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Peter Our First Crashpadder Party!
Just in! The photos from our awesome Crashpadder party in Clapham, South London, in July. And what a swell party it was. This was a delightful event hosted by Stephen the Big Cheese himself as 30-or-so wonderful Crashpadders descended on a rich selection of home-made bahjis, blinis, and stuffed peppers, washed gratefully down with finest Chateau Co-op. Our party guests weren’t just London-based hosts either – there were many who were on their travels and had decided to drop in! We had guests from the US, Ukraine, South Africa and New Zealand, making us feel very privileged indeed. Why were our guests travelling? Why had they chosen Crashpadder? What had made them decide to give us a go? These were all questions we were keen to put to them. “Do you know why we decided to go with Crashpadder, Peter?” said one of our guests to me. ”Well, we just couldn’t find anywhere in London that was within our price bracket. But then one of our friends recommended Crashpadder; we looked on the website and found a London room that looked perfect; and we thought ‘what the heck!’ and decided to go for it.” Another pair of guests had been brought along by their host from Stockwell in South London. They were able to tell us how useful it had been having someone to tell them about the best bus routes into town, the best nearby pubs and suchlike. Let me tell you it positively warms the soul to hear about such local expertise being deployed so effectively. And the positive affirmations just kept on coming. Another couple were planning on travelling northwards, with Crashpadder, naturally, so I had the jolly tricky task of advising which was better out of, erm, the Peak District, the Lake District, the Highlands and the Western Isles. It was actually through a stroke of luck that the day before the party we were contacted by CNN. They were keen to meet and interview Crashpadder hosts – so we thought ‘what the heck’ and invited them along. And that’s how there came to be a camera crew amongst the canapés! You can take a look at glimpses of the Crashpadder Party on CNN’s report. Not quite the same as being there but until we host another one – perhaps near you – it’s be best we can offer!
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Peter Crashpadding the Notting Hill CarnivalNotting Hill Carnival (29th – 30th August) 2010
All these Crashpadder rooms are soothingly priced – by this I mean £30 for a double room, for example – and your friendly hosts will be able to show you the best way to get to the carnival. The odds are that through Crashpadding you could afford to stay the night before the carnival (rather than travel up on the day) and you’ll be able to avoid a scrum on the Tube by being within spitting distance of Notting Hill itself. So you’ll arrive fresh and in ripping form, and ready to make the most of the experience – instead of ready to go home! The experience of Crashpadding is a jolly good accompaniment to the Notting Hill Carnival. After all, what would be the point in immersing yourself in all that celebration of culture, variety and individualism, only to retire afterwards to a uniform, bland, faceless hotel, or a musty B&B? Instead you could be comparing notes with your lovely Crashpadding hosts and settling into your nice, comfy bed in a spare guest room.
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Josie The Crashpadder Hall of Fame (a work in progress)I have been more excited than a whippet in a stuffed rabbit factory recently, because we’ve had some truly stunning Pads added to Crashpadder. In fact lots of them are so blooming special that I felt as though I had to place them all together somewhere, for the sake of argument let’s call it a ‘Hall of Fame’. But before we get cracking I want to make it clear that if your Pad isn’t currently part of the Hall of Fame that isn’t because it’s not special. All Pads are special in their own way and will be perfect for certain Crashpadder trips. Also please note that this list is a work in progress, if you think your Pad belongs here, rubbing shoulders with the likes of the Cool Caribbean Room and Mountain Bike Heaven, please don’t hesitate to add a link to it at the bottom. Right, disclaimers aside, here we go – just a few of the homestay treats that have caught my eye recently: This lovely little boat sleeps 4 people. It is affectionately known as “Tessie” by its owners. It comes with a fully equipped kitchen and a bathroom with a shower and toilet. The owners actually live next door on their own houseboat/ B&B. The boat is well-heated, with plenty of light from all the windows from which you have a panoramic view of the canal. Price: €25 per night for the first guest and €10 EUR per night for each additional guest. This incredible ’grand designs’ style windmill conversion sleeps two people. The double room is situated on the 4th floor of the windmill, and as such features curved walls, large oak beams and amazing views. A private wet room is also located on same floor. The 1st floor boasts a sun terrace for sunny days, al fresco meals and drinks. Price: £50 per room per night.
Beach Spa Apartment – Nelson, New Zealand This decadent apartment sleeps five and is ideally located for a relaxing break in the sun. It is a self-contained apartment, just across from quiet beach. It comes complete with a private bathroom, separate toilet, kitchenette, laundry and dining area. Meanwhile the outside space includes an entertainment area, a private hot-tub, a BBQ, and a small pool for summer use. Price: $100 NZD per room, per night
Smack bang in one of the most happening areas in Europe this Dublin double is suitable for one person, a couple or two friends. The room is located in a nice modern apartment, which is also fully furnished. The real appeal of this Pad however is the location, Temple Bar is found on the south bank of the River Liffey in central Dublin. Its charm lies in the fact that it has preserved its medieval, cobbled streets. As such it is heralded as “Dublin’s cultural quarter” and boasts a lively nightlife. Price: €30 per night for the first guest and €10 EUR per night for each additional guest.
This dream Pad in Lanzarote includes a double bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, lounge, a computer and internet connection, a heated pool, sun patio, gardens and off-road parking. This Pad is centrally located in the heart of Lanzarote. As such it’s away from the hustle and bustle of the main tourist areas, but only 10 minutes drive to beaches, bars, restaurants and shops and 5 mins drive to Golf Course. Price: £70 per room per night
This beautifully furnished, cosy mountain top retreat sleeps 2 and boasts some incredible views. Set in Carmarthenshire countryside on the edge of Brechfa Forest and its world class mountain bike trails this Pad is perfect for keen cyclists. You can literally ride or walk from your door! Perfect for exploring the forest trails of West Wales along with over 260 miles of coastal paths. Price: £50 per room per night
Cool Caribbean Room – Marigot Bay, Saint Lucia This stunning Pad is located on a hillside overlooking the blue Caribbean sea. As such it always benefits from a cool breeze to take the heat and mosquitoes away. The room has a fantstic view of the local beach and banana plantation from the private balcony (see picture). Breakfast is an option if needed as is an evening meal. This Pad also comes with the freedom to explore the island without restraint! Price: $40 USD per room, per night …to be continued… Read the rest of The Crashpadder Hall of Fame (a work in progress) » |
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