Choice Hotels' survey reveals mixed views on whether hotels outside London will benefit from this summer’s events

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 14:23:05 GMT

Choice Hotels Europe, the company behind the Comfort, Quality and Clarion brands, has revealed the findings of its hotelier survey into which hotels are most likely to benefit from the games in London this summer.

The survey was conducted amongst 30 UK-based Choice Hotels owners, operators and general managers and just over half (51%) believe that all UK hotels will benefit from the increased inbound tourism expected in the summer. However, 29% think only hotels in London will benefit, while 18% believe that the games won't bring any benefits at all to hotels outside the M25.

Duncan Berry, UK CEO, Choice Hotels Europe commented: "Our survey reveals mixed views on whether hotels across the whole of the UK will see a benefit from the inbound tourism expected from the games."

Earlier this year Choice announced the opening of the Comfort Inn Hyde Park, bringing the number of Choice-branded hotels in London to eighteen. Other Choice-branded properties well-positioned for easy access to venues include Quality Hotel Coventry city centre (football) and Quality Hotel Reading (rowing).

Choice Hotels Europe franchises nearly 500 hotels across Europe alone. Brands operated by Choice Hotels in Europe include Clarion which could be described as four-star, Quality, which sits in the three-star bracket and provides a mid-scale full service offering and Comfort, the largest Choice Hotels brand worldwide, known for value and reliability.

ENDS

About Choice Hotels
Choice Hotels International, Inc. franchises more than 6,100 hotels, representing more than 490,000 rooms, in the United States and more than 30 other countries and territories. As of September 30, 2011, 430 hotels were under construction, awaiting conversion or approved for development in the United States, representing more than 35,000 rooms, and 94 hotels, representing approximately 8,700 rooms, were under construction, awaiting conversion or approved for development in more than 20 other countries and territories.The company's Comfort Inn, Comfort Suites, Quality, Sleep Inn, Clarion, Cambria Suites, MainStay Suites, Suburban Extended Stay Hotel, Econo Lodge and Rodeway Inn brands serve guests worldwide.

About Choice Hotels Europe
Choice Hotels Europe is the trading name of Quality Hotels Ltd., a subsidiary of Choice Hotels International, Inc. Choice Hotels Europe (Quality Hotels Ltd.) providing travellers with single access to a network of nearly 500 locations in Europe, including over 40 in the UK, under the Comfort, Quality and Clarion brands.

Choice Hotels, Choice Hotels International, Choice Hotels Europe, Choice Privileges, Comfort, Quality, Sleep, Cambria Suites, Clarion, Clarion Collection and Ascend Collection are proprietary trademarks and service marks of Choice Hotels International, Inc.

Premier Inn reveals that parents will spend £3.4 billion on half-term holiday

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 11:18:54 GMT

Premier Inn, the UK's biggest hotel chain, has revealed that families nationwide will be spending a staggering total of £3.4 billion on looking after the kids during the half-term holiday. It's estimated that cash-strapped parents could be spending an extra £463 per household during the week-long holiday.

With the recent increases in gas and electricity prices, both having risen by an average of 17% (resulting in households paying an additional £190 a year), parents may need to look for new ways to tighten their belts to offload the cost of mounting bills on top of normal living costs like mortgages, food, clothing and expensive childcare for their brood.

Based on the average UK salary and the average costs of the following items, the expenses of a typical family of 4 over the half-term break will include:
- Unpaid leave per parent per day - £98
- Additional childcare costs per average family per week - £164
- Average attraction entry fee for the family for a day (e.g. zoo / theme park / castle) - £93
- Lunch / refreshments - £30
- Extras (e.g. treats / souvenirs) - £78

To give families a helping hand, Premier Inn has launched its biggest ever half-term sale, releasing a recession-busting room rate available at over 600 hotels across the UK.

Premier Inn Spokesperson, Claire Haigh, commented: "October half term is a great time for the family to spend some quality time together and by offering a quality, great value break, Premier Inn aims to help families feel refreshed and relieved of financial worry."

With over 600 hotels nationwide, Premier Inn is at more locations than any other hotel chain in the UK. Each bedroom caters for up to two adults and two children (aged 15 and under) and includes an en-suite bathroom; a king size bed; remote control TV with Freeview; tea and coffee making facilities, and a spacious desk area with WiFi Internet access. And to start the day, Premier Inn offers an all-you-can-eat 'Premier Breakfast.'

