Hotel Magazine March 2023

MARCH 2023

Can you hear that? The illustrious sound of wedding bells in the distance? With wedding season just around the corner and ever-changing desires becoming more prominent in love-struck couples, we look in to how you can develop your wedding packages and successfully market them to increase bookings. With simply offering weddings at your venue not being enough, we delve deeper into the subject of marketing. In our exclusive guest column, Chloe Robbins, Founder of Reach Marketing and Media, highlights some advice on successfully marketing your venue to make it stand out from the crowd.

Alongside our extensive wedding focus, Interiors takes centre stage midway through the issue as we explore ‘Functionality vs. Appearance: How to get it right’. Some of the biggest names in the industry are on hand to provide a wealth of knowledge, highlighting how you can ensure your guests are repeat customers.

Now I don’t want to spoil the fun so I’ll stop myself there with what’s to come in the remainder of our March issue. If there are any particular topics you’d like us to cover in the upcoming editions of Hotel Magazine please don’t hesitate to get in touch as we would love to hear from you!

EDITOR

Jade Evans jevans@cimltd.co.uk

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT

Brooke Tremain bt@cimltd.co.uk

PUBLICATION MANAGER

Declan Wale dec@cimltd.co.uk

Tel: 01795 509 112

ACCOUNT MANAGER

Jazmine Davis

jazmine@cimltd.co.uk

Tel: 01795 509 112

CONTENTS

12 WEDDINGS

As wedding season is just around the corner, we delve into developing your venue’s wedding packages and marketing them successfully with guidance from hospitality experts.

26 HOTEL OF THE MONTH

In March we head to the Mama Shelter London Shoreditch and explore their vibrant urban refuge.

28 INTERIORS

We look at how you strike the balance with hotel interior to ensure that your venue’s furnishings please your guests visually whilst also maintaining the crucial elements of functionality.

36 HM PICKS

To accompany the interiors focus, we showcase some of our favourite hotel shots in this month’s HM Picks.

44 HOTELS AROUND THE WORLD

This month’s global venue boasts an unbeatable beach front location, W Dubai – Mina Seyahi takes guests on a journey through creative interior.

46 UK HOSPITALITY

Chief Executive of UK Hospitality, Kate Nicholls returns with expert guidance in her highly sought after monthly column.

CREDIT FACILITIES MANAGER

Lauren Sharpe creditcontrol@cimltd.co.uk

Tel: 01795 509 103

ADMINISTRATION MANAGER

Natalie Murray admin@cimltd.co.uk

Tel: 01795 509 103

MARKETING MANAGER

Paris Kennelly paris@cimltd.co.uk

DESIGN AND PRODUCTION

Grant Waters grant@cimltd.co.uk

James Taylor james@cimltd.co.uk

SALES DIRECTOR

Tom Woollin tom@cimltd.co.uk

CHIEF EXECUTIVE

John Denning

Bring organic and bold flavour to your drinks offering

Established in 2018 and launched in 2019, OTC Beverages filled a gap in the market for hoteliers searching for a drink made with organic ingredients, with a great taste and a luxury look. After just three months their drinks range was shortlisted for the ‘Best Drinks category’ at the Food Matters Event 2019. During the pandemic, a new flavour was launched: ‘Butterfly Pea Flower with Lime Juice’ which was well received by the Great British Food Award Judges confirming the brand’s proactive product development. The stylish drinks range has also broke into movies in 2021 when the Caribbean inspired drinks rose to fame as product placement in a film. To upgrade your hotel’s drink offering head to: www.otcbeverages.com/

Luxury travel specialist, The PC Agency appointed to represent Zetter Hotels

Zetter properties seek to reinvent the boutique hotel concept. The Zetter Townhouses pride themselves as a ‘home away from home’, with every room offering a sanctuary in the heart of London, for both locals and international visitors alike.

The PC Agency will be working to drive the hotel’s PR strategy and media relations globally as well as to help grow the brand.

Paul Charles, CEO and Founder of The PC Agency comments: ‘It is such an honour to be partnering with Zetter Hotels and be appointed as their dedicated PR Agency. Zetter Hotels is already a well-established and respected group in London and we are excited to help drive even more interest to these fantastic properties as well as support the brand as it continues to develop with exciting future steps.’

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SECURE TRANSPORTATION

WEDDINGS

THE ULTIMATE WEDDING VENUE

BOOK WITH EASE

Offering straightforward packages that are easy to find and visually pleasing is the first step to encouraging couples to celebrate at your venue. Clearly detail what you have to offer and provide peace of mind that you can take care of everything they’re looking for. Including your venue’s limitations is crucial to avoid disappointment. For example, if your bar license ends at 11pm, don’t hide this information; you could book in a saddened couple who wanted to continue their celebrations into the early hours. Weddings are a fantastic way to boost revenue, but don’t let this incentive cause you to lose sight of their true purpose and promise the world to increase your bookings.

IN-HOUSE PHOTOGRAPHER

If the wedding party brings in their own photographer, they may capture images that don’t show your venue in the best light, which can be tied to you and tarnish your reputation. Having a dedicated in-house photographer who you trust eliminates this worry. Not only is this a perk to detail in your packages, it also boosts your marketing by providing hi-res images that you can share as a part of your portfolio, helping future weds imagine themselves at your venue on their special day.

TARGET AUDIENCE

As part of this month’s wedding focus, we outline five techniques you can introduce into your venue to increase wedding bookings and appeal to a larger audience. 1

Couples search for a venue to host a day they’ll never forget, so create a bold marketing strategy to match this. The first place to start with your strategy is clarifying who your target audience is. Weddings are personal so don’t be afraid to be specific with this, if you aim to appeal to everyone, there’s a low chance you’ll stand out as it will lose that special touch. Have a website that delivers a user-effective experience that isn’t just visually driven but has an accessible call to action. This way you can connect with the couples in person as soon as possible, increasing the likelihood of booking. For example: ‘Book a site tour’ or ‘Schedule a planner meeting’ would be useful options.

GET IT RIGHT

With a rise in couples searching for a nontraditional venue, everywhere from barns to vineyards are opening their doors to those ready to tie the knot. To fight off competition you need to make sure your hotel doesn’t get forgotten about; you have to go that extra mile to make couples feel valued. After your initial meeting, send over a questionnaire to really get to know their preferences. When you reach out again, you can alter your package to specifically suit their desires, take the stress away from the process whilst also developing your venue to be exactly what they’re looking for.

PREVIOUS LOVE STORIES

In the modern realm of Photoshop and social media fantasy, it’s hard to know whether what you see is what you get. Just as guests would rely on Trip Advisor when booking a trip to get the real scoop of where they’ll be staying, it’s just as important that you provide wedding reviews and testimonials. Showcase these on your website to put couple’s minds at ease by building their trust.

FOR BETTER NOT FOR WORSE

With ever-changing wedding desires, we look at how you can develop your wedding packages and successfully market them to increase bookings and be a memorable location.

