Nannies Help Out at The Athenaeum Hotel

The Athenaeum’s new nannies are ready to watch your kids. // © 2010 The Athenaeum Hotel

The Athenaeum Hotel in London is taking kid-friendly services to a new level. The hotel, which already offers a Kid’s Concierge, has hired three carefully screened nannies to help parents take a load off when traveling with children, part of its Fabulous Nanny program.

After completing a nationwide search for Britain’s best nannies in conjunction with Norland Nannies, which places nannies with Lords and Ladies throughout the country, The Athenaeum created a panel for nanny selection consisting of of Serena Zandegu, the hotel’s Kid’s Concierge; a 6-year-old boy, Alexander Clement-Davies; a 10-year old girl, Honor Robson; and actress Lynda Bellingham, star of “Calendar Girls” and “All Creatures Great and Small.” The panel chose three nannies — Deborah Walker, Angela Elis Webster and Anthea Lindsey — who fit the hotel’s Fabulous Nanny job description: “Must be fun, creative and caring; practically perfect in every way!” — just like London’s most famous nanny, Mary Poppins.

Now, The Athenaeum’s three nannies will assist Zandegu with the job of looking after and entertaining the children of hotel guests on weekends and evenings, leaving parents free to enjoy a romantic respite.

“As a family-run hotel, we know how to create a truly family-friendly experience,” said Jonathan Critchard, general manager. “We understand kids need to feel relaxed and at home — as well as to be entertained. Ensuring that this happens helps parents relax and thoroughly enjoy their stay with us, too.”

Children staying at The Athenaeum are given a choice of drinks, snacks, magazines and music upon arrival. They are welcome to borrow from the Athenaeum’s “Toy Shed,” filled with board games, DVDs, London coloring books and London sticker books. If they feel like flying a kite, riding a bike or feeding the pigeons in Green Park, which is located across the street from the hotel, Zandegu will make the arrangements.

Athenaeum Hotel
www.athenaeumhotel.com