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About Premier Inn:
Award-winning Premier Inn is the UK's biggest hotel brand with over 600 budget hotels and more than 46,000 rooms across the UK and Ireland. Premier Inn bedrooms feature en-suite bathrooms, TV with Freeview, and WiFi internet access. All Premier Inns feature a bar and restaurant; situated inside the hotel or adjacent, offering a wide range of food choices.

On a domestic front, Premier Inn aims to be the largest provider of budget hotels in London (within the M25) by 2012.

NH Hoteles implements 'Quality Focus' strategy

Fri, 10 Jun 2011 14:52:59 GMT

NH Hoteles has announced it is stepping up its efforts to find out about, and optimise the level of satisfaction of its guests supported by technological innovation and web horizons.

To do this, the hotel chain's Quality Department has developed new channels of communication with its customers and has set up tools among the first of their kind for analysing assessments and comments made about the hotel chain online, such as satisfaction surveys, calculating and analysing online opinions and in-depth studies made regularly by 'mystery guests' who visit the hotels have all been implemented.

The website and the 2.0 networks are now well entrenched areas for exchanging opinions regarding any product or service in particular for the hotel industry; networks such as Tripadvisor, Booking, Atrapalo and many others have now gained a high level of credibility among the public.

To analyse and improve the brand reputation it and its 400 hotels around the world have, NH Hoteles has developed its very own online tool for tracking comments about the hotel chain. Quality Focus Online locates any comment posted about the hotels in the NH Hoteles chain, records them and compares them with five direct competitors at the brand level, country level and hotel by hotel.

Thus, the hotel chain is able to gain accurate information in real time about what comments are being made about the hotel chain, be it on the Internet or on social networks, such as which services are most esteemed and which services are deemed to be unsatisfactory. The feedback is then collected and analysed and can then find solutions for any issues raised.

The information, accessible in real time for all employees at head office and hotel managers, is analysed every day by the Quality Department, processed and sent out to the departments involved in each service.

The hotel chain has also established that management remuneration at its hotels shall depend on a variable of the monthly and historic results that are recorded every year by its Quality Focus Online tool.

Measuring its online reputation is not the only tool NH Hoteles uses to find out about the opinion of its customers. The hotel chain also sends out weekly satisfaction surveys to guests who have stayed at its hotels over the last seven days.

NH Hoteles is the only hotel chain that, as part of this survey, asks its guests whether they would like hotel staff to contact them to sort out any problems that might arise. Around 8% of those surveyed have asked for this extra service in which a promise is made to deal with these requests within 72 hours.

The hotel chain has set a maximum of four surveys a year (no more than one every quarter) for each of its email contacts, so as not to overload its customers.

Around 6,300 customers fill in the satisfaction forms available for every hotel on the NH Hoteles corporate website annually.

Outside experts or 'mystery guests' carry out anonymous assessments of the quality of service at the hotel chain's different hotels, based on a series of parameters called "the 600 points of quality".

About NH Hotels:
NH Hoteles ranks third among European business hotels. NH Hoteles currently has 400 hotels with 59.202 rooms in 25 countries in Europe, including hotels in London and hotels in Berlin, America and Africa. NH Hoteles has at present 23 new projects for hotels under construction, which will provide 3,000 new rooms.

The chain offers hotel services which anticipate present and future needs of both internal and external stakeholders (employees, clients, shareholders, suppliers, environment, etc.), the communities where it operates and future generations with efficient and sustainable solutions.

NH Hoteles is listed on the Stock Exchange of Madrid.

Guoman Royal Horseguard Hotel general manager joins Leading Ladies of London

Thu, 12 May 2011 14:02:52 GMT

Guoman has announced that the general manager of the Royal Horseguard Hotel has joined the Leading Ladies of London.

The collaboration of three of the most prominent businesswomen in hospitality has seen the launch of a ladies-only, executive industry group - Leading Ladies of London - in an effort to bring more women leaders into the hotel industry and to share efforts and experiences on how to make it to the top.

