Every week we’ll introduce you to a talented concierge from one of our hotel partners to give you their top 10 insider tips.
This week we meet Mr Jose Pauco, Head Concierge, Milestone Hotel, London, who is sharing his travel tips to London.
I was born and bred in London and this is my favourite city in the whole world. It is a melting pot of old and new and you find people of all walks of life in every part. I have a list of things I want to do and see in this city and it gets longer every day….there is never a dull moment in London!
I have worked at The Milestone since 1999 and have loved very moment. Red Carnation Hotels is a wonderful company to work for as they are so proud of their employees and we all feel that we are part of something truly unique and important.
One of my favourite things about the hotel is:
Location, location, location! The Milestone is a beautiful property both inside and out and this is enhanced by its fantastic location. Just beyond the threshold of the hotel you can find Kensington Palace and Gardens and there is nothing better than relaxing over Afternoon Tea in the Park Lounge overlooking this peaceful enclave in the bustling capital.
One of the things I love most about my job is:
I love making our guests’ stay at The Milestone a memorable one. We want our guests to make the hotel their home away from home and I strive to make sure that every possible wish and desire can be fulfilled. I love seeing familiar faces come back again and again as this is the greatest testimony to the service we provide.
One of my favourite memories as a concierge is:
One of my favourite memories was receiving a Golden Key from the Society of Golden Keys Great Britain & the Commonwealth. This organisation links nearly 40 hotel associations across the world and helps to develop friendships and contacts amongst concierges internationally. The first person to congratulate me on this was a regular guest and this added to the sense of achievement as the guests are the most important people in my job.
The question I’m most regularly asked is:
Where do the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge like to visit? Well, that would be telling….
The most common item people leave behind at the hotel is:
Guests leave behind all nature of items but it is the most important ones that resonate with me. If guests leave behind their wallets, phones or passports then it is a race against time to get them back to them before they head off home!
One of the strangest questions I’ve ever been asked is:
There is one that has always stuck in my mind….”could you possibly buy me an Orangutan and have it shipped to me at home?” One must have left quite an impression on her at London Zoo!
The activity/attraction/tour I encourage all our guests to do while here is:
I always tell guests to pop just across the road and check out the Serptentine Galleries in Kensington Gardens, which has regularly changing exhibitions and Buckingham Palace showcases London historicism and regality superbly. Hyde Park is a very short walk away from the hotel too and I think it exemplifies one of the best things about London; amongst the busy streets and thousands of buildings you can always find some green, open space in which to relax and unwind. I am also a fan of Evan Evans Tours. They run a day tour to Leeds Castle, Canterbury Cathedral and Dover. All destinations are located in the garden city of England, Kent. Leeds Castle is one of the most beautiful castles in Great Britain, Canterbury Cathedral and the town is stunning. Dover coast is amazing and so tranquil.
Don’t leave without eating or drinking:
Try the Potted Dover Sole at the wonderful Chenestons Restaurant, I believe it is the best dish on the menu and is one of Mrs Tollman, Red Carnation Hotel’s President and Founder’s own recipes. Guests should also engage in the traditional British Tradition of taking Afternoon Tea and The Milestone’s is truly exceptional and the perfect way to while away an afternoon.
On my days off you would find me:
I love exploring this great city that I am privileged to live and work in. I regularly head to Borough Market and enjoy looking at what all the food stalls have to offer. London has some great museums too, I especially like the British Museum where history really comes to life!
I recommend that keen shoppers visit:
If you want to pick up something unique head to one of the city’s many markets at the weekend. Portobello Road has some fantastic antiques that you can pick up at a great price. The Milestone is perfectly located for exploring the shops in Kensington and Sloane Square and of course there is always Harrods for those who want everything under one roof!