Friday 30 December 2011

A Space in the City, Christmas Party!

End Of Year PARRRTTTAAYYY!!

The staff at A Space in the City had a very enjoyable End of Year do recently at The Marriott Hotel in Cardiff!

After all donning our glad rags and making ourselves look pretty, we all met at the Hotel for 7pm and enjoyed a complimentary glass of bucks fizz whilst waiting for our table.


Julie and Richard Godfrey with Swansea Portfolio manager Laura Dommet enjoying some champers!


We were then led into the function room and our table, which was decked out in full Christmas regalia and had several bottles of wine ready and waiting! Yipee!


The Space in the City Table

We then enjoyed a fabulous 4 course meal, consisting of Leek and Potato soup, mushroom tartlet, and turkey, beef or salmon for mains. We then finally scoffed our way through a trio of desserts. phew!

Reservations girls, Angharad Price and Stacey Laye enjoy a glass (or two) of wine!


There then followed more drinking, and lots of silly posing for photos....



Guest Services coordinator Richard Griffiths, Operations manager Matthew Hayward and Managing Director Richard Godfrey.

Lettings manager Kathryn Hancock and Head of Reservations Beccy Newton.


Until we finally all gathered the courage to grace the dance floor with our Space in the City special moves. (Headed by Kath of course).



And then we REALLY started throwing some shapes.....



A wonderful time was had by all, many drinks drank, faces stuffed and dance moves danced. Only another year to wait until the next one!



HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM ALL AT A SPACE IN THE CITY.



Thursday 8 December 2011

Whats on in Swansea in December?

Merry Christmas from all at A Space in the City! 

As A Space in the City is based in Cardiff AND Swansea,  you may have noticed we've been a bit naughty by neglecting our blogs about Wales's second biggest city. So we thought we'd devote some screen time to that sprawling city by the sea, and what it's getting up with it's fine self for Christmas.



Waterfront Winterland

The grounds of the National Waterfront Museum will be transformed once again into a children's paradise, with the return of Waterfront Winterland (open from 18th November to the 8th January).  The Miles Hire Giant Wheel is clearly the star of the show, but you can also enjoy the family funfair and taste delicious foods.
The Admiral Rink also returns along with the Rocky's Children's Rink.



Aladdin, The Pantomine!

Get ready to be transported to old Peking as this years pantomime spectacular is bigger and better than ever! Starring Jimmy Osmond, Kevin Johns and Zoe George. The cast will share the stage with a very special and unusual co-star as the Genie of the Lamp comes to life in amazing 3D! Wearing 3D glasses at certain points throughout the show the audience can rub the magic lamp as it appears in front of their noses, summon the magical Genie from his lamp and join Aladdin on a superb magic carpet ride!



 Christmas by Candlelight

Happening on the 21st December, and established as one of the highlights of the musical calendar; this is a firm family favourite. Enjoy a glass of mulled wine and a mince pie as an appetizer to a feast of seasonal favourites served up by Alwyn Humphreys with Ros Evans, the Chamber Orchestra of Wales Chorale and accompanying musicians. Tickets are always in great demand so book early to make sure that your Christmas festivities get off to a perfect start.


Swansea Christmas Market

The Christmas Market makes a welcome return to Oxford Street and Princess Way with a variety of trade and craft products on offer, including some wonderful Christmas themed German stalls.  This is a free event and runs from the 25th November to the 18th December.



Why not try a 2 night luxury break in this exciting city to enjoy its brilliant Christmas attractions? Take a wander around the Christmas market, enjoy the waterfront wonderland and top it all off with a visit to see Aladdin! We still have some luxury Serviced Apartments available in Swansea over the Christmas period, check out our website for more details.

Friday 18 November 2011

WIN WIN WIN!!!

You lucky guests and customers of A Space in the City get the chance to participate in another brilliant competition!!





Any Rugby Fans out there? Because we're giving away a pair of tickets to the Wales vs Australia Rugby Match, here in Cardiff's very own Millennium Stadium on the 3rd of December! And because we're VERY generous we're even throwing in a fantastic 1 nights stay in a modern, luxury apartment in our Brand new Quayside development in Cardiff Bay's Mermaid Quay!


Email WINNER to rugby@aspaceinthecity.co.uk to be entered in the draw to win a pair of tickets and 1 free nights accomodation before Wednesday 30th of November.

COME ON WALES!!

Thursday 17 November 2011

Feedback for A Space in the City...

Here in A Space in the City world, we pride ourselves on being the best. And how do we know we're the best? Because of the fantastic reviews we receive week after week from our satisfied customers!

So if you find yourself weighing up the pros and cons between a boring old hotel in Cardiff or a stylish, modern serviced apartment, look no further than here for some feedback straight from the horses mouth!


