| Journal: TWUK | Section: |
| Title: | Issue Date: 23/04/01 |
| Author: | Page Number: 45 |
| Copyright: Other |
Hotel groups consider new office product
UK GROUP Hanover International is considering opening fully operational offices within its 14 properties, for use by business guests.
Executive chairman Peter Eyles said: “The business traveller is under pressure and the need for a hotel bedroom to turn into an office is going to become even greater.
“We have been looking at whether there is a compatibility between running a hotel and running an office operation.”
UK boutique hotel group Eton Town House is also looking to provide facilities specifically for the business client.
Managing director Peter Tyrie said: “At our Threadneedles property, which will open this year in London’s Square Mile, we are looking at offering the next big facility in technology – unlimited Internet access for a set fee. However, we will not be turning our hotel rooms into offices.”
Corus and Regal Hotels managing director Charles Holmes agreed that a high-tech bedroom environment could put off the weekend market. But he added that some clients now expect these facilities.
“Hotels chains are putting in technology to survive, not just because it’s nice to have it,” he said.