As the hospitality industry gears up for another wedding season, this time around, restriction free… it’s important to recognise just how great of an opportunity it can be to capitalise on this and boost your profits.

Admittedly, weddings aren’t what they used to be, with so many modern variations available but this is all the more reason to develop your packages with the wedding industry being a great source of income for hotels.

Saad Al-Ghamdi, Complex Director of Sales and Marketing at Marriott International, explained that the way in which they encourage their wedding offering to stand out is through their exceptional service and the training of their events team who are multilingual specialists that go above and beyond to make guest’s visions a reality.

Saad explained: “We’re driven by passion; from 1,750-guest galas to intimate boardroom meetings, each gathering is harmoniously curated and brought to life by our acclaimed event specialists, culinary masters and dedicated hotel team.”

It’s vital to ensure that your venue appeals to a wide

audience whilst maintaining a personal feel for each couple, at Town Hall Hotel they offer tailored wedding experiences to achieve this. Geeta Defoe, Director of Sales and Marketing at Town Hall Hotel explained: “We want the day to be perfect for each and every couple, so as well as carefully curated packages, we offer a bespoke option too. We can offer the perfect celebration, whether you’re simply looking for an intimate ceremony, or a lavish event, we have a selection of event spaces, menus and dedicated staff to make sure the day is exactly what couples have dreamed of.”

Utilising existing facilities at a venue to elevate wedding packages and increase bookings is a great place to start and Pauline Smith on behalf of Proprietor, Janet Simpson at Gibbon Bridge Hotel explained: “We are flexible in the facilities we offer for weddings as we have a choice of holding ceremonies in our orangery (up to 60) or our outdoor band stand which can accommodate any number of guests.”

As a country estate hotel, with 30 rooms to accommodate guests before and after the wedding day,

Gibbon Bridge Hotel has the facilities to offer a selection of catering options for the night before, as well as after the wedding breakfast and will always do their utmost to accommodate guests requests to go that extra mile.

“We offer various rooms for our events and exclusivity for the whole hotel/restaurant/estate to ensure privacy and that extra special experience. We have tennis courts, a relaxing lounge away from rooms and the main event space, a bridal flat comprising three levels for the bridal party, post-wedding apartment and even a helipad.”

Wedding planning can be a stressful job for the couple in question, it’s important that venues make the booking process of ceremonies seamless to lessen the stress.

Gibbon Bridge Hotel hold open days for newly engaged couples and those looking to leisurely explore the venue, with staff on hand to answer any questions they have: “We invite suppliers along to assist couples with those aspects too and are contactable after, offer a tasting event for couples who have booked, invite them to stay over or dine to get the full experience.” Added Pauline.

Ellenborough Park are another venue which offers fayres throughout the year to grow their wedding audience.

Joanne Reeves, the Director of Sales and Marketing at Ellenborough Park explained that at the fayres they give couples a tour of the venue and a goody bag: “The rooms

and setting sell themselves, with a little bit of care from the team.”

Couples that are looking for a wedding venue will be searching for a location that not only suits their dream scenario but also their practical needs. Therefore, in order to deliver a dream day to a wide range of requirements and couples, it is important to understand the couple’s individual vision that they are looking for and then be skilled in knowing how to deliver that within the boundaries of your facilities.

Leanne Galer-Reick, Head of Marketing at Clermont Hotel Group explained: “We are fortunate in that The Royal Horseguards Hotel is notorious for its unbeatable location, historic interior and first-class facilities, offering some of the best and most unique events you can get in the city.

“We pride ourselves on exceptional guest experience and provide a dedicated wedding planner service for all couples. Planners can discuss the various packages available with added flexibility to suit every occasion and wedding. We appreciate time is of the essence when it comes to wedding planning, therefore our team work to a flexible appointment schedule.

“Our experienced team also have an incredible network of suppliers from florists to entertainment companies, and have extensive knowledge with the planning process which

“We are happy to guide and support our couples in all aspects of their planning, but we must remember we are here to deliver their dream day, and that is what we pride ourselves on.”

means that they are fully equipped to bring the couple’s vision for their big day to life. The hotel’s online booking platform for guests’ accommodation also means couples can easily share overnight stay information with their guests, allowing them to effortlessly organise the wider wedding party.”

With many consumers now keen to have their entire wedding day all in one location, this is a bonus for Wivenhoe House as they have everything under one roof: ceremony and reception spaces, bedrooms, catering, décor, and event planners. This takes off the pressure of worrying about the little details from couples whilst still making the day bespoke to them. Their event coordinators work to make the experience as easy and painless as possible.

Louise Griffiths, Conference, Events and Weddings manager at Wivenhoe House explained how the venue even has the possibility to host outdoor or indoor weddings: “We also have some special offers and packages such as

our “Whirlwind” package for last minute weddings and our “twilight” packages for off season.”

From experience and via feedback from previous couples, the beauty of a manor house with its historic rooms, bay windows, high ceilings, elegance and views of the stunning grounds is what stood out for couples during their wedding day, according to Louise: “Couples also love the service and staff who always go above and beyond.”

As a hotel Louise revealed how herself and the team understand how enticing it is to have bedrooms as part of the wedding venue and revealed that their couples love it too

“However, we have been doing this a long time and although we are a hotel, we are also a wedding venue with a full wedding team and years of experience of putting on weddings all year round. Excellent imagery and a strong online presence is integral for marketing, our outgoing message is exactly what we deliver, excellent service, a beautiful venue and the perfect setting for any couples love story.”

For potential clients looking to book one of the biggest days of their lives, genuine feedback and testimonials really go a long way and provides them with a sense of transparency.

Polly Savage, Wedding Manager at De Vere Tortworth Court, explained how the venue loves to use pictures and testimonials of happy couples from months – and even years – past to show a real-life array of ideas and arrangements that have been tried and tested: “The more we share our successes on social media the more our prospective couples are likely to see a wedding style that appeals to their taste and start imagining their own Big Day at our venue.”

With so many package options available at the Grade II listed Country Manor House Hotel, it’s important the team show-off its versatility; demonstrating how the elegant spaces can either be left as they are to provide a simple yet beautiful backdrop, or couples can add layers of extravagant décor and the status of the rooms are able to pull this off too. To get this across visually to prospective

couples, the venue partners with contemporary photographers who appreciate the natural beauty of the building and its 30-acres of parkland.

If your venue is visually striking don’t miss out on marketing this, Geeta, Director of Sales and Marketing at Town Hall stressed the importance of showcasing your venue’s strengths as a wedding venue: “We’re lucky that Town Hall Hotel is so impressive to look at. The impressive features and finer details come across beautifully in photographs, so showcasing this on social media and within our marketing collateral, really helps gain interest and spark imaginations. We try to make sure our photography is up to date and capture as much as we can on the day of a wedding.”

Nicola Cook, Head of Marketing at Rudding Park, explained that being a resort, they are in the fortunate position to be able to enhance weddings with a variety of different experiences throughout the venue.