"We've stayed in Century Wharf before and once again we were not disappointed. The apartment we stayed in was immaculate and the kitchen had every thing one would expect and want. We had a gorgeous terrace overlooking the river and as it was the sunniest week, we eat outside. The children loved the pool and the proximity to Techniquest, even better.

Our future stays will definitely be with A Space in the City."
Stayed in April 2011 travelling with family.

"The location was great, right in Cardiff Bay, which is either a very short taxi ride or 20-30 minute walk into Cardiff city centre. We'd taken things like washing up liquid, kitchen roll, tea bags - but needn't have bothered! We were pleasantly surprised with what was supplied, a real home from home. Furnishings and fittings were of a high quality inc freeview, TV and DVD in the lounge."

Stayed in February 2011, travelled with friends.

"I can honestly say, we were all amazed at what we had rented considering we were all going to try and get into one family room in a hotel and pay £500.00 for this. The spacious apartment allowed us all to have our own space, bedrooms and plug sockets! Some of us could go to bed early and leave others chatting in the kitchen without being heard.

We will never book a hotel room in Cardiff again."

Stayed in August 2011, travelled with friends.



We've also conducted an interview with a long term guest of ours who stays regularly in our Century Wharf Apartments. Clive Fleming travels to Cardiff for work around twice a month and has stayed with us since January 2009!

1) What do you think is the benefit of using Serviced Apartments over hotels?
When you stay away every week, as I do, hotel rooms can be monotonous and constraining - you end up feeling imprisoned, whereas with the various rooms in the flats it is much more like a normal existence.


2) Why do you choose A Space in the city over our competitors week after week?
I suppose it is partly familiarity and knowing that you maintain a good standard overall.

3) What is your favourite place to eat in Cardiff?
The Italian Restaurant in the Red Dragon centre - but I don't eat out much so I am not an expert. I bring my food with me because eating out also gets monotonous when on your own.

4) What's the one travel item you can't live without?
My laptop and your broadband.

5)If you could do anything on a sunny afternoon in Cardiff, What would you do?
Wander around the bay area, have an ice-cream by the Norwegian church and then perhaps a beer where all the bars and restaurants are.

Now for the standard silly questions!

6) What's your favourite cheese and why?
Cambozola because it is creamy like Brie/Camembert but has some 'bleu' bite to it as well.

7) As a pet, would you rather have a giant hamster or a tiny rhino?
Tiny Rhino - a giant hamster would be scary!

8) If you were given £1000 right now, how would you spend it?
A long weekend in one of the great European Cities.

Thanks Clive! This just proves we keep providing the service and the high standards that keep our customers coming back again and again. Why would you ever think of staying in a boring hotel again!?
   





Monday 3 October 2011

WIN MICHAEL JACKSON TICKETS AND A NIGHTS ACCOMODATION IN CARDIFF!

To celebrate the arrival of 'The Michael Jackson' tribute concert to Cardiff, the very generous A Space in the City team are offering the chance to win 2 FREE TICKETS plus 1 NIGHTS ACCOMODATION in one of our luxury apartments in Cardiff.



Billed as 'The biggest concert in the world', The Michael Jackson tribute concert is set to explode into Cardiff's Milennium Stadium on October the 8th. With stars such as Christina Aguilera, Cee lo Green and Leona Lewis taking part, its looking to be a highlight for Cardiff in 2011. Members of the Jackson family are even set to take to the stage and several of Michael Jackson’s brothers will perform as the “next generation of Jacksons”.


So who fancies a night soaking up the atmosphere, enjoying the concert, singing along to Billie Jean and then relaxing in a beautiful, modern apartment afterwards?

All you lucky lot have to do to win a pair of tickets and a nights accomodation is pop an email over to info@aspaceinthecity.co.uk with the subject line THRILLER to win!

Wednesday 21 September 2011

Interview with A Space in the City Accounts and Administration team - Vicki Jones!

Its that time again in A Space in the City world! Vicki Jones, who very deftly handles our accounts and administration has agreed to give the blogger team an exclusive interview! So whilst taking a break from her busy day, we managed to slip in a few questions about her time at A Space in the City and her interests away from the office.




So first things first, the work stuff:

How long have you worked for A Space in the City?
- Well I was one of the first, so to be exact, 4 years, 2 months and 5 days!

And what would you say is your favourite thing about your job?
-As we're only a small company I really enjoy the camaraderie of the office and the close knit team spirit. We all try our best to help each other and we get along great!

Whats your previous background in accounts?
- I started working for the company doing admin and reservations, but then moved over to Accounts as the company expanded and we started taking on more team members.