The panel of high-powered, dynamic women who have together founded Leading Ladies of London are themselves three of the most successful businesswomen in the London hotel industry. Debrah Dhugga, general manager of Dukes London, Anna-Marie Dowling, general manager of Guoman's The Royal Horseguards hotel and Theresa Maw, general manager of Renaissance Chancery Court Hotel decided to join forces and create an industry think-tank with a difference - one that would acknowledge and bring together London's most influential female hoteliers.

Determined to create a voice for women hoteliers at the top, Leading Ladies of London will advocate women making a difference within the London hotel scene. There will be networking opportunities with other like minded executive female groups and mentoring of future stars of the industry. Members of the body will meet six times a year to discuss industry demands and business issues, to exchange ideas and practice of excellence, as well as to inspire members to fulfil their ambitions in an industry which can be traditionally male-dominated.

Founder member Debrah Dhugga, commented: "We're not suggesting that it is any more difficult for women to reach the top within London hospitality, as we're living examples of those that have been successful, its just less common to see a female general manager than a male in that position. Leading Ladies of London aims to inspire other women to have a share of voice in the industry and achieve their maximum potential - as three successful leaders of prominent five-star hotels in London, we know first-hand what an impact we can make."

Founding member Anna-Marie Dowling added: "The reason for creating an official group for female hoteliers in London was quite simple - the five-star market in the Capital can certainly prove challenging and has traditionally attracted male senior leaders. By having a panel that women leaders can relate to, get support and share best thinking with, we hope we can guarantee talented, female hoteliers will continue to make a difference to the future of the hotel industry."

Leading Ladies of London has already had great interest from prominent luxury retail stores and banks to discuss opportunities for the group and to host meetings throughout 2011.

Leading Ladies of London are inviting fellow women to join, however to instill a level of exclusivity, membership into the group is only available to women who head five-star hotels in the Capital or those who are leading female thinkers and figures in the hospitality industry.

About Guoman Hotels:
Guoman Hotel Management Limited operates two hotel brands within the UK market; Guoman Hotels, an exclusive collection of deluxe hotels located in central London and Thistle Hotels, a chain of quality full service hotels in the UK's major cities.

Guoman Hotels in the UK consists of four landmark properties; Charing Cross, The Cumberland, The Royal Horseguards (current AA London Hotel of the Year 2010/11) and The Tower. Whilst each of the 5 star hotels London in the portfolio is different with its own unique identity and style, each provides the very highest levels of comfort and service to its guests.

Guoman Hotels Grand Imperial London launches Oriental Afternoon Tea

Tue, 26 Apr 2011 16:00:53 GMT

Guoman Hotels Grand Imperial London has launched its unique take on a timeless classic by offering its customers Oriental Afternoon Tea.

Recalling the glamour of the orient with a sleek modern twist, guests can unwind safe in the knowledge that even their 'chi' will get some much needed rejuvenation in an ambience designed with a Feng Shui master.

The Asian-inspired tea arrives presented on a stand laden with Cantonese sweets, treats and savouries. The first course includes fresh black cod rolls, wrapped in Kataifi pastry and Char Sui Bao. Both made with the freshest ingredients, the Bao are the famous Cantonese pork buns which are light, fluffy and filled with sticky pork.

The second course is Grand Imperial's teatime-take on poultry including a Concubine Chicken Wrap (shredded salted chicken wrapped in a crunchy lettuce leaf) or Shredded Duck Wrap (a twist on the perennially popular duck pancakes – shredded duck in prawn crackers). Delicate, crispy and with just a slight kick these are the perfect conclusion to the tea's savoury selection.

Chocolate Dim Sum - the final course - is an experience totally unique to Grand Imperial. Blending the art of crispy, delicate dim sum parcels with a warm, silky sauce made with 70% cacao, head chef Leung and dim sum chef Sai Feng Zeng have created the dish which consists of four individual parcels; the crispy Canton Cracker pastry, the Pumpkin Bundle, a miniature pumpkin made with pumpkin essence and lemon zest, the Cashew Crescent, a half-moon pastry topped with cashew nuts and icing sugar and the Coconut Doughnut rolled in coconut shavings and tangerine zest.

To accompany the afternoon tea in London guests can pick their favourite soothing Oriental tea from Grand Imperial's extensive selection.

