Diary of a Property Investor

What I've been up to.. St. Lucia

I've also been looking at buying a property in St Lucia, which is way off my usual patch of South East Manchester and is also buying off-plan, but the deal was stunning.

The company want £30k for four years, on which they pay you interest, then they refinance the development. You get your cash back, the deal turns into a no money deal and you get a 2 year rental guarantee.

They've even got a mortgage broker who'll help to release the cash from your existing property, so you don't' have to find the cash to start with.

I've never been to the Caribbean, blaming my easily burning Celtic skin, but I'm sure that my 4 weeks allowance on the 5 star resort would be the perfect excuse!

Copyright notice - Author : Peter Stanley
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Quest for a London Hotel

I'm not a big fan of hotels, as I find they're often overpriced with poor service and small rooms. I know I should pay more and go upmarket, but the problem's a little more complex.

When I was at the Bank, we had an allowance, which meant we stayed in some of the less salubrious hotels, or I ended up sharing with my boss, to save money.

When I set up my own business, I vowed that this would change and stayed at The Mandeville, in Marylebone. The service was great, I could used the concierge to welcome people I was meeting, and it was near the Jubilee Line and Northern Line giving it great transport links.

All was well, until my wife and I went down for the weekend and she spotted a waiter taking milk jugs off vacated tables, pouring them into one jug, then putting it back in the table. My wife was less than amused, so we mentioned it to the reception staff, who were mortified and suggested I write a letter of complaint.

I don't complain often, but when I do I usually get action, but I didn't even get a response to my letter.

So, the quest for a new London base began.

All I want is someone to smile when they're serving me, to care, to have a room you could swing a cat in and to be near a tube station in Zone 1 or 2. I know it's not a lot to ask, but I've tried four or five hotels since and only now, after 2 years, have we a candidate - The Royal Horseguards. It's between the Embankment and Whitehall, a short walk to Embankment tube or Westminster (Northern Line / Jubilee Line) and staff who are friendly and helpful without being pushy or fawning. Being four star, it's not cheap, but my hotel booker, Guy Griffin of Great 4 Hotels always gets me great deals - I know because I sometimes check myself on "t'internet". If you need a hotel, get in touch with Guy, as he's a great bloke and very knowledgeable. Tell him I sent you.