Lancashire hotel breaks business record

Business is booming at a Mellor hotel as corporate bookings move beyond pre-recession levels.

Stanley House Hotel and Spa has seen a rise in corporate bookings with occupancy levels reaching 81 per cent, an increase of 26 per cent on 2013.

Corporate Christmas party bookings are also bucking the trend with 90 per cent of the Hotel’s function availability secured via business contacts for festive dates before the Summer kicks in.

The sales trend has been credited to the owners’ investment through a period of economic decline. In the height of the recession, Stanley House completed a multi-million pound investment which saw the addition of 18 new bedrooms and a world class spa.

Wendy Hope, sales and marketing manager at Stanley House, said: “We can confidentially project that bookings aren't just matching but are actually superseding pre-recession figures.

“There’s now an appetite for businesses to invest– just like we have done during the past two years. Enhancing our offering has given corporate guests more choice when it comes to booking Stanley House as a venue for meetings and events.

“Not only can we accommodate for more residents due to the addition of our Woodland rooms but our award winning spa and quality dining options make people return, giving us an opportunity to create long-term customers.”

Despite a tough few years for the leisure and hospitality industry, optimism has returned with tourism in Lancashire also booming.

Ruth Connor, chief executive at Marketing Lancashire, said: “Stanley House has developed a destination for a wide range of corporate visitors looking for quality hotel accommodation, restaurant and spa experiences. It is helping build a thriving visitor economy for Lancashire and we’re delighted that it is seeing a good return on their significant investment. “We are privileged in Lancashire to have such a superb choice of quality accommodation, restaurants and attractions that we will continue to support and promote those businesses, in order to attract more national and international visitors to the county.”