“One of our key features is the 19th Century Chapel and whilst it may not be possible to hold a full religious service within the Chapel, it makes the most beautiful venue for a wedding blessing, following a civil ceremony.”

As more overnight venues are beginning to offer themselves as a wedding location, successful marketing tools are crucial to stand out. Nicola explained how the team at Rudding Park focus on the whole journey from the moment a couple enquire; “Something as simple as a personalised reserved car parking sign when they arrive for their wedding appointment, to providing Rudding Park petit fours to take away when they come for a wedding tasting.”

Linden Beattie, General Manager at Down Hall revealed that the Essex-based hotel’s facilities were designed with weddings in mind as the space is perfectly appointed.

Down Hall boasts a range of options, from intimate rooms for smaller weddings to grand function spaces for larger events. Making the most of their surroundings, Linden added: “We utilise the 110 acres of stunning grounds that were designed by Charles Bridgeman, to accommodate external ceremonies which is a popular choice for many of

our guests.”

As a venue which hosts wedding parties throughout the year, Linden spoke about the importance of treating every wedding with the individuality it deserves: “We have a dedicated team who will look after our couples from the first point of contact through to delivery on the day, we love to work with our couples to bring their dreams to life.

“We are happy to guide and support our couples in all aspects of their planning, but we must remember we are here to deliver their dream day, and that is what we pride ourselves on.”

Overseas venue Dolce Sitges, follow the latest trends for weddings in order to stay relevant; Isabel Hidalgo, Director of Sales and Marketing, said: “We attend trade fairs and co-operate with our partners like Barcelona Tourism to receive market information from national and international sources. We also work with our local partners like florists, jewellers and furniture suppliers to create new packages reflecting the latest styles (i.e. boho-chic or romantic).”

Isabel and her team recognise the importance of standing out, especially as an abroad and high in demand venue. She explained that they have very clear USP’s, and know how to stand out from competitors.

“We know our strengths and weaknesses and we are

always tweaking our offering to ensure we are above our competitors. We use social media, wedding websites as well as the hotel´s own website, work with wedding influencers and bloggers as well as receive wedding planner trips with our partner Barcelona Tourism.”

Sam Goss, General Manager at The Castle Hotel Windsor, explained how he’s seen a shift towards smaller wedding enquiries, potentially off the back of the pandemic which the hotel has adapted to: “We can now transform the private dining area of our restaurant, Leaf, to host these intimate weddings, which often take place at the nearby Guildhall.

“This also means that our packages have become more accessible, with a focus on using local provenance wherever possible in our menus, thus providing delicious, quality food for wedding guests and minimising our carbon footprint.”

Developing your hotel into a wedding venue isn’t an easy project and competition is fierce but carried out correctly you can reap the benefits. Your hotel space is most likely suited to host wedding ceremonies, so don’t miss out on the chance to open a new avenue of revenue whilst boosting your reputation and most importantly being the home of countless special days.

Page 14 middle left: Rudding Park

All other images are Ellenborough Park

A BEGINNER’S GUIDE

With 15 years of experience in business development and marketing, specialising in work with the hospitality industry, Chloe Robbins shares her expertise on the best approach to marketing your wedding venue to ensure maximum bookings and exposure.

What details should venues include in their marketing campaigns for their wedding packages?

As the saying goes, ‘it’s all in the details’- from showcasing the venue in all its glory, to the grounds, decor, and any other USPs. Couples seek an intimate and personal experience, so ensuring this is considered throughout your messaging is vital. Finally, imagery and videos speak a thousand words! Use real couples to craft a story, connecting with your audience on an emotional level.

How can venues tailor their marketing strategy to suit and appeal to their target audience?

What makes your venue different? Understanding what makes your venue unique will help you to understand ‘who’ your target couples are. Afterwards, evaluate ‘where’ they spend their time to ensure maximum exposure. Paid social media ads are effective marketing campaigns that can be easily tailored, creating custom audiences based on age, location, relationship status and interests. Don’t forget Pinterest! Couples use this platform as a wedding planning tool, so creating an ad campaign on Pinterest is a great tool.

What’s the best way to present the wedding experience a venue offers to increase bookings and ensure clients see the hotel’s full potential?

Holding regular open days is one of the best ways to showcase your venue. However, for your wider marketing strategy, invest in high-quality imagery and video footage - ideally from a ‘real life’ wedding. Then, ensure it has a prominent placement on your website and use this as leverage on all of your channels. One video can create numerous shots to generate a lot of social media content.

How can venues maintain a balance between having a visually pleasing and user-effective website to guarantee the most bookings possible?

Your website should sell the dream through media, ensure couples can easily find the information and get them to go forward with call-to-action buttons. Your homepage is the first impression of your venue, so display high-quality media, up-to-date information and captivating content to set the scene for their dream day.

Chloe’s top tip

Include white space, more media than copy, and call-toaction buttons throughout your homepage. The navigation is where you can provide more details such as packages, FAQs and galleries.

www.reachmarketingandsocial.com

THE FIVE SENSES OF HOSPITALITY

On 14 and 15 March, the Independent Hotel Show will take place at RAI Amsterdam. More than 200 exhibitors and 40 industry leaders will show the latest developments within the hotel industry. The overarching theme is The Five Senses of Hospitality.

The Independent Hotel Show returns to Amsterdam for the third edition promising to offer fresh ideas and insights in to the latest hotel trends for hoteliers to takeaway and implement. Expect to experience plenty of inspiring new show features with a focus on eco-friendly initiatives and cost-saving solutions including The Circular Lab and The HR & Energy Saving Quarters. These quarters were introduced to demonstrate tangible and costeffective solutions to today’s two most pressing challenges.

Latest trends

For two days, there will be an extensive seminar programme. On the Hotel Innovation Stage, in partnership with HotelPartner, experts and innovators will bring the latest trends for the hotel industry in the form of exciting and engaging presentations. On the brand-new Hotel Business Stage, in partnership with RoomRacoon and designed by Riviera Maison there will be several one-to-one interviews and thought-provoking panel discussions taking place. For example, Google will present a survey on how traveller expectations have differed since 2019. There is also a session

on the latest trends in food and drink. Other key themes include generational intelligence, branding and the new look at uniforms. If you are short on time and want to see the key developments in the hotel industry, book a trends tour.

Wine and live music

At Independent Hotel Show Amsterdam, there is a lot of focus on design, in particular sustainable design solutions. Various designers and suppliers will present the latest interior design trends showcasing everything from lighting and tableware to furniture and art installations. Renowned Dutch designer, Ingrid van der Veen will bring her colourful vision to life in The Lobby, the brand new entrance feature for hoteliers to check-in and grab a complimentary refreshment.

