MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2015
There’s a
Hand Picked Hotel for you Page 16 to 17
Hotels to Bewitch Page 5
Featured Hotels Page 6 to 13
Autumn Offers Page 14
Hallmark News Page 17
Welcome to the Leisure Magazine - 2
Contents Page 3
Member Hotels
Page 14
Venue Offers
Page 4
What’s on
Page 5
Hotels to Bewitch
Page 6 to 13
Featured Hotels
Page 16 to 17
Page 15
Industry Interview Gemma Jackson
Featured Group Hand Picked Hotels
Back Cover
Testimonials
About Infotel
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01775 843417 lines open 9.00am to 5.30pm, Monday - Friday.
Member Hotels - 3
Member Hotels
TYPES OF ROOM AVAILABLE Single Double Family (x4)
Our New & Existing Member Hotels who joined Infotel this month
Jurys Inn Exeter Exeter, Devon
Starting from
£89.10
Ship Inn
Lostwithiel, Cornwall Starting from
£90
Ormonde House Hotel Southampton, Hampshire Starting from
£75
Fernhurst Hotel
Blackburn, Lancashire Starting from
£59
Warrens Village Clevedon, Somerset
Starting from
£46
Haven in the Vale Hotel Nottingham, Nottinghamshire Starting from
£55
01775 843417 lines open 9.00am to 5.30pm, Monday - Friday.
Shankly Hotel
Liverpool, Merseyside Starting from
£72
was £400
Crown Hotel
Stornoway, Isle of Lewis Starting from
£99
Best Western Brome Grange Hotel Diss, Suffolk
Starting from
£71.10
What’s on - 4 What’s on in October 2015
Pumpkins, Plots and... Pizza?
infotelnews
So just how did a pumpkin become the image of Halloween we all instantly relate to and recreate at our kitchen tables? And does anyone actually use the flesh to make pumpkin pie or soup? We may think it’s a tradition we’ve imported from the States but it was the Irish who introduced the carved creations to Americans in the 19th century, when a wave of immigrants arrived in the country. Originally made from hollowed out turnips, potatoes and beets, pumpkins were soon established as the vegetable of choice as they were bigger and easier to carve. The Jack O’Lanterns, as they were called, were used to ward off evil spirits and keep away Stingy Jack, a miserable old drunk who played tricks on everyone, including the Devil!
Warwick Castle have a great family Halloween haunted castle experience running from 24th October to 1st November where they promise plenty of fear factor and fright, witches spells and twilight knights.
Best Western Falstaff Hotel Leamington Spa
Hallmark Hotel The Welcombe
Stratford-upon-Avon
Hilton Warwick Stratford-upon-Avon
What’s on in November 2015
Warwick
Honiley Court Hotel & Conference Centre Kenilworth
infotelnews
Our November skies will be lit up with an explosion of colour as the failure of the Gunpowder Plot of 1605 is remembered with the burning of Guy Fawkes. If you’ve not yet plotted where you’ll be spending Guy Fawkes night you could consider the stunning fireworks and laser display at Alexandra Palace. With an iconic panoramic London skyline as the night time back drop, it’s a thrilling evening of entertainment that’s sure to sizzle and sparkle! Anyone for pizza? It’s not yet caught on in the UK but October is National Pizza Month in America and Canada and we’d like to know where your favourite UK pizzeria is or tell us your favourite topping! Share your toppings and recommendations on our Facebook page, tweet us @InfotelOffers with #pizza, or share your pizza selfies on Instagram. We’ll follow back everyone who follows us!
01775 843417 lines open 9.00am to 5.30pm, Monday - Friday.
Hotels to Bewitch - 5
West Country Inn
Hallmark Hotel Flitwick Manor
Larkfield Priory Hotel
A 16th century coaching inn with a friendly ghost to add to the other spirits available!
Fine antiques, period pieces and a ghost story set the scene
Spooky goings on from the gallows and a wondering servant girl haunt the former priory
Bideford, Devon
Starting from
£85
Greyhound Hotel
Bedford, Bedfordshire
Starting from
£89
Aylesford, Kent
Starting from
£79
Carshalton, Surrey
Launceston, Cornwall
Jamaica Inn
Bridgehouse Hotel
Whose image is reflected back when you look in a mirror?
