Craven House achieves the gold standard from VisitEngland

We received some very satisfying news this month as the results came in from our recent review by Quality In Tourism, the official assessment service for the national tourism authority VisitEngland. And we’re very pleased to say that Craven House’s luxury serviced apartments not only maintained four-star status but also received the accolade of a Gold Award.

Quality In Tourism assessments are independent and highly respected, recognising quality, differentiating levels of service and helping guests to make informed choices about where they stay. Star ratings are awarded for overall grades in the criteria of condition, cleanliness, service and hospitality, guest choice and ease of use, physical and personal comfort, and attention to detail. Craven House is, according to the report, “towards the top of the grading”.

The Gold Award is recognition for “those special places where the property goes the extra mile”. The report highlighted the quality of Craven House and noted the recent refurbishment: “The owner continues to maintain and improve the standards of the apartments with new kitchens, carpets, decorating… Furniture is of a very high standard with some interesting French-style pieces.” It noted how the layout and décor of Craven House works in sympathy with its stunning setting at Hampton Court: “Lounge areas are light and airy, some with far-reaching views across the adjacent park.”

Most pleasing was the assessor’s appreciation of the effort that goes into maintaining the standards here at Craven House – “Housekeeping standards are maintained to an excellent level throughout the properties and the owners and staff are to be congratulated” – as well as those little touches that make a stay here special.
There is praise for the luxurious deep carpeting and the Orla Kiely toiletries provided for guests. The bedrooms, said the report, show “a keen eye for detail”, while, in the kitchen, crockery, cutlery and glassware is provided in plentiful supply and there is very good selection of cooking equipment” and “appliances are thoughtfully colour-coordinated to match the individual kitchen styles.”

Reacting to the praise from Quality In Tourism, Craven House owner Lucy Schiel said, “We are absolutely delighted with our four-star rating and Gold Award. After our recent facelift, it’s very satisfying to know that the hard work that went into those improvements and the details are appreciated – I certainly know our guests notice them. Much of the credit goes to Angela at Cocoon Home Styling, who was brimming with brilliant design ideas, and to all those contractors who worked tirelessly to help us complete the redesign. And it’s thanks to our wonderful housekeeper Lisa that every guest gets to experience the apartments in the finest condition.”