Everyone who visited London or simply watched the Games on the television seems to agree that London did a pretty sterling job of the Olympics. But when Olympians and those closest to them approve, you know you’ve really hit the gold standard.

As you may know, we had a number of Olympians’ families to stay with us as part of our Golden Giveaway, so we were nervous as we anticipated not only our busiest period to date, but some very important guests too. Margaret, the mother of Canadian diver Riley McCormick, who stayed at Queen’s Gardens, tells us of her one rather fine Olympic experience.

Queen’s Gardens, a temporary home to Olympians

“The jetlag is almost over and the Olympic withdrawal is in full swing.  I find myself checking Twitter multiple times daily for additional comments and thoughts about the Games.  Congrats to London for an incredible event – spectacular in every way.

“Our experience with onefinestay and our home away from home at Queen’s Gardens was excellent.  Our initial experience was a bit worrisome as the first home we selected ended up being sold and we had to be relocated.  As it turned out, our new place was perfect and probably a better fit for us!  We absolutely loved being a five minute walk from Hyde Park and managed to take in some of the Olympic events there including the Men’s Triathlon and the Open Water swim.  So sad to see our 2000 Olympian Canadian Simon Whitfield crash out but very excited to see the Brownlee boys live up to expectations.

“Of course the marquis event for us was Men’s 10 Metre.  Riley had a fantastic event and made the finals finishing 11th overall.  The field of divers in his event was the strongest ever in the history of the Olympics and we were so proud of his efforts.  The smile on his face as he came out of the pool after his last amazing dive said it all.  He was satisfied and exhausted!  Congratulations to his friend and your countryman Tom Daley for an outstanding result.

Margaret and her son Riley in front of the Olympic rings in London

“Having been to London on several occasions as well as attended the Beijing Olympics in 2008 and hosted our own Winter Olympics in 2010, I was very curious to see how London would embrace hosting the world.  I was blown away!  The level of service in all areas was top notch and the transportation was smooth and efficient.  Volunteers were friendly and knowledgeable and seemed to really be enjoying their own Olympic experience. We shopped, we ate, we drank and we had a blast.  Well done!

“Thank you onefinestay for a great home away from home.  Staying in a home verses a hotel was extremely comfortable and having the opportunity to do laundry, make breakfast and get a sense of a London neighbourhood was a bonus.  The gift basket upon arrival was such a nice touch and so appreciated after travelling.  We gobbled up the goodies and made the coffee last all week!  Of course, as many of your clients have probably already said, the  iPhone was brilliant.  I couldn’t have got around London without it and having a local number for the Riley and members of the Canadian Olympic team to contact me was so appreciated.

“We have already recommended onefinestay to friends and look forward to using you again on our next trip to London, New York or your next destination as your business model expands.  Thank you again!”

Olympian seal of approval? Check!