potatoes in sweet paprika and olive oil; calamares a la Romano fried squid rings and the creamy and smooth  Croquetas de Jamón, ham croquettes

       

I loved being in the old Town. We owe this to the concierge who we went to inquire about the nearest beach, he rightfully suggested a beach is a beach anywhere and a sojourn in the old town is a must, almost as if we would offend him otherwise! I have to say it was a day well spent. To me it was the soul of Palma. It was a maze of streets containing traditional old mansions, exquisite courtyards and narrow alleys full of little tapas bars and shops selling trendy clothes and accessories to conventional souvenirs of olive wood, wine and pottery. Remnants of the old city wall infuse a feeling of mystery that there’s something exciting to see around the next crook

     

Avinguda Jaume III and the Passeig des Born are for up-market boutiques however we stuck to the local malls like Centro Comercial Porto. One can get very trendy outfits from local designer stores here at a fraction of the price. Although we did enjoy a couple of glasses of sinfully strong sangrias in Avinguda Jaume III district and a nice man serenading us whilst playing the accordian!

The night life in Majorca is exhilarating, particularly if you are two girls out on your own! We hadn’t come across such generosity before, at least not in London! We ended up club hopping courtesy the bouncers who lure you in with free shots inside and we graciously accepted every one of them offers! A few of the clubs that we recall are ‘Abaco’, ‘Abraxas’, ‘Pachas’ the rest were equally entertaining!

     

We did however go to the beach after all, although hung over! It was perfectly timed with our departures. We checked out of the hotel early and went to a beach somewhere between the city and the airport. It was lovely clean beach called Platja De Palma with hoards of serviced apartments lined up the coast in case you want a whole weekend of fun in the sun.

All in all is  you’re looking for a break with plenty to see and do, as well as a beautiful climate to soak up the sun, then a holiday to Palma de Majorca is perfect.

New Kids On The Block In London- News For Bon Vivants!

London never has the paucity of innovative settings and dishes that’s why some call it the food capital of the world. It’s come a long way from having a dire reputation for English cuisine. It ain’t the 1950’s anymore!

 BLANCHETTE

Blanchette a quaint French Bistro has just opened in Soho. The owners believe that cuisine is not only about eating but pleasure, freshness and hospitality. This comes forth through the gorgeous menu and vibe of the bistro.

The idea is to serve simple, traditional and ingenious small French family dishes based around ‘tapas style’ sharing dishes with charcuterie plates, homemade terrines, oysters, cheese, whole roasted chicken and apple tart featuring on the menu. This goes flawlessly with their French wine selection and organic cider.

The bar really gets your attention, gleaming chalice consecrated with many bottles of wines, elegant crockery, beautiful hand painted tiles and candlelit ambience makes it very welcoming and snug.

9 D’Arblay Street, Soho, W1F 8DR

  BOOM BURGER

A self-confessed ‘burger mad’ started out in an old military tent experimenting with distinctive flavours from Jamaica. You won’t be surprised to see a shredded jerk chicken covered in mango sauce & sided with plantain fries. There is veggie delight too for all the herbivorous folks out there with roasted sweet potatoes & chilli jam. Personally I would like to bear my fangs into the boom burger with beef cheese and bacon jam. 

       

From a pop-up kitchen in a pub in Westbourne Park, to their stint in The Earl of Portobello they have found a permanent dwelling in 272 Portobello Road now which opens on the 18^thof February. Whoopie! Be sure to find this hidden treasure in London’s burger scene

55-­59 Old Compton Street, London W1D 6HR

HOUSE OF HO

Vietnamese food for me, just as is the case with other South East Asian cuisine is about the yin and yang. Well balanced hot and refreshing, sweet and sour (or salty) and the dominant fish sauce!  Love it! Bobby Chin gives his international twist to the traditional Vietnamese specialities. Snuggled in the heart of bustling Soho, seems an appropriate locale to give the vibe of a Ho Chi Minh! This is the third restaurant under Bobby Chin’s belt with an amazing effort at the East meets West vibe. Can absolutely vouch for the seafood Ceviche, under their light & raw section, Apple smoked Pork Belly and braised cabbage and end the saga with the molten Marou chocolate cake. Last but not the least you have to try their wicked cocktails for that extra punch. Cocktail of the month was the ‘Ho’ rny Devil. Lots of vodka (love!) infused with lemon grass and chilli with coconut water and lemongrass syrup.

   

57-59 Old Compton St, Soho, London W1D 6HP

STEAM & RYE

1940’s, America’s Golden age of extravagance, glamour and romanticism, an era I would like to be re born in. The era churned out some of the best crooners like Frank Sinatra and Bing Crosby. Escapism gone so right! Steam and Rye sums up America’s Golden age of extravagance, glamour and romanticism.

    

It’s actually been built what use to be the old bank of New York. This place is alluringly ‘The Great Gatsby’ meet the ‘wild west’ (cocktails served in cowboy boots). The Main Hall and Station Gardens are modelled on New York’s Grand Central Station with  choo choo (Steam train!) dining carriage, a stage for live performance, a stunningly carved bar and a living clock. This was enough to prompt a trial and so worth it! They serve classic like BBQ spare ribs and clam chowder, dig in! Oh and the best part its open Monday –Saturday from 4pm to 3am.