The Social Business Space, hosted by Swiss Sense remains a dedicated area for you to learn, network and share insights with likeminded hoteliers and industry leaders. During the event, the IHA Awards will be presented for the first time for the best Independent Hotelier, the most important hotel concept and the best hotel website, among others. independenthotelshow.nl

Brand Spotlight

At the Independent Hotel Show Amsterdam, more than 200 companies present the latest innovations and trends. Here are some great examples of the beautiful brands set to be presented at the show in March:

Riviera Maison

Riviera Maison regularly furnishes projects, such as hotels, restaurants and business spaces with the intention to enhance the atmosphere and add a level of warmth. Riviera Maison is a partner for project design and styling all over the world. The so recognizable ‘home’ feeling is visible in all projects; whether it’s a pleasant atmospheric work environment or a unique hotel on the beach, we provide every environment with the ultimate feeling of home. At the Independent Hotel Show Amsterdam, we present, among other things, this impressive sofa that transforms a hotel lobby or suite into a comfortable and homely place. riveramaison.com

RoomRaccoon

RoomRaccoon is an all-in-one hotel management solution designed by independent hoteliers for independent hoteliers. The cloud-based system comes with a host of exciting native tools that work together seamlessly to unlock new ways to generate revenue, streamline property operations, and enhance the guest experience. With RoomRaccoon, hoteliers can say goodbye to costly and complex integrations and access all the tools they need to manage their property at the click of a button. At IHS Amsterdam, RoomRaccoon will showcase the product’s latest developments, features and upgrades, including their newly enhanced integrated

payment platform, RaccoonPay, that promises to make payments for hoteliers easier, more affordable and more secure. roomraccoon.co.uk

Swiss Sense Business

Swiss Sense’s Hotel Collection box springs are specially designed to pamper guests. They can take a beating and are ideal for housekeeping. Be inspired by the possibilities in the field of good sleep in a style that suits your accommodation and a composition that fits every budget. From holiday park to B&B and from hotel to luxury international resort, the box springs from our Hotel Collection guarantee a carefree night’s sleep for your guests. swisssense.nl

HotelPartner

HotelPartner is a service provider in revenue management and distribution, where through our TET-Synergy of qualified teams, proven expertise, and the use of leading technology, HotelPartner aims to reduce costs and maximise roomsrevenue of hotels, hotel groups and similar accommodation providers. Through our services and collaboration with other service providers, we can offer our partner hotels the opportunity of comprehensive optimisations. In particular, the substitution of cost-intensive personnel, allowing them the flexibility of employment and additionally, providing them with the necessary scope for reserves and investments.

hotelpartner-ym.com

To register to attend IHA23 visit indpendenthotelshow. nl/en and use visitor code HMAGPRINT to receive a complimentary ticket to the show.

POWER DOWN

Practical tips to reduce your venue’s energy consumption, as told by Restaurant Supply Store.

Every establishment owner is aware of the rising cost of energy, both in financial terms, and environmental impact. So what can you do to bring down your usage?

Later this year, Restaurant Supply Store will publish a practical guide to energy saving in the Hospitality Sector. The guide will focus on measures that are quick and easy to implement also including case studies.

Here’s a short preview of some techniques suggested to reduce your energy use:

Refrigeration

Fridges and freezers consume energy 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Refrigeration appliances work harder in warm environments, if your fridges are in a busy commercial kitchen, where the ambient temperature can exceed 45 degrees centigrade, appliances will be working overtime to keep the contents cool, not only using more power but also reducing the lifespan of the unit. Consider shielding or relocating some of your refrigeration appliances away from heat sources.

Make sure you check the consumption rating of older appliances. The running cost of a modern double-door cabinet freezer is in the region of £1,200 per year. An older less efficient appliance could be using up to three times that amount. Replacing such a unit could pay for itself in a matter of months and deliver substantial savings.

Washing and Laundry

Consider the frequency with which you use your dishwashers, glasswashers, washing machines and tumble dryers. Make sure loads are as complete as they can be and consider replacing smaller appliances with larger capacity alternatives.

Some smaller establishments still use domestic dishwashers and washing machines. A domestic dishwasher cycle is normally an hour or more. A commercial dishwasher will use roughly double the energy per minute but typically a wash cycle is 3 minutes. Whilst your dishes won’t be dried in that time, also consider that in a commercial kitchen only 5% of the heat produced goes into the food being prepared and you have a fair bit left for drying your recently washed crockery, waiters cloths etc.

Cooking appliances

Adjusting your pre-heat time by just a few minutes can

save a great deal of money in the course of a year. Heating appliances in a commercial kitchen are likely to be using around £80-£100 of energy per hour. That means firing up 15 minutes later, or switching off sooner, could save you £9,000 per year.

Modern appliances can provide near instant heat reducing the need to keep appliances on permanently whilst speeding up cooking times.

Front of House

If you have heating and air-conditioning for your guests, make sure there is at least a 4 degree differential between the trigger points. This will prevent your heating and cooling systems battling it out and will create a more comfortable environment for your guests.

During quieter periods, consider turning off the lighting in part of the restaurant. Apart from saving energy, it creates a cosier ambiance.

The full guide including cases studies will be published once studies are complete. Head to www.restaurantsupplystore.co.uk for updates, and energy efficient appliances to start saving today.

OH MAMA!

Offering something a little different, Mama Shelter London Shoreditch boasts an array of quirky features and takes centre stage as our Hotel of the Month. In this exclusive piece we find out how having a playful edge can contribute to providing a memorable experience.

Mama Shelter London Shoreditch is a dynamic and playful hotel with a restaurant, cocktail bar, events Atelier and karaoke booths in a vibrant East London neighbourhood.

Part of the high-energy Mama Shelter powerhouse portfolio of hotels across the globe, Mama Shelter London Shoreditch is a truly inclusive urban refuge that is not only beautiful and modern, but also flamboyant, friendly and fun.

The venue is part of a family-founded company that has been disrupting the hotel scene since its Paris launch in 2008 with its eccentric, cheeky and accessible approach to hospitality. Shoreditch is no exception with its vibrant décor and sexy, sassy offering.

Samantha Samuel, Head of Marketing and Partnerships at Mama Shelter London Shoreditch, explained how inclusion is at the heart of the hotel, adding: “Mama welcomes

everyone and certainly doesn’t discriminate. The team has worked very hard to create an inviting, vibrant and affordable concept that appeals to all.”

The venue strives to ensure that each visitor feels comfortable and this is executed via five main avenues: the ultra-design and comfortable rooms; the unique, quirky interior decoration; the homemade, high-quality menus; the year-round happenings; and the cutting-edge Ateliers.

Samantha explained that in terms of marketing, publicity is a big focus for Mama. If you’re doing something unique and out there, it’s important to sing it from the rooftops.

The hotel works with a range of strategic partners, such as online travel agents, to ensure their offering is visible. Alongside this, they have a PR team who are always showcasing the hotel to great writers, influencers and movers and shakers.

Going above and beyond to offer a memorable experience, Samantha added: “Our events programme

really distinguishes us against the competition. We always have something new for our guests to keep them coming back for more, be that a new room package, or a themed pop-up.

“Social by name and nature, our online presence is important. We work with a range of incredibly talented content creators to enhance our presence on Instagram, and we collaborate with well-known brands where possible to cross-promote to audiences.”

