036-38_TTGB hotel feature v2 5/11/08 13:15 Page 37
New Place, a
De Vere hotel
Macdonald
Macdonald
Bath Spa
Bath Spa
LOCATION This is a
beautiful property, reached
up a sweeping driveway. And
despite the tranquil setting,
it’s just 10 minutes walk
from Bath city centre. 10/10
FIRST IMPRESSION The
front of house staff could
not have been more
welcoming and helpful when
they assisted us in unloading
our luggage. 10/10
ROOM I have stayed here
Nutfield
twice, once in a standard
Priory
room which overlooks the
city, and another in the
butler-serviced Imperial
Suites at the back, and
although the latter are much
bigger I actually preferred
the views over Bath. 10/10
FACILITIES Business wise,
there are six meeting rooms,
one with space for 120
people, (non-free) Wi-Fi
throughout and extensive
grounds for team-building.
Leisure-wise, a lovely
swimming pool and spa
facilities plus a gym. 9/10
RESTAURANTS & BARS
Two restaurants – the casual Ward believes that now von Essen has a portfolio of 28
Alfresco, which serves pizzas hotels (with the opening of Callow Hall in Derbyshire, in
and pasta in a rather odd
September), it has reached “critical mass”, in terms of
layout along a corridor and
being able to provide variety to corporate customers.
the formal Vellore in a large,
According to Ward, the procurement process has changed
slightly oppressive room.
and travel buyers are looking for choice, diversity and
Despite being 2AA Rosette,
the food was disappointing.
value for money, not just transient travel and expenditure.
There is one small bar, which
But it’s not just variety that sets the smaller groups
gets crowded. 8/10
apart, it’s a personal level of service which is increasingly
in demand: “We provide peace of mind in the relationship,
OVERALL It’s in a great quality and a guaranteed service level,” he adds.
location and the service In a separate development, the group is building what
and atmosphere are both
is billed as the world’s first “heli-pad hotel”, built as it is
impeccable. I’d recommend
beside London’s Battersea Heliport. Ward said: “The TMC
this to a client seeking
sector will be absolutely crucial in filling that.”
elegance and sophistication.
Boom in boutique bookings
Total 94%
By Adam Coulter
Even the largest TMCs such as Carlson Wagonlit Travel
have noticed a shift towards the smaller hotel groups. L50776
ttgbusiness.com a79 november 2008
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