The Oriental Afternoon Tea will be served every day between 3-5pm.

Guoman Hotels in the UK consists of four landmark properties; Charing Cross, The Cumberland, The Royal Horseguards (current AA London Hotel of the Year 2010/11) and The Tower. Whilst each hotel in the portfolio is different with its own unique identity and style, each provides the very highest levels of comfort and service to its guests.

In 2010, Guoman Hotels launched internationally, with its new property opening in Shanghai – with a property in Beijing to follow in 2011. In the UK, The Grosvenor Victoria property will join the collection in the near future.

Choice Hotels opens new Comfort Hotel in London

Tue, 26 Apr 2011 10:05:21 GMT

Choice Hotels International, the global hotel group behind the Comfort, Quality and Clarion brands and one of the largest and most successful lodging franchisors in the world, has announced the opening of the Comfort Inn Hyde Park, bringing the number of Choice-branded hotels in London to eighteen.

Previously independently run as the Park Lodge Hotel, the re-branded Comfort Inn Hyde Park has 29 newly re-furbished guest bedrooms, all with modern en-suites and featuring flat screen LCD televisions, free wi-fi, and tea and coffee making facilities. Guests also benefit from the free full English breakfast served everyday in the breakfast room. Located 200 metres from Queensway and Bayswater tube stations with easy access to both Central London and London Heathrow, the hotel is an excellent base for both business and leisure travellers.

Last month Choice Hotels announced that it opened nearly 40 new Comfort, Quality or Clarion brand properties in Europe alone during 2010. The benefits to independent hoteliers of operating under these brands include increased reservations delivered through a central online booking system and third-party travel websites, marketing support and powerful seasonal and national advertising campaigns, as well as a large and experienced sales force able to negotiate with major travel agents. The company also operates an award-winning global loyalty programme with more than 12 million members.

Duncan Berry, UK CEO, Choice Hotels Europe commented: “We are delighted to open this new London Hotel which will serve both leisure and business travellers looking for a value-added competitively priced hotel. With the forthcoming 2012 Olympics we believe all our 18 London-based Choice-branded hotels are well-positioned to benefit from the inbound tourism expected next year.”

Sayeed Esmail, Director of Operations for SME Group Plc who operates the Comfort Inn Hyde Park hotel under a franchise agreement, commented: “We wanted to work with a strong global franchise brand and Choice Hotels Europe fitted the bill perfectly.”

Choice Hotels Europe’s portfolio of franchised hotels offers business and leisure travellers a full spectrum from premium economy to luxury hotels. Choice Hotels Europe franchises nearly 500 hotels across Europe alone. Brands operated by Choice in Europe include Clarion which could be described as four-star, Quality, which sits in the three-star bracket and provides a mid-scale full service offering and Comfort, Choice’s largest brand worldwide and known for value and reliability.

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About Choice Hotels International and Choice Hotels Europe
Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH) is one of the largest lodging franchisors in the world.

Choice Hotels currently franchises more than 6,000 hotels globally, representing more than 485,000 rooms. Ranging from limited service to full service hotels in the economy, mid-scale and upscale segments, Choice Hotels franchised properties provide business and leisure travellers with a range of, high-value lodging options.

Choice Hotels Europe is the trading name of Quality Hotels Ltd., a subsidiary of Choice Hotels International, Inc. Choice Hotels Europe (Quality Hotels Ltd.) provides travellers with single access to a network of nearly 500 locations in Europe, including over 40 UK destinations, under the Comfort, Quality and Clarion brands. Choice Hotels, Choice Hotels International, Choice Hotels Europe, Choice Privileges, Comfort, Quality, Sleep Inn, Cambria Suites, Clarion, Clarion Collection and Ascend Collection are proprietary trademarks and service marks of Choice Hotels International, Inc.

Top Articles Tagged with hotels-in-london

Choice Hotels' survey reveals mixed views on whether hotels outside London will benefit from this summer’s events

Premier Inn reveals that parents will spend £3.4 billion on half-term holiday

NH Hoteles implements 'Quality Focus' strategy

Guoman Royal Horseguard Hotel general manager joins Leading Ladies of London

Guoman Hotels Grand Imperial London launches Oriental Afternoon Tea

Choice Hotels opens new Comfort Hotel in London