147 Leadenhall Street, London, EC3V 4QT

Want info on more fun and quirky thing to do In London, give us a holler..

www.citybreakrentals.com

Tips On Setting Prices For Your Holiday Rentals

Whether you are a property owner or manager setting the right rentals for your holiday home is vital to optimise your enquiries and bookings.

It may sound an easy task and it is! Although it does necessitate researching your market, your competition and knowing who you intend to target. Few basic criterions do help you determine your rates.

•  Location
• Number of bedrooms
• Property Type (is it a shared flat or an up market condo?)
• Special facilities (Jacuzzi or a home theatre?)
• Value added Services

Is your property a no-frill accommodation, a high end Serviced Apartment or somewhere in between? Position yourself accordingly. Certain marketing strategy tools come very handy and they are simple to follow and apply. One such strategy in marketing in the Bowman’s Clock strategy used in marketing. This helps you analyse your competitive position in comparison to your competitors in relation to cost or differentiation or value addition. You can create your market position but adopting any strategy from 1 to 5. For example under 1, price and value ratio is low, you get what you pay for. A guest will not expect a private Jacuzzi in a budgeted hotel. The other end of the spectrum is 4 and 5 where the price and value ratio is high. A high end serviced apartment offering gorgeous interiors, amenities, 24 hour customer service for example can well justify the high price. It’s all about the perceived value in the eyes of your potential guest and how you can deliver what you promise. Strategy 6 to 8 are a call for disaster. 6-8 offers high price but medium to low value proposition. Don’t expect guests at your door step in that case!

Once you have established this, get to know your competition. There are numerous ways to know what your competition is charging in the same area for a similar kind of property or added benefits which warrant higher rates. One simple way is to visit travel websites such as City Break Rentals and filter your prerequisite.

 Setting your prices too high or low

It always gives you a competitive edge is your rates are lower, even if marginally so, unless your property or services provides value which is unique and inimitable by your competition. This value could be your brand equity, exceptional customer servicing or simply a value added service like airport transfers.

There is always the danger of setting your rates too high or too low. Put yourself in the shoes of your target audience and ask yourself “does this merit a higher rate?” If you are catering to corporate clients having an inflatable pool in your backyard doesn’t count as added value. On the other hand having the lowest price on the accommodation portal, if you tick all the relevant boxes may make your prospective client wonder “is there something wrong with this serviced apartment”? Keep your rates competitive but not at the cost of selling yourself short.

Where property owners and managers also lose out is overlook the importance of seasonal rates. Is your destination busy all year round or is it seasonal? London for example has peak and low season. Peak season in general is from April to September and low season from October to March. However there are exceptional periods like Christmas and New Years that warrant attention for example. People expect and are willing to pay a higher rent. Ensure that special events are accounted for too, such as the Olympics in London last year. Like I said research, research and research some more, always be aware of your external and internal environment!

 Weekly or nightly Rates?

This depends again on your location. London is a popular weekend destination for European travellers so the significance of nightly rates exceeds weekly rates. If however you want to tempt a longer stay having lower weekly rates can prove to be an incentive. Let’s face it London is an expensive city and depending on individual budgets a weekend may make more sense than emptying your coffers for a week long stay. Also if weekends are more popular in your experience, boosting the rates up by 10% or so makes good business sense.

Is setting minimum stay important?

In my experience for city breaks it pays to set your minimum number of nights for more than two days. Of course for owners or managers logistically this may not be viable since if the number of properties is lofty, more resources maybe required to manage them if the turnaround time is low. However you need to weigh if losing out on a large chunk of city break travellers is worth it? Nevertheless it is advisable to increase the minimum number of nights during special events and occasions. For example during the Easter break schools and offices are shut and longer trips are undertaken.

 Here’s a quick recap:

Evaluate your positioning and set your rates accordingly

Ensure the rates are not too high or too low, look at what your direct competition is charging

Depending on your location set weekly and/or nightly rates

Setting minimum night stays plays a big role in optimising conversions

These are a few of my favourite ‘Christmas’ things!

The ‘NutCracker’ and ‘Carols by Candlelight’

Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without ‘The Nutcracker’ , Tchaikovsky’s classic ballet composition. Join young Clara’s magical night of dancing toy soldiers, sugar plum fairies and the growing Christmas tree at the Royal Opera House or any other production by the English National Ballet. With the ballet group celebrating their 120^th anniversary, this makes it the perfect time to experience this delight.

If this doesn’t get you in the festive mood, the Carols at the Royal Albert Hall unquestionably will. The Mozart Festival Orchestra will perform traditional Carols in dazzling Victorian costumes, singing all your favourites from “O Come, All Ye Faithful” to“Silent Night”.

  

Check out the Pantos!