Discover spine tingling paranormal activities in this old smugglers inn
A lady haunts this ancient building which was once home to a priest
Starting from
£95
Starting from
£89
01775 843417 lines open 9.00am to 5.30pm, Monday - Friday.
Beaminster, Dorset
Starting from
£145
Featured Hotels - 6
Featured Hotels
8.6 /10 London Beach Golf Hotel Spa & Country Club Tenterden, Kent TN30 6HX Starting from
ÂŁ130
Two minutes from the historic market town of Tenterden, 20 minutes from Ashford International Station and situated in the beautiful weald of Kent, the London Beach Golf Country Hotel offers a tranquil escape where guests can enjoy the scenic countryside and the many outstanding facilities available.
Check in 3.00pm
Check out 10.30am
Spacious bedrooms and private balconies overlook the stunning parkland golf course, a superb infinity pool, saunas, steam rooms, jacuzzi and spa treatments all combine to create the perfect break.
200 Spaces On-site
Free WiFi
TV in Room
Bar
Restaurant
01775 843417 lines open 9.00am to 5.30pm, Monday - Friday.
Tea/Coffee in Room
Golf
Private Cinema
Room Service
Featured Hotels - 7
Featured Hotels
Gidea Park Hotel Romford, Essex RM2 5EL
Starting from Located in the Romford Garden Suburb, Gidea Park is a beautiful Victorian family run hotel that provides comfortable accommodation in a relaxed, elegant, warm and friendly atmosphere, making it is an ideal base for both holidaymakers and business visits.
£70.50 Gidea Park Railway Station is just a six minute walk, trains running every ten minutes to London Liverpool Street Station. Romford town centre is 12 minutes away. Check in 2.00pm
Check out 11.00am
There are a number of single, double, twin and family en-suite rooms, each of which have tea and coffee facilities and free high speed wifi. Larger accommodation in luxury apartments is available for long term corporate and family bookings. Free onsite parking is available. 50 Spaces On-site
Free WiFi
TV in Room
Bar
Restaurant
01775 843417 lines open 9.00am to 5.30pm, Monday - Friday.
Tea/Coffee in Room
Room Service
Dry Cleaning
Featured Hotels - 8
Featured Hotels
8.7 /10 The Black Cow
Derby, Derbyshire DE6 5BE Starting from The award-winning, family managed Black Cow is in the heart of rural Derbyshire and offers a warm welcome to ramblers, cyclists and business guests. Overlooking the village green, this traditional English country pub has recently been awarded 4 AA Stars for its rooms and an additional Rosette for Cuisine.
ÂŁ71.50 lunches can be arranged on request. All food is locally sourced and to a high quality, providing plenty of choice for guests to enjoy. Check in 2.00pm
Check out 10.30am
Families, groups and couples can be accommodated and all rooms include free wifi, digital TV and complimentary tea and coffee making facilities. Check in/out can be tailored to suit guests requirements. A secure boot locker is available for walkers and ramblers, and packed 20 Spaces On-site
Free WiFi
TV in Room
01775 843417 lines open 9.00am to 5.30pm, Monday - Friday.
Bar
Restaurant
Tea/Coffee in Room
Featured Hotels - 9
Featured Hotels
9.3 /10 NOVEMBER SAVINGS!
Luxury Double Room £80.10 was £90. Stay 2 nights to receive 22% OFF
Wesley Guest House
Doncaster, South Yorkshire DN9 1HG Starting from Wesley Guest House has been owned by the Wilson family since 1948; the much loved home is owned and run today by Graham, who guarantees a warm welcome and a comfortable stay.
£85
Ample on-site parking is available and Graham’s freshly cooked to order breakfast is the perfect start to fuel the day!
The 18th century building was recently refurbished and all six guest rooms are decorated to a high standard and include en-suite, TV, tea and coffee making facilities and free wifi.
Check in 3.00pm
Check out 10.00am
An award-winning guest house, which has achieved AA 4 Star rating, provides an ideal base for exploring the historic town of Epworth, or the cities of Lincoln and York, plus Hull, Doncaster and Scunthorpe. 5 Spaces On-site
Free WiFi
TV in Room
01775 843417 lines open 9.00am to 5.30pm, Monday - Friday.