Being positioned in Shoreditch makes competition tough in terms of overnight stay venues in the area, and one of the elements that makes Mama Shelter stand out is the fantastic food offering which always draws in locals and regulars.

Samantha continued: “People also love our unique add-ons. For example, we have karaoke rooms on-site, so people can really add to their comfortable stay. We’re also incredibly dog-friendly and welcome pooches, so there are

no limitations.”

The playful design is one of the most memorable aspects of the entire space. Throughout the hotel, guests will find vibrant furnishings, bold artworks, colour and pattern at every turn. Samantha explained that the hotel collaborated with French interior designers Maxime Dion and Florence Arles on the ideation and creation of the space.

The graffiti ceiling (by French artist Beniloys), the graphic carpet, the comfy armchairs and the singular ornaments that fill the bookshelves all echo an aspect of Mama’s personality. The cartoon masks used as lampshades remind guests that Mama doesn’t take things too seriously.

To finish, we asked Samantha ‘what’s next for the hotel?’ She revealed: “We have a busy spring of activations and will be focused heavily on the promotion of our karaoke rooms as well as launching some exciting new menu developments – but I can’t give too much away!”

Follow

@mamashelterlondon

for more.

“Mama welcomes everyone and certainly doesn’t discriminate.”

FUNCTIONALITY VS. APPEARANCE

We look into how to get the balance right along with the benefits it can bring.

Comfort and ergonomics go hand-in-hand. Furniture design amounts to much more than just aesthetic appeal – it should enhance the purpose for which it is intended. Whilst it is often what meets the eye that initially draws consumers in to booking at a hotel, the overall experience will only be enjoyable if both functionality and appearance work cohesively.

Tolga Lacin, Area General Manager at Marriott International, explained that they appointed two design consultancies, BLINK Design Group and Stickman Tribe,

who brought the team’s vision to life when kitting out the venue: “Stickman Tribe took the creative lead on the lobby and lounge, delivering features such as ‘the flying carpet’, our ‘1001 nights’ feature-wall and the golden deer that represents The Golden Deer of Eurasia, which is the richest discovery in the last century. Blink Design Group took over the hotel’s canvas, creating the identity for our rooms, suites and Ginger Moon.”

W Dubai – Mina Seyahi boasts white leather bed headboards with ribs and shapes inspired by Dhows and fabrics with motifs drawn from local calligraphy. The lights

echo ancient lanterns in colours straight from the Arabian Nights, while the suites have been envisioned as a place to gather with friends for pre-dinner drinks and celebration, or for a casual meeting.

Mina explained: “All our design details here at W Dubai –Mina Seyahi are aesthetics-with-purpose, from our flying carpet which represents the transformation from old Dubai to new Dubai - starting as a classic carpet, transforming into crystals, representing modern day Dubai, flowing into the future of the city, through to the large W signage which encloses pieces of the Hakawati story book.”

For Matthew Balon, Head of Design at Ruby Hotels, the guest experience is at the centre of what he does, explaining: “What interests me is telling great stories with curated vintage pieces.”

Often, it’s vintage furniture that gives you the comfy, lived-in feeling guests connect with; “Fostering connection is more important than perfect ergonomics in my view. Of course, I am always looking to bring in a bit of wow-factor,

but I don’t include pieces just for show. Every element needs to work together to tell a part of the story.”

Functionality is about comfort and all components in the area working in unison, which is why Matthew sees that it’s important to start with a clear view of what your guests need and what they don’t need.

“Ruby’s ‘Lean Luxury’ philosophy is about meeting those needs, functional or otherwise, with excellence and leaving out the bits the guest never asked for in the first place. It’s about quality over quantity and being very purposeful in arranging the guest rooms and public spaces to be functional, but also inspiring.”

With hotels’ appearance being a large contributing factor to guests when booking, it’s paramount that as a venue, you maintain a balance to ensure that comfort and ergonomics don’t get compromised.

Kelsey Bacon, Director of Sales at The Corner London City Hotel, explained that five ‘best basics’ are at the core of all they do - a great bed, great service, great shower,

“Fostering connection is more important than perfect ergonomics in my view.”

fast free Wi-Fi coupled with the latest tech and a super clean hotel - to ensure that comfort over design is never compromised.

“Instead, they work in harmony together to achieve affordable luxury, honesty and authenticity. The hotel’s quirky appearance features considered design with honest, handcrafted detail, but it’s the guest experience that inspires us most. With our five ‘best basics’, we strive to achieve cosy interiors with witty conveniences and an inspiring story to pique the interest of those who visit to curate a one-of-a-kind hotel experience that is refreshingly different without compromise.” Says Kelsey.

Every area of The Corner London City Hotel has been designed with guest experience and ease of use front of mind. Each bedroom has an imaginative and modern aesthetic, featuring a unique all-in-one bed and bathroom pod. It’s beautiful, sustainably built, affordable, fully integrated and offers the comfiest rooms in the city.

Kelsey explained that each part of the pod can be brought in through a doorway, making it ideal for re-use, and they are incredibly quick to assemble in just six hours: “They are complemented with hand-picked, independently designed, eco-friendly furniture items, organic toiletries in reusable containers and in-room recycling to create a hotel

room that oozes style and comfort for the ultimate guest experience. There is nothing cookie-cutter about these.”

Gaby Harvey, Brand and Marketing Director at Kin House, recognises that all spaces within a hotel need to be multifunctional to host small and large groups: “For this reason we’ve used furniture in ways that can make a space feel more intimate or spacious, depending on the situation. Upholstered stools and cordless lamps that can be moved, and bespoke dining tables that can be easily extended all help create the right atmosphere.

“All our spaces are designed to be flexible so we can host different scenarios, for example, the Study can seat 24 for dinner, or be used for meetings and movie nights.”

Another venue that has successfully integrated a unique combination of functionality and aesthetics to ensure an unparalleled experience is ME London. Guests can escape the hustle and bustle of the city in the hotel’s minimalist and tranquil rooms and suites. The natural light that floods through the floor-to-ceiling windows creates a serene atmosphere, perfect for unwinding after a long day. The hotel’s focus on discretion ensures that guests’ privacy and comfort are respected throughout their stay.

ME London’s Hotel Manager, Remus Obertelli, explained that the way in which they get the balance right between

“All our spaces are designed to be flexible so we can host different scenarios.”

28: ME London

29: Zedwell, Piccadilly Circus

30: ME London

32 bottom left: Ruby Louise Hotel, Frankfurt

32 right: Zedwell, Piccadilly Circus

34: ME London

functionality and appearance is by prioritising the guest’s experience, paying attention to details, creating a sense of place, and regularly reviewing and updating: “This ensures that the hotel’s functional aspects such as comfort, luxury amenities, and service are tailored to meet guests’ needs, while also providing a visually appealing and cohesive atmosphere that reflects the hotel’s location and culture.

“Additionally, by incorporating sustainable elements, the hotel can reduce its environmental impact and ensure that the design remains fresh and relevant. Whilst natural design is of upmost importance, the impact on the guest is always considered and placed at the forefront, before any design-led decision is made.”

