Heathrow hotels benefit from T5 chaos

Hoteliers near Heathrow Airport are the big winners from the chaotic opening of the new Terminal 5. After problems with BA’s baggage system led to over 400 flights being cancelled during T5’s first week in operation, average room rates and occupancy levels at Heathrow hotels hit a five-month high.

The statistics reveal that average occupancy for Heathrow hotels in March was 78.3% while average room rate was £79.25, the highest levels since last November.

Other figures reveal that a total of 42.4 million bags were mishandled or delayed in 2007 by airports and airlines last year.

The air transport industry lost $3.8 billion (£1.9 billion) because of growing pressures on baggage management linked to passenger volumes, tight aircraft turnaround times, and heightened security measures.

Premier Inn expands to Dubai

Premier Inn, the UK's biggest hotel brand, has announced the opening of their first hotel in Dubai. It's the first of a chain of hotels across the Middle East, with plans for at least a further 5 sites to be opened in the UAE in 2009.

Located in Dubai Investments Park next to the Green Community, the hotel features 308 modern and stylish air conditioned rooms, each en-suite with bath, shower and bidet. Prices are fixed at AED 450 per room per night.

Darroch Crawford, Managing Director of Premier Inn Middle East said, “We are extremely excited about introducing the Premier Inn brand to Dubai and the Middle East. This hotel marks the first step in achieving our objectives of operating 6000+ rooms across the GCC by 2012. We’re confident that Premier Inn’s ‘value’ model, of offering a 4 star product at 2 star prices, will be extremely successful in the region.”

Premier Inn at Dubai Investments Park opens on 30th March 2008.

Holiday Inn introduces new brand image, including redesigned logo

Holiday Inn, which pioneered the roadside motel concept, will get a new logo for the first time since the company was established in 1952, in Memphis, Tennessee. The hotel chain, part of the InterContinental Hotels Group, is to undergo a global revamp as part of a renovation programme planned to “create a more contemporary brand image, increase quality and drive consistency”. The world's largest hotel company by rooms will upgrade more than 3,000 properties worldwide by the end of 2010. All hotels across Europe, Middle East, Africa and Asia will become Holiday Inn Express properties in line with those in the Americas, in order to keep branding consistent. Besides redesigning the well-known logo, guestrooms will have a facelift, and staff will undergo a “Stay Real” training programme. The first Holiday Inn hotels featuring the makeover are due to open in spring next year in the United States.

Beatles theme hotel to open in Liverpool

A £20 million boutique hotel featuring Beatles themed artwork is due to open in Liverpool in January. The four-star Hard Days Night Hotel will open to coincide with the city becoming the 2008 European Capital of Culture. Located in the 'Beatles Quarter' of the city adjacent to the world famous Cavern Club, the property will feature specially commissioned artwork covering key events in the lives of four members of the band. The unique hotel will feature 110 rooms, including executive rooms and two penthouses – specially designed Lennon & McCartney suites – the Lennon featuring a white grand piano. The hotel will also include two restaurants, two bars, two conference rooms for corporate events and private entertaining and a wedding chapel.

Liverpool’s selection as the 2008 European City of Culture has been a major coup for the city. Already popular as a destination for city breaks, the local authorities have announced extensive investment in the city's facilities, accommodation, nightlife and attractions.