Breakfast Room
Tea/Coffee in Room
CCTV
Featured Hotels - 10
Featured Hotels
8.6 /10 Brentwood Guesthouse Brentwood, Essex CM14 4HJ Starting from Located in Brentwood Town Centre, Brentwood Guest House provides comfortable accommodation in a relaxed, warm and friendly atmosphere and is an ideal base for both holiday makers and business visits.
ÂŁ86
links to the Channel Tunnel and London airports, plus it’s en-route to Harwich, Cambridge and Bluewater Shopping Centre. Check in 2.00pm
Check out 10.30am
A flat screen TV, tea and coffee facilities and a mini refrigerator are provided in each room, some of which have en-suite facilites. Freshly prepared breakfasts are served in the bright and spacious dining room. The central location makes it convenient with direct motorway 10 Spaces On-site
Free WiFi
TV in Room
01775 843417 lines open 9.00am to 5.30pm, Monday - Friday.
Breakfast Room
Luggage Storage
Ideal for Shopping
Featured Hotels - 11
Featured Hotels
8.4 /10 Amberley Inn
Stroud, Gloucestershire GL5 5AF Starting from Positioned in the peaceful Cotswold village of Amberley, the National Trust owned Minchinhampton Common provides the hilltop backdrop and enviable views across the spectacular Cotswolds countryside.
ÂŁ70
Each room has its own individual style, many having fine views across the valley or the gardens. Offering quality meals made with the finest local ingredients and real ales all brewed nearby.
Built in 1855, the historic inn retains all its charm and atmosphere, with original oak panelled rooms and parquet flooring, stone mullioned windows and roaring log fires.
Check in 2.00pm
Check out 11.00am
The Amberley Inn is the perfect location for a year round break, whether for a romantic getaway, walking holiday or business trip. All rooms are light and airy with modern ensuite bathrooms, Egyptian cotton bed linen and other homely features. 20 Spaces On-site
Free WiFi
TV in Room
Bar
Restaurant/ Catering
01775 843417 lines open 9.00am to 5.30pm, Monday - Friday.
Tea/Coffee in Room
Laundry Service
Private Parties
Featured Hotels - 12
Featured Hotels
9.0 /10 Cornfields
Bedford, Bedfordshire MK44 2NJ Starting from Located in peaceful countryside, just 15 minutes from Bedford town centre, and once used as the village inn, the Grade II listed building dates back to the 17th century and retains many of its orginal features, including oak beams and an Inglenook fireplace with a bread oven.
ÂŁ90
with much of the produce sourced locally and cooked to order. Two dining rooms are available, one with access to a private garden. Check in 5.00pm
Check out 11.00am
Five spacious bedrooms are available, all located in the peaceful gardens, offering a tranquil place to unwind and recharge after a busy day of business or leisure. A restaurant serving fresh food from a constantly changing menu offers guests a varied choice of fresh fish, meat, game and vegetarian options, 25 Spaces On-site
Free WiFi
TV in Room
Bar
Restaurant/ Catering
01775 843417 lines open 9.00am to 5.30pm, Monday - Friday.
Tea/Coffee in Room
Private Parties
Wedding Receptions
Featured Hotels - 13
Featured Hotels
9.2 /10
TOP HOTEL OF THE YEAR AT AA AWARDS
Rufflets Country House Hotel St Andrews, Fife KY16 9TX Starting from Securing the top accolade of Scottish Hotel of the Year 2015, Rufflets Country House Hotel has to be on your list of hotels to stay. An idyllic turreted mansion house, set in 10 acres of award-winning gardens, has been in the same family ownership since 1952 and with an enviable location on the outskirts of St Andrews, guests can enjoy the tranquility of the Fife countryside with the bustle of the town, which is only 1.5 miles away.
ÂŁ70
dinner for two or for a larger family gathering and the hotel`s own garden supplies much of the fresh produce used in the seasonally changing menus. Check in 2.00pm
Check out 11.00am
Rufflets offers a wide range of accommodation options, with 24 individually designed bedrooms and three luxury self catering lodges in the grounds. The elegant and spacious Terrace Restaurant is perfect for a romantic 50 Spaces On-site
Free WiFi
TV in Room
Bar
Restaurant
01775 843417 lines open 9.00am to 5.30pm, Monday - Friday.