When the sole purpose of design in a bedroom is to inspire sleep, peace and serenity, getting the design right is actually quite simple in the opinion of Darija Aziz, Head of Interior Design for Criterion Capital and Hospitality: “You cultivate a sense of simplicity - by removing clutter and mental noise and by creating peace in your own personal space.”

Zedwell Piccadilly was designed with Neri & Hu and in consultation with psychologists, scientists and sleep experts and offers a new level of minimalism in hotel design. There’s very little furnishing in the cocoons, and elements of the natural world (proven to relax the mind and body) have been the inspiration behind the entire concept.

Darija explained how the materials used at Zedwell are either natural or recycled and a calming palette of warm green and natural oak is used throughout to inspire serenity and the intuitive feeling of protection the bed is encased in an oak frame that extends overhead to create a sanctuary.

“It’s easy to get caught up in the distractions of daily life and hard to find peace in a world that can be overstimulating. With this in mind, cocoons are free of TVs and gadgets - because even when turned off, they emit a buzzing energy that disturbs sleep.” Added Darija.

The appearance of different areas should match the purpose of each space. For example, the design of the bedroom should enhance feelings of relaxation and rest. From the calming scent of lavender, rosemary and bergamot to the specially curated playlist to the air-purifying filters, comfortable beds, and carefully considered lighting and temperature, Zedwell is a natureinspired hotel dedicated to sleep, positive health and wellbeing.

Taking inspiration from the roots of its location, The Fellows House Cambridge was uniquely designed by twenty2degrees, emulating the local feel of Cambridge whilst paying homage to fellows Charles Darwin, Henry Cavendish, John Flamsteed and Siegfried Sassoon.

Giovanni Valentini, Vice President of Operations at The

Fellows House, explained how the look of the venue is rooted in tradition but is also contemporary with modern art and unexpected features, such as bikes attached to the walls and distorted clocks.

“Every aspect of the guest’s journey continues to remain seamless with spacious walkways, comfortable bedrooms which are stylish yet functional for the long-stay guest, as well as a contemporary pool area.” Said Giovanni.

Functionality ensures the quality of being suited to serve a purpose well and, at The Fellows House, each area has a specific function, appealing to all guests regardless of how long they stay: “The Fellows House Garden is ideal for indoor and external events as well as gatherings. Knowing what the functionality is of each room aspect, we can ensure the design lends itself to this. It’s important for venues to consider a stylish design throughout each space to ensure guests feel welcome and can use the space comfortably without any challenges.” Giovanni adds.

The guest experience is hugely impacted by the functionality of a hotel and Giovanni finds that the more comfortable the guests feel, the longer they stay: “The home away from home concept is truly embedded in The Fellows House, targeting longer stay guests looking to reside somewhere where they can ‘Feel at home, Feel Inspired and Feel like a Fellow’.”

Similarly, The Clermont Hotel Group prides itself on providing guests with unmatched experiences, combining comfort and class with its unbeatable, prime London locations. Its collection of hotels hold a wealth of history and this is reflected in the design and architecture.

Leanne Galer-Reick, Head of Marketing at Clermont Hotel Group, explained how atmosphere plays an integral

role when it comes to delivering an overall fantastic guest experience: “Our teams work collaboratively to ensure every element of our operations within the hotels work together harmoniously – this includes creating a distinct feel when each guest enters our hotels. Upon arrival in the hotel lobbies in both hotels, guests are welcomed by the aroma of The Clermont’s signature fragrance and the sight of ornate furnishing as a nod to their histories.”

When it comes to design efficiency and functionality, the hotel group have worked hard to achieve this by ensuring guests have easy access to everything they need, whilst considering the premium look and feel of the space: “We know that both design and functionality can influence guests’ evaluation perception of a location, even as they seek quality experiences in 2023.” Added Leanne.

The Charing Cross and Victoria hotels feature luxurious furnishings in line with the look and feel of the venues, elevating the overall customer experience and creating a calming and attractive environment for guests to enjoy: “Adding simple solutions such as soft furnishings and plants enhances hotel spaces and gives them a warm and welcoming character. Across all our hotels, for example, we include living plants as opposed to faux or plastic plants – which helps to elevate the rooms by adding a sense of authenticity and quality, while also creating a calming environment.” Leanne finished.

We’ve established that ergonomics is just as important as the overall aesthetics of a hotel space; in fact, the two go hand in hand. It’s important not to compromise on functionality just because something is visually appealinglisten to the industry giants and remember that offering a premium service is inclusive of a multitude of factors.

ALL CHANGE, ALL CHANGE

To ensure your venue is appealing all year around, we highlight five cost-effective ways to change your interior with the seasons.

CHANGE TEXTILES ACCORDINGLY

Small additions to the bedroom such as a blanket or decorative cushions are a quick way to elevate the entire aesthetic of a space. Switching up the bed throw to a linen one in the summer months and faux fur through the colder days can massively contribute to creating an ambience for a guest’s arrival. Remember, certain materials are better suited to particular seasons.

USE FAUX FLOWERS

Introducing flowers across your hotel can have a long-lasting effect on guests. Whilst there really is nothing better than a fresh bouquet of flowers, they can be extremely pricey and wasteful, especially when you’re changing them regularly… not to mention, some visitors may be allergic. Opting to spend money on faux flowers that look genuine is a great alternative. Not only will you save a hefty sum, but it will mean you are able to update your floral displays more regularly because of this. Think poinsettia and holly through November and December and tulips during April and May – guests will love it!

CREATE SEASONAL DISPLAYS

Adding wall art to your venue is a beautiful and simple way to create an ideal atmosphere, contributing to higher guest satisfaction rates. To work in line with creating the perfect setting season upon season, try creating different displays as the weather changes, focusing on specific colours. A costeffective way to do this is to rotate work from local artists and use it as a marketing opportunity for them whilst offering guests the chance to purchase the pieces on show.

USE ADJUSTABLE LIGHTING

Lighting plays a huge part in how a room or space appears to the naked eye, massively helping to set the desired scene at a venue. With the rising energy costs being a trending topic, every little helps when saving pennies. We advise investing in or making greater use of dimmer lights, paired with energy-saving bulbs. Whilst lighting isn’t something which automatically springs to mind for everyone when thinking of interiors, it works in line with the rest of a room’s design to enhance it – specifically around seasons. Summer makes us think ‘bright and airy’, whilst the more autumnal months stems thoughts around ‘dark, warm and cosy’.

INTRODUCE SPECIFIC SCENTS

The overall guest experience hugely rides upon activating their senses and the more of them you can interact with, the more memorable their visit will be. With different scents being able to change the mood of an individual, keeping your in-hotel fragrances in line with the seasons is a great way to tie all aspects of your venue’s design together. Offering a pleasant aroma as a guest enters the building is a great initial way to spark the memories of their stay.