In all the time you have worked for A Space in the City, what has been your favourite moment?
- A few years ago, we had our first team outing on a speed boat across Cardiff bay which was a bit scary but so much fun!

Well that's enough of work info! What's your favourite food and favourite place to eat it?
-I love a nice curry, and it has to be the amazing mango and chicken curry from the Raj Kinara in Rhoose, yum!

So its a lazy Sunday afternoon, what would you most like to be doing?
- Lazy Sundays are just made for curling up on the sofa in front of the Eastenders omnibus.

Good call! next question; If I handed over £1000 to you right now, how would you spend it?
- I'd put it towards my favourite holiday destination of Mexico. I went for two weeks recently and it was heaven!

What's the strangest dream you've ever had?
- I had some very strange dreams in Mexico. I dreamt my husband had a huge Daffy duck tattooed all the way down his arm as a joke!

And finally, as its such a wonderful city, what would you say is your favourite spot in Cardiff?
-On a sunny day I love to walk across the barrage from Penarth to Cardiff bay and then have a drink outside the Millennium centre. Its a really good place for people watching!

Thursday 1 September 2011

Top 5 Smart phone Applications for the Business Traveller.

Traveling to another city or a different country? Well, locating quality nearby attractions just got easier!


These travel apps are designed to help those traveling find the best deals, the best restaurants and everything they need to enjoy the best travel experience. Here are 5 of the top apps that no business traveler should be without:

1. WikiHood Guidebook App
This free travel guidebook is one of the most consistently top-rated apps in the entire iTunes store. WikiHood uses GPS technology to display local attractions and historic information for destinations around the world. Use this app at home and abroad to locate popular tourist attractions and historic sites. The WikiHood app makes it easy to sort by distance, relevance and user rating. WikiHood has data on everything from the best pizza place in the city to where the nearest bus or train station is located.
2. The Phone Book App from YellowBook
The free smart phone app from YellowBook is like having a phone book for the world complete the store hours, phone numbers and integrated maps. The YellowBook app uses technology from Google Maps to locate nearby businesses in a virtual reality format. Users can also use the automated voice search feature to access data on millions of restaurants, hotels and businesses around the world.
3. TripIt Travel Organizer
Now available as a free app and a premium, ad-free app for $1.99, TripIt consolidates travel data and itineraries for multiple trips. TripIt stores flight information along with maps and directions. Users can check-in for flights, verify flight status and check local weather from one location. TripIt is consistently recommended for jetsetters and anyone who needs to organize travel plans for themselves or the entire family.
4. The XE Currency Converter App
This mobile currency conversion tool makes it easy to tell how much you really spent on lunch at the cafe or how much that four-star hotel room will cost at the discounted rate. The XE Currency Converter app is available for free with download options for all phone platforms. This handy app automatically updates conversion rates for 190 international currencies.
5. The Packing pro
The perfect app for the disorganised traveller, Packing Pro comes pre-populated with lists of things to put in your suitcase. It can also be customised with your own list so you don’t forget your essentials. £1.79 for iPhone and iPad

Tuesday 23 August 2011

'Stace' in the City.

Greetings from A Space in the City on this lovely Tuesday afternoon, we have some good news! Our very own Stacey Bourge has offered to provide another dimension to our 'Space in the City' family by providing a 'tour guide' service to guests. Being our guest services representative, shes often to be found pounding the streets of Cardiff and is definitely the girl in the know when it comes to fun events, exciting new openings and interesting tourism ideas.






Here's a few short ideas from Stacey, but for any more info on 'Stace in the City' email her direct at staceyb@aspaceinthecity.co.uk.


Favourite Restaurant in Cardiff Bay?


Has to be Bellini’s so far-especially their awesome Bellini cocktails!



Favourite Bar in Cardiff town centre?


The Live Lounge and O’Neill’s for its great live music!


Best place to go for large families?

Why not sign up to Voucher Cloud and take advantage of fantastic offers on 2 4 1 on tours at the Millennium Stadium, Welsh Hawking Centre and many more.


If you could only visit one place in Cardiff where would it be?

I would definitely recommend Cardiff Castle and Bute Park on a nice sunny summers day and also Mermaid Quay as there is so many different places all in one location


Best nightclub in Cardiff town centre?


Retro’s for its cheesy 80’s tunes and free entry before 11pm.


Best place for a family to go with young children?

How about Techniquest-the science museum, or St Fagan’s for some traditional Welsh Heritage or when the weather is wet-The Red Dragon Centre for some bowling/eating/cinema and Dr Who fanatics!




Favourite thing to do on a sunny day in Cardiff?



Get  myself down to Mermaid Quay for some people watching, then all day 241 cocktails at Las Iguanas, and get on a powerboat ride to blow the cobwebs outta your hair!