Tea/Coffee in Room
Private Parties
Wedding Receptions
Venue Offers - 14
AUTUMN OFFERS
View All Offers
Westlynne Hotel & Apartments
Manchester, Gtr Manchester
4 Night Break
Sunday to Thursday
Starting from
£40
was £65
Fox & Hounds Country Hotel Chulmleigh, Devon
Christmas Break 3 days of festive fun
Starting from
£231
Bold Hotel
Southport, Merseyside
Midweek Dinner, B&B On selected dates in October & November
Starting from
£69
was £90
New Hall Hotel & Spa Birmingham, West Midlands
School Holiday Break
October & December Half-Term
Starting from
£154
01775 843417 lines open 9.00am to 5.30pm, Monday - Friday.
Borrowdale Gates Hotel Keswick, Cumbria
4th Night Free
Stay 3 nights in November
Starting from
£162
Nutfield Priory Hotel & Spa Redhill, Surrey
Cocktails & Canapes
6 course meal and champagne
Starting from
£229
Hotel Du Vin Newcastle
Newcastle, Tyne & Wear
Incredible Savings With outstanding views
Starting from
£110
was £185
Foxfields Country Hotel Blackburn, Lancashire
Stay & Play
Dinner and 1 or 2 rounds of Golf
Starting from
£85
Industry Interview - 15
Industry Interview
With Gemma Jackson, Regional Sales Manager for 12 years at Hand Picked Hotels Managing key corporate and conference accounts for the collection, budgeting and marketing. What is the most bizarre moment you have had at work?
What are the worst things about your job?
If you had £1 million to spend in 24 hours, what would you buy?
The most bizarre moment was when Angelina Jolie just turned up at the hotel! I was walking through our brassiere and there she was, casually sitting down for afternoon tea. These types of visits normally come with a lot of preparation and forewarning, however Angelina decided to keep it real that day!
The worst part of my job - although the best part of my job too, is when you are working with a client, and we get to a point where we are ready to place a series and the hotel is full on the dates. And also the amount of bags I have to carry - as I am out on the road a lot my office has to be transported everywhere I go. It keeps me fit.
I would book a trip to Australia for me, my husband and our children - Paul and I lived there for a year about 15 years ago, and I would love to take the children and let them experience it first hand - as they have seen all the photos from our adventures.
What is the most rewarding thing about working in this industry?
What is the best piece of career advice you have been given?
Receiving complimentary feedback for the service we offer - my role involves introducing the clients to the Hand Picked Brand and The Priest House Hotel, so my ultimate aim is for their event to go ahead and for it to go very well and for them to want to place further business within the hotels, so complimentary feedback means I have achieved my aim.
‘Do something every day that scares you’
What did you want to be when you were a child? An actress and singer. I went to drama school from 8-16 years, and then went on to study Theatre Studies. My career course changed after my A-Levels. Hand Picked Hotels are a collection of 21 very individual country house hotels located throughout the UK
I would also buy a big house with land, and a new Audi Q7. I could easily spend £1million in one day. I wouldn’t struggle. Do you have any hidden talents?
I think this has been great advice and I have since offered it to people I have been training, as I think it encourages positive development and doesn’t constrain exploration, which is a huge part of progression.
Apart from being able to act and sing (actually I’m not sure I still can! It has been a fair few years!). I often compete in 10k obstacle mud runs, I don’t train because I don’t have time, but I turn up and compete and I do quite well ( I at least manage to not pass out!).
What is the funniest thing you have heard in the last month?
What is your favourite colour?
I have four children who are two, four, six and eight years old - so I hear many funny things daily! However just last night my six year old wandered off leaving the lounge door open, to which my four year old shouted excitedly - ‘Do you live in a horse stable?’ I think the analogy he was looking for was: ‘were you born in a barn’.
01775 843417 lines open 9.00am to 5.30pm, Monday - Friday.
Pink. What was the last film you saw at the cinema and who did you go with? ‘INSIDE OUT’ with the children. Brilliant film.
