NEWCASTLE’s Staybridge Suites is celebrating its 10th anniversary in style – following a £500,000 refurbishment.
And the transformation has also meant good news for a North East charity, which has been donated all the furniture which has been replaced.
The Buxton Street all-suite hotel, in the heart of the Ouseburn, has had a complete facelift and has given all its previous furniture to Orange Box North East.
As a result of helping the Newcastle-based charity – which distributes furniture and white goods to families in need – the aparthotel has been able to save 1519 kilos – over 1.5 tons – from landfill.
The refurbishment has seen the transformation of the reception area, which includes the Den – a meeting room available for hire – with versatile public spaces which can be used for work or socialising.
The aparthotel is already popular with longer-staying city visitors who want to enjoy the convenience of a hotel but with the flexibility of a space with their own fully equipped kitchen separate sitting area, with other on-site facilities, such as a laundry room and gym.
At the same, it has also proved equally as popular for short term guests to the city who are looking for something other than a conventional hotel.
Lisa Crocker, General Manager at Staybridge Suites Newcastle, said the changes will help the hotel maintain its top TripAdvisor slot going forward.
“Airbnb has opened travellers’ eyes to the benefits of self-catering, there’s definitely a growing demand from those visiting Newcastle for a way to stay that bridges the gap between hotels and home,” she said.
“As a result, we’re attracting a lot of “bleisure” travellers – people who stay with us on business during the week but whose partners, families and even pets join them at the weekend so they can make the most of our city.
“We’re especially delighted to be working with Orange Box North East to recycle so much furniture back into the local community, and to know that these items will find a new home amongst those most in need.”
Staybridge Suites Newcastle is also attracting a large amount of international business, particularly from the Far East, with