Thursday 18 August 2011

Why choose a serviced apartment?

So the big question on everyones lips, Why stay in a serviced apartment over the traditional (boring) hotel option?

Well like the well known author Jane Austen once said: "There is nothing like staying at home for real comfort"

At A Space in the City, you can enjoy home like comforts in central locations with good transportation links and abundant choices of dining, shopping and entertainment ideas
.
Following are the top 5 reasons to choose an A Space in the City Apartment over a Hotel room.

1. Home Away from Home - A Space in the City's Apartments offer luxury serviced apartments, which are not just rooms but fully furnished living spaces with separate living rooms and bedrooms, suitable for both short and long stays.

2. Superior facilities- A Space in the City Serviced Apartments provide you with a very high standard of modern furnishings including First-class home entertainment facilities like TV, DVD, CD, washing machines and close proximity to local amenities such as  Banks, ATMs, supermarkets and medical facilities

3. Cost-effective- A Space in the City Apartments offer excellent value for money. We give you cost-effective accommodation options with flexible, transferable contracts. Business travelers can also save money by hosting meetings within our apartments instead of renting a separate meeting room.

4. The Feel Good Factor - The first few weeks or months in a new country can be hard but our apartments give you comfort, quality and all leading facilities to let you feel the Feel Good Factor.

5. Privacy- Unlike a hotel, where you have to share your lobby with other guests, serviced apartments offer a greater amount of privacy with your very own apartment.

Luxury serviced apartments are growing in popularity as more and more people realise the benefits over a conventional hotel.

If these reasons rock your boat, give our office a call on 02920 473 830 or check out our company website http://www.aspaceinthecity.co.uk/ for information on rates and special monthly deals!

Thursday 11 August 2011

Meet the team!



Here at A Space in the City, we're a small (but very important) group. Introductions are needed so all you readers of our blog know who's who.


So first things first, its probably best to mention our boss; Mr Richard Godfrey (The Godfather). Who recently invested in his first pair of wellies since he was knee-high to a grasshopper.








Next we have Matthew Hayward, our Operations Manager. Who's mainly to be found answering to the cries of 'Maaaat!?' in the office to sort out all big and (sometimes very) small emergencies.







Then there's Vicki Jones, who handles Accounts and Administration. She's usually to be found buried underneath a pile of invoices (secretly reading the latest fashion mags).






Lettings manager Kathryn Hancock goes by many alias's, 'Bird's Nest Head' being one of them.




Next we have Beccy Newton, Head of Reservations who's entire diet can be summed up by one song; 'Mcdonalds, Mcdonalds, Kentucky Fried Chicken and a Pizza Hut.'






Reservations consultant Stacey 'St Tropez' Laye (Laymondo) never to be caught with any white bits.








Guest Services coordinater Stacey Bourge is often to be found pounding the pavements of the Diff. She also loves dealing with all customer queries and quibbles (anything to get her off the streets).







Laura Dommet, Swansea portfolio manager is lucky twice over to only be required in the office once a week and to have the beach on her doorstep!






Keith Voisey, our Maintenance Manager (Mr Fix it) Is the man in the know.








Vivian Espie, (Head of housekeeping) and her housekeeping team are forever carting strange lost property back to the office.






Then we have the newbies who dont have a photo yet (hence being relegated to the bottom).
Richard Griffiths, Guest Services coordinator who unfortunately has the same initals as our MD so has been given the (unwanted) nickname of 'Neil'.




And Reservations consultant Angharad (Blog Queen) Price who occasionally gets mistaken for a man called 'Howard' with a high pitched voice.

Thursday 4 August 2011

A Space in the City: Our first blog!

A Space in the City: Our first blog!

Our first blog!


Ever thought about a weekend away in the fantastic city of Cardiff? We really do have something for everyone. If its shopping you want, our brand new St David's 2 complex and bustling Queen street are every shoppers heaven. Craving fantastic scenery? we have the newly developed Cardiff Bay with beautiful walks and breathtaking views to enjoy! If it's sports you're after, the Millennium Stadium, situated slap-bang in the middle of our compact city will enthral any sports mad fan. And finally, clubbers galore! our city hosts some of the UK's finest clubs and bars.

So if these ideas get your attention, how about a serviced apartment over a hotel for your special weekend away? As it's our very first blog, we thought we'd give all followers wishing to stay with us throughout August our new offer of £59 per night for any of our stylish studio apartments, Here’s some pictures to tempt you!



And as an added bonus, for the first 5 bookings made we'll throw in a complimentary bottle of wine on arrival! Just call 02920473830 or email info@aspaceinthecity.co.uk and quote BLOG0101 to take full advantage.

Keep an eye out for more stunning apartment deals via our blog in the future!