Location: Yeadon, Leeds, West Yorkshire
Shopping for: A weekend break in London for a couple’s 40th wedding anniversary
The agencies
Althams
61 High Street, Yeadon, Leeds
Score: 62%
There were three staff and two clients in the shop. I started to browse the brochure racks and was approached by a friendly agent after three minutes.
I said it was my parents’ 40th wedding anniversary and would like to book them a weekend in London. She picked up the Superbreak brochure and offered me a seat.
She asked me about dates and transport to London and explained deals were available combining travel, hotel and theatre tickets.
The agent asked me about my hotel preference and then showed me a selection and gave me an idea of price. She made an effort to sell me tickets to tourist attractions.
She didn’t take my details, but her product knowledge seemed strong.
Thomas Cook
Cliffe Court, Yeadon, Leeds
Score: 65%
There were two staff members and two customers on the shop floor when I walked in.
I browsed the brochures but was soon acknowledged by an agent who said she would be with me shortly. I said I was looking for a hotel break in London for my parents. She referred to the Superbreak brochure.
The agent asked me when I wanted to book the trip for and how my parents would like to travel. She explained that deals were available for combining travel and hotel, as well as theatre bookings.
She then asked if there was an area of London my parents preferred. I suggested Knightsbridge and she then showed me a few hotels.
She gave me her business card, although she didn’t take my details.
Thomson
75 High Street, Yeadon, Leeds
Score: 72%
When I entered I was acknowledged by an agent before I started browsing the brochures but was not offered any assistance for several minutes as the agent was on the phone
I approached the desk when she finished her call, explained what I was looking for and the agent picked up the Superbreak London brochure.
She said a hotel and travel package could be a cheaper option. She recommended the Jury’s Inn on Great Russell Street and gave me a price for two nights’ bed and breakfast.
She then checked train times and gave me a price. She took my name and phone number and thanked me as I left the shop.
I felt the consultant was totally focused on my enquiry.
The winner
The Co-operative Travel
Cliffe Court, Yeadon, Leeds
Score: 74%
I was acknowledged almost immediately by a consultant who then offered to help.
I explained that my parents’ 40th wedding anniversary was coming up and I would like to surprise them with a weekend in London in a four-star hotel with a good restaurant.
She showed me the Superbreak London brochure and asked a few more questions. The consultant showed me a Leeds-London return train deal for £32 per person.
She recommended the Radisson Edwardian in Grafton Street and gave me a price for two nights’ bed and breakfast.
She took my name and phone number and she gave me her business card. She asked me to call if I had any questions. The visit was informative and the consultant provided very helpful advice.
Prize
Congratulations, Co-op Travel, Yeadon. One of your agents will be staying at Dian Bay, Antigua, courtesy of Elite Island Resorts, after coming top in this week’s Mystery Shopper.
Dian Bay, Antigua is a romantic, adults-only boutique hideaway. It offers a low-key ambience. Accommodation is in 50 suites, and guests can enjoy water sports off the beach or unwind in the hotel spa.Every week for the next year the travel consultant who gets the highest Mystery Shopper score will win a seven-night stay for two people at an Elite Island Resorts property. Flights are not included.
Selling tips
Tip 1: Hip couples could try The Cumberland in Great Cumberland Place near Marble Arch, home to the stylish Rhodes restaurant – run by celebrity chef Gary Rhodes.
Tip 2: For a top dining experience, eat at Gordon Ramsay at Claridge’s. Located near Bond Street station, Claridge’s is a grand art deco hotel.
Tip 3: Operators such as Longwood Holidays organise tailor-made holidays to Israel and these are popular with mature travellers.
Tip 4:The Waldorf Hilton in Covent Garden was revamped recently to restore it to its former glory. Brasseries Homage serves up modern cuisine.
Tip 5: For style and opulence, suggest The Berkeley, in Wilton Place, Knightsbridge, which has a rooftop pool. Its Marcus Wareing restaurant Petrus holds two Michelin stars.
Mystery Shopper scoring system
- 60% Advice and product knowledge
- 12% Customer service
- 8% External/internal appearance
- 7% Welcome
- 7% Farewell
- 6% Staff presentation