View Group
Featured Group - 16
Edinburgh Guernsey
Channel Islands Newcastle
Chilston Park Hotel
Lenham, Kent A stunning Grade 1 listed manor house set in the beautiful Garden of England
Hendon Hall Hotel
Hendon, London A tranquil, cosmopolitan getaway situated in North London
Jersey
Leeds Liverpool
Crathorne Hall Hotel
Manchester
Yarm, North Yorkshire Follow in the footsteps of royalty at one of Yorkshire’s grandest country homes
L’Horizon Beach Hotel & Spa
St Brelade’s Bay, Jersey An elegant seaside retreat with spectacular beach-front views
Birmingham
Bristol
London
Southampton
Audleys Wood Hotel
Basingstoke, Hampshire A former Victorian hunting lodge set within Jane Austen country
Bailbrook House Hotel
Bath, Somerset Country house grandeur in 20 acres of private grounds on the fringe of Bath
Brandshatch Place Hotel & Spa
Fawkham, Kent The definitive Georgian mansion house with health club & spa
Buxted Park Hotel
Ashdown Forest, East Sussex A listed Palladian manor house complete with lakes and a 312 acre park with wild deer
Ettington Park Hotel
Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire An inspiring neo-Gothic mansion set in 40 acres of the most beautiful countryside
New Hall Hotel & Spa
Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham The oldest inhabited moated manor house in England with health club & spa
Fawsley Hall Hotel & Spa Norton House Hotel & Spa
Fawsley, Northamptonshire Historic country house property set in peaceful countryside complete with spa
Edinburgh, Scotland Period quality meets contemporary style in the countryside near Edinburgh
The Grand
Nutfield Priory Hotel & Spa
St Helier, Jersey 125 year old property over looking the captivating St Aubin’s bay in St Helier
01775 843417 lines open 9.00am to 5.30pm, Monday - Friday.
Nutfield, Surrey An exuberant country mansion with a health club & spa
Featured Group - 17 Hand Picked Hotels a collection of
The Priest House Hotel
St Pierre Park Hotel & Golf Resort
Castle Donington, Derbyshire Peace, tranquillity and comfort all perched on the banks of the River Trent
St Peter Port, Guernsey Set on its own private lake near St Peter Port with golf course
Rhinefield House Hotel
Seiont Manor Hotel
The New Forest, Hampshire A breathtaking mansion house hidden deep in the New Forest National Park
Snowdonia, Wales Timeless quality and comfort set beneath the dramatic peaks of Snowdonia
Woodlands Park Hotel
Cobham, Surrey A country home with wood panelled rooms, vaulted ceilings and modern comforts
individual country house hotels located throughout the UK
Hand Picked Hotels were formed in 2001. Their vision was to create a collection of individual hotels, not a chain, where guests could enjoy the unique architectural features and interiors of these historic properties whilst experiencing a superb level of comfort and service. Hand Picked Hotels are a collection of 21 very individual country house hotels located throughout the UK and Channel Islands. They have significantly invested in the hotels, not only to restore their beautiful architectural features and historical quirks but also as appropriate to introduce a more contemporary design.
Rookery Hall Hotel & Spa Nantwich, Cheshire Victorian grandeur and French chateaux styling in the heart of the Cheshire countryside
Wood Hall Hotel & Spa
Wetherby, West Yorkshire Overlooking the Wharfe Valley, this 18th century country house includes a health club and spa
Whether joining them for a leisure stay, wedding, meeting or spa treatment, their team will provide a warm welcome and the properties will leave you feeling inspired.
Breaking News: Hallmark Hotels & Menzies Hotels
View Group
The Topland Group have amalgamated their Hallmark Hotels and Menzies Hotels to bring all 20 properties under one brand; Hallmark Hotels. The group’s primary focus is delivering a high qualityservice, which will see additional investments in new technology, providing guests with high speed wifi and state of the art gym equipment, along with refurbishment of all bedrooms. The Hallmark London Chigwell Prince Regent is the first to undergo the new look. The group offers business and leisure guests good quality accommodation and food, in a wide range of locations from City Centres, rolling countryside, manor houses and well-placed airport locations.
01775 843417 lines open 9.00am to 5.30pm, Monday - Friday.
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Chris Goddard
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Meet the Leisure Team Ali Cook
Alison Howling
Allana Braddon
Babs Smith
Craig Ayto
Jackie Dickson
Julie Dixon
Kimberley Graha m
Sarah Krapels
Sarah Palmer
Susie Christie
Tanya Beresford
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01775 843417 01775 843406 Open 9.00am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday
Open 9.00am to 5.00pm, Monday to Friday