HOTEL HEROES

In an exclusive interview with David Lawrenson, Hospitality Sales Director at Silentnight, we explore the benefits the range can offer an overnight venue.

Silentnight offers sleep solutions with hospitality in mind, how does this collection adapt to specialise for an overnight venue?

Whether it’s beds for hotels, hostels, student accommodation, holiday parks, private rental, or serviced apartments; we create solutions for every sleeper and every venue. Everything is designed and produced with the hospitality industry in mind, offering comfort to sleepers of all shapes and sizes and practicality, safety, and durability for housekeepers. So, you can sleep peacefully knowing your guests are too.

Sustainability is rapidly becoming a main concern for the general public, when guests look for an overnight venue they will increasingly search for one that considers its environmental impact. How does silent night work in line with this?

Our mission is to provide quality sleep solutions whilst also being mindful of our environmental impact. Whether that’s sustainable products, being carbon neutral or through logistics – such as taking away our packaging or old mattresses for recycling. We’ve proudly won several awards for our sustainability initiatives, and we’ve committed to a number of ESG targets to ensure we’re constantly thinking about our impact on the planet.

When investing in new furniture, hoteliers look for quality and durability – do your products encompass this?

Absolutely! Not only do we put a huge amount of resource into R&D, but we also have our own SATRA accredited laboratory, which is unique to the industry and the only one of its kind in the UK. Our dedicated quality control teams and sleep research experts rigorously test all our products and materials for durability, flammability, and fitness for purpose beyond UK compliance regulations, ensuring only the safest and highest quality products.

How can hoteliers be confident their guests will enjoy a good night sleep by stocking your products in their venue?

We understand the complexities when it comes to choosing mattresses and beds, we’ve been doing it for decades with everyday shoppers. Our sleep researchers are constantly

researching the science of sleep and innovating our collections to create comfortable and durable sleep solution for guests and hoteliers. There’s a reason we’re the UK’s most trusted sleep brand.

In your expert opinion – what’s the best product combination for a hotel and why?

Our recently refined Rest Assured collection has luxury mattress options that are perfect for those more traditional and boutique hotels. All contain natural British wool, highly breathable fillings, and have a zoned pocket spring unit to improve posture and spinal alignment. You’ll be hard pushed to find something more comfortable and durable.

www.silentnight.co.uk

Hospitality beds from the world’s most trusted sleep brands

At Silentnight Group, we are on a mission to help everyone get a great night’s sleep in the world of hospitality.

UK’s most trusted

We’re proud that Silentnight is the UK’s most trusted bed brand as voted for by the British public and a Superbrand for the 15th year running. This is a huge achievement and we’ll continue investing, innovating and producing quality products to make sure we continue leading the way.

First class customer service

Our knowledge and expertise can guide clients every step of the way, whether that’s helping with a full consultation process or simply dropping off your beds! Just let us know and we’ll be here to help.

For more information visit Silentnight.co.uk/hospitality

Committed to sustainability

We’re dedicated to having a positive impact on the planet and know how important this is to our hospitality customers and their guests. We will always ensure our products and service are created and delivered in a responsible and ethical way.

Backed by science

We understand the science of sleep and the importance of getting a good night’s rest. Our in-house sleep scientists are continually researching and innovating to make sure your guests get the sleep they need to start the day right.

Handmade in the UK

As a group we product over 800,000 mattresses per year and have 100 years of heritage behind us. We’re extremely proud that all our products are made in the heart of the UK.

Since 1977, Bridgman's award-winning outdoor furniture has transformed hotels and spas across the UK. Whether you’re redesigning a small balcony area, enhancing your poolside or completely renovating your outdoors, make the most of your space with complementary site surveys, personalised mood boards, delivery and installation, as well as unrivalled guarantees. After all, beautiful spaces deserve

SLEEP SOLUTIONS

Mattressman shares their expertise on providing a comfortable sleep for all. Elevate your guest’s experience and allow them to check out energised after a comfortable stay.

Please introduce us to Mattressman and what the brand strives to achieve.

The superhero of sleep and Britain’s mattress specialist, Mattressman strives to bring a sublime sleep to everyone across the nation. It’s paramount to us that we provide mattresses for your guests that provide them with support and comfort.

Please share some details on the range of products you offer.

The British Bed Company is an exclusive brand to Mattressman, providing exceptional mattresses perfect for commercial use, all at outstanding prices. They vary in size, support tension, spring type and filling options, so you can be sure to select the mattress that suits your business best.

Mattressman specialises in offering the right product for everyone, what should an overnight venue consider when choosing their mattresses?

Everyone sleeps differently, whether on their stomach, back, side or a mixture. Each preferred way of sleeping requires a different mattress support tension, which can be challenging to accommodate for your guests. Our solution to this predicament is to opt for medium firm support, a versatile tension that is neither too soft nor firm to support everyone, no matter their sleeping position.

How can Mattressman provide functional products for overnight stay venues by catering to varying tenancies?

One of our most versatile and practical products is our divan bases paired with a zip and link mattress. They are the ultimate solution for varying tenancies, allowing you to shift between a king size bed into two single beds. All you have to do is unzip the mattress down the centre and unclip it on the divan base to create two sleeping solutions at ease. Perfect for smaller venues with limited rooms, this product gives you the scope to alter the number of beds you offer from guest to guest.

Public awareness surrounding sustainability is at an all-time high, how does Mattressman work to support this concern?

At Mattressman, we’re conscious of sustainability across our operations and product ranges. We’ve been operating on a

zero-landfill policy for over seven years and have recently partnered with Ecologi, who plant a tree for every product we sell. Not only does this compensate for our carbon footprint, but it also contributes to reforestation across the globe.

We’re proud that a majority of our stocked brands place sustainability at the forefront of their operations.

How can our readers work with Mattressman?

If you’re interested in upgrading your establishment’s mattresses, you’ll be pleased to learn that we have a dedicated trade team to cater to your needs. Providing you with unparalleled sleep expertise, tailored quotes and bulk discounts; you can reach our trade team on 0800 5677 625, email us at tradesales@mattressman.co.uk or alternatively you can see our whole range at www.mattressman.co.uk

Free espresso machine and grinder rental with our monthly coffee contract from only £91* per month

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Looking for something eye-catching Front of House? Our free on loan packages come with:

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DEVELOPING DATA

Advance your venue’s technology by adapting them to accomplish your individual aims with Castra Solutions, guided by an independent consultant who will provide the best resolution for you.

Who are Castra Solutions and how do you approach data collection in hotels?

Castra Solutions is a specialist wired and wireless network provider with almost thirty years of experience. We are vendor agnostic and always recommend the best solution to meet a client’s requirements.

Castra Solutions is unlike most of its competitors in the sense that we don’t recommend data collection in hotels. To collect data requires using login pages on Wi-Fi. These login pages are called captive portals and they are designed to capture guest data for marketing purposes. Wi-Fi providers can make a lot of money out of these solutions. We always ask - why do our customers want to collect data and who from? But we rarely recommend doing it.

Why don’t you recommend captive portals?