Pantomime (commonly known as ‘Panto’) is as much an ingredient of the English Christmas ritual as Turkeys and Christmas trees are. Characteristically based on fairy tales, they date back to the 1800’s. Traditional ‘pantos’ include comedy, magic, singing and dancing with the really fun part being the crowd participation.  No panto would be complete without the crowd shouting “behind you” or “oh no you’re not”.

Just some of the pantos you can pick from include ‘Peter Pan’ at the Richmond Theatre, ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’ at the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre, ‘Cinderella’ at The Shaw Theatre, Aladdin at The O2 Theatre and many more to choose from scattered across London.

   

Indulge in the quintessential British traditions

The High tea is one of the most quintessential British traditions. The hiatus for afternoon teas became quite fashionable in the 1880’s when the high society ladies would change into their long gowns, hats and gloves to be served tea in their living room around 4pm. I don’t suggest donning the garb (that would just be odd!).  I do highly recommend though, trying out the Devonshire Cream Tea. It comes with tea or coffee, sandwiches without the crust and scones, jam and clotted cream. Try not to have a full blown row about which comes first, the jam or the cream nor whether a scone is pronounced “sc-on” or “sc-owe-n”. You can leave that to the locals. They still cannot decide this themselves all these year’s later!.  For places to experience the tradition this holiday season, try out Claridges, The Dorchester, The Ritz, The Savoy or Harrods.  You will be expected to dress smartly and maybe even put on a tie but then again, when in England, do as the English do (or at least how they used to).

 

Christmas Markets

 Feel the Holiday vibes with the locals and visit the Christmas markets. Try the St Marylebone Parish Church, ‘Cabbages and Frock’ market. On the contrary to what the name suggests. you can access an array of designer goodies ranging from Italian cashmere to cupcakes set in beautiful surroundings.

In addition to the traditional Real Food Christmas market, the Southbank has the famous German Christmas market that is a personal favourite of mine. I can’t wait to try the Glühwein (mulled wine), Bratwurst (German sausages) and ginger bread sold from the alluring German-style wooden huts alongside the river (between the Southbank and London bridge).

  

 Winter Wonderland Indeed!

This is quite a new annual spectacle in Hyde Park but has quickly become an unmissable fixture during the festive season. Glide through one of the largest ice rinks in London set around the Victorian bandstand lit with 100,000 lights. The experience doesn’t end there. The ‘Cirque Beserk’ is a modern-day circus with all the thrills of high wires, knife-throwing, fire and unique characters. Add a dash of luxury by taking advantage of the private VIP boxes with its luxury bubbly.

Enter the Magical Ice Kingdom and surround yourself with a breath-taking experience made out of over 200 tons of ice and snow.

Meet Santa himself at his workshop with his hard working elves! Or take a ride on the Santa Express. A perfect treat for the little (and big) ones with plenty of bonus points for the parents!

I wanted to save my favourite for last. The Giant Observation Wheel gives you the most stunning view of the vicinity. Infuse a little romance if you are with your loved one or even if you are not! Share a bottle of champagne or more as you soar 60 metres into the sky.

Do take a breather and enjoy the hundreds of stalls displaying clothes, handicraft, accessories and scrumptious eateries, during your stroll through Hyde Park.

 

 Tip: Plan and book your Christmas holidays in advance to avoid last minute disappointment of unavailability and steeper rates of tickets and accommodations. Try Central London Serviced Apartments at City Break Rentals

Why Choose Serviced Apartments Over Hotels

For example a one bedroom apartment can accommodate up to four guests and a two bedroom apartment up to six. This results in your bill being much cheaper whilst providing you with more luxury, comfort, privacy and security.

Spend your hard earned money on indulging in yourself rather than tipping hotel staff from the time to check in to the time you check-out! Let’s not forget when a bill is heftier when you helped yourself to ‘complimentary’ looking bottle of water or a basket of snack

Feel exasperated waking up at 7 am on your holiday after an enjoyable late night just because the breakfast timings are till 9 in the morning? Now YOU get to decide you get to decide when, what and how your meals need to be cooked and served in your lovely fully equipped kitchen in your apartment.

Going to restaurants for every meal can be heavy on your pocket. You can cook-up the local cuisine at a fraction of the cost and at your leisure with easy access to the nearby shops and markets! Or make your own picnic basket if you plan on visiting one of the very many parks in London.

Apartments that are centrally located give holiday makers great access to the major tourist attractions the popular night clubs. You don’t need to plan a tight schedule, pop in and out as and when you feel like it, perhaps returning for a quick bite you can make in your fully equipped kitchen or siesta!

Serviced Apartments are equally suited for corporate travelers. Many of them are in and around the location of conference centers plus and almost all apartments offer concierge services, free internet, laundry and maid services. Apartments provide a homely milieu, offering greater space and privacy to work or kick back and relax after a tedious day.

Tired of staying in a stuffy room? Now you have the opportunity to come back after a long day of sight –seeing or business meeting and kick back in your own living room and enjoy the home-entertainment system. A TV with cable or chose your favorite movie on the DVD while enjoying a glass of vino! Get all the space you deserve

Already Looking for you next holiday apartment !? Take a look at City Break Rentals