Rejoining my Sarova family

I used to work for Sarova Hotels many years ago. I was here for 10 years looking after what was then The Washington Hotel. I left to look after my daughter , and during the 10 years away from Sarova I worked at The University of the Arts London as a facilities manager for 9 years which was a fantastic new experience working with students and lectures from all over the world. The Arts was so different from my previous career with London College of Fashion and London Fashion week this of course suited me as I love clothes and shopping. Part of UAL was in Wimbledon which was mainly art students studying theatre design, period costumes and sculpture. One of the students made a sculpture of me which I am proud to say was brought by David Bailey I am not sure what he has done with this! My daughter is now 17 and at college so it was time for me to return to the industry which I adore The opportunity came along for me to open a new hotel and of course this was very exiting it was my 3^rd opening of a new hotel, it is just like seeing my daughter grow into something special, a hotel that grows with you is fantastic. When the opportunity of Head housekeeper came up at The Rembrandt I knew I had to return.

I started in January 2010 and it has been like coming home to my family. All the staff are welcoming, friendly and happy. It was a joy to come back to. I was last at The Rembrandt many moons ago for a Sarova staff training day, and although there are still some familiar faces around, the hotel itself has been refurbished. It now has been completely modernised and I am glad to say they have kept some of the Edwardian architecture so it does have a traditional feel.
I am lucky that I have started at such an exciting time. We are planning some to refurbish some of the bedrooms and this should take place in August 2010. I have visited The Bull hotel, another Sarova Hotel but I am yet to visit the Abbey which I hope to do soon.
Some of my old colleagues visited The Rembrandt and enjoyed a delicious afternoon tea in the 1606 lounge. They commented on the lovely lounge area and that the Afternoon tea very much served the ambience of the hotel.

Afternoon Tea

Served in 1606 lounge between 2.30pm and 5.30pm unless by prior arrangement.

Champagne High Tea - £24.50

A selection of traditional finger sandwiches: smoked salmon, cream cheese and cucumber, egg mayonnaise and cress, ham and mustard; freshly baked scones with Devonshire clotted cream and strawberry jam, a selection of mini cakes, tea or coffee, bowl of strawberries and a glass of chilled bubbly.

Rembrandt Traditional

Afternoon Tea - £15.95

A selection of traditional finger sandwiches: smoked salmon, cream cheese and cucumber, egg mayonnaise and cress, ham and mustard; freshly baked scones with Devonshire clotted cream and strawberry jam with a selection of mini cakes and tea or coffee.

Rembrandt Cream Tea - £7.50

Freshly baked scones with Devonshire clotted cream and strawberry jam with tea or coffee.

Submitted by Karen Stracey, Head Housekeeper at The Rembrandt