Several reasons really, first and foremost because we believe that it impacts the customer’s experience and most of the time it’s unnecessary. A lot of people use false data and several devices don’t handle captive portals very well, so users can often struggle to connect or don’t get recognised when they try and re-join the Wi-Fi.

Secondly, we don’t believe hotels need to collect visitor data via Wi-Fi when most of the time they already have the guest details as they are staying at the hotel and will have a room booking. Our recommendation is not to use captive portals but if a venue really wants to then we suggest only use them in public areas. We create a separate guest and visitor Wi-Fi network and only collect data on the visitor network. If a hotel has multiple sites then we recommend a different solution where guest data is collected and can be used across the sites. This solution also requires guests to validate their data on login so you know the information captured is genuine. The visitor will never be asked to login again and you can track when and where they appear in any of your venues.

How can hotels find out more about your services?

The best way is to contact us either via email on info@ castrasolutions.co.uk or via phone on 0300 124 5005 and one of our sales team will be able to help.

For more information you can visit castrasolutions.co.uk

URBAN LUXURY

W Dubai – Mina Seyahi

“W Dubai – Mina Seyahi tells guests a story”

With an unbeatable beachfront location on the Jumeirah coastline, Dubai’s first luxury, adult-only resort, W Dubai – Mina Seyahi, is set to break boundaries and bring many ‘firsts’ to the market with their new venue showcasing the best in music and design.

The iconic glass skyscraper is home to 318 guest rooms and suites and is a part of Destination Mina Seyahi –sharing a complex with two other Marriott International properties. General Manager Tolga Lacin is an expert on the Dubai hospitality scene, overseeing a total of nine properties within the city, W Dubai - Mina Seyahi being the newest addition to his portfolio. The famous W hotel motto, ‘Whatever/Whenever’ is kept alive in this bold venue, meaning patrons can have whatever they want, whenever they want it.

Opening its doors in late April 2022, W Dubai – Mina Seyahi tells guests a story through a carefully designed interior built to be aesthetics-with-purpose. To bring this visionary concept to life, the venue invited two leading design consultancies for luxury hotels – BLINK, famous for their ability to design experiences that engage the imagination, and Stickman Tribe, renowned for their concept-driven spaces which remain with hotel guests long after their departure.

The interior masterminds created numerous installations and spaces that reveal the local history and culture through the art of design. This includes the venues opulent flying carpet draping the ceiling – beginning as a classic carpet and gradually transforming into crystals, the piece represents the modern era which is taking over Dubai, and a sculpture of the hotel’s signature W which encloses pieces of the Hakawati book, a renowned story that celebrates the local culture.

When it comes to dining, the venue had to deliver stand out concepts as they face fierce competition from over 20

food and beverage outlets in the surrounding area, and the W Dubai – Mina Seyahi didn’t shy away from the challenge.

Ginger Moon, the bohemian poolside dining spot, overlooks sparkling ocean waters and serves exotic cuisine. Tolga sets the scene: “Think pineapple rice, tiger prawns, blue cheese and roasted grape pizza – something you definitely won’t find elsewhere in the city.”

Also on offer, is the sleek, high-energy rooftop lounge, Attiko. Guests can head here for breath-taking 180-degree panoramic views of the city, capturing everything from Ain Dubai and The Palm Jumeirah to the Burj Al Arab and Burj Khalifa. Lucky visitors can take in Dubai’s landmarks whilst satisfying their taste buds with modern and classic Pan-Asian dishes.

Lastly, offering an adventure through design and taste, Farrago Bar & Lounge explores Dubai’s heritage and plays homage to Middle Eastern gold souks through warm hues mixed with gold accents. Their unforgettable storytelling drinks menu can be enjoyed with DJs who take guests’ dinner dates late into the night. This restaurant allows overseas travellers to learn what the United Arab Emirates are all about.

So, what could a UK venue learn from this five-star, luxury urban escape? Tolga explains the market pressures his venue is faced with being located in Dubai: “UAE’s hospitality market is set to expand by 25% by 2030, with a further 48,000 rooms adding to the nation’s extensive 200,000 key portfolio, according to a recent study conducted by Knight Frank”. Although the UK faces these challenges on a lesser scale, it’s forward thinking to absorb Tolga’s advice, which is to always remain relevant by adapting to trends, consumer behaviour and expectations quickly.

For more, please visit www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/ dxbmw-w-dubai-mina-seyahi

DRIVING RECOVERY

As we gear up for Chancellor Jeremy Hunt to deliver his spring budget, UKHospitality’s Chief Executive, Kate Nicholls, reveals what effects investment could have on the hospitality sector.

For good or ill, Wednesday 15 March is certain to be a momentous day for UK hotels and the wider hospitality industry, for it’s the day Chancellor Jeremy Hunt will deliver his Spring Budget – with the future of thousands of our sector’s businesses in his hands.

We hope that by then he will have pored over UKHospitality’s Budget submission, and will have grasped that hospitality is at the heart of the everyday economy, able, with the right Budget support, to drive economic growth and rein in inflation.

I don’t need to set out here the myriad problems that have beset our sector for the past three years. I will instead focus on what government can do – in the short and the long-term – at what is a critical juncture not only for hospitality, but for the whole of the UK economy.

UKHospitality believes a Budget that tackles three key short-term issues – energy, VAT and workforce challenges – whilst providing longer-term headroom and flexibility for our businesses to invest in people, places and in growth is now vital.

Through investment in people, hospitality can enhance the skills of its workforce and attract more people into work via Apprenticeship Levy reform.

Our job creation record is second to none already, generating a quarter of a million jobs in the last 18 months – that’s one in five new jobs. It’s filling them which is the hard part, with vacancies far higher than pre-pandemic, which is why we need a comprehensive approach to unlocking the labour market and delivering skills, ensuring businesses have access to the workforce they need and supporting the economically inactive back into work.

Investment in place means we can deliver much-needed regeneration in towns and cities through licensing and planning reform. All too often we hear reports of the planning system not enabling low-level development, like outdoor seating, which would unlock projects and drive growth.

If our ‘places’ – hotels, bars, restaurants, coffee shops,

to name a few – are to survive, the ongoing energy issue needs to be tackled. With energy support falling away, those who fixed contracts at the top of the market in the past six months are particularly vulnerable. We need to see OFGEM confront unscrupulous energy supplier behaviour, which in part has contributed to these high prices, and permit renegotiation of contracts.

Finally, investment in growth to remove stifling redtape, reform the business rates system and boost liquidity through tackling debt would give venues that muchneeded headroom to operate more freely and reinvest in their businesses.

Taken together like that, it looks like we’re asking for a lot, but ours is the most ubiquitous sector – hospitality is everywhere – and with the support we’ve outlined, it really can drive the recovery.

Roll on 15 March!

Kate Nicholls Chief Executive UKHospitality

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Stay in touch with guests pre & poststay and get insights into your guests’ preferences and purchasing.

Enables hotel groups to centrally manage reservations, inventory distribution, and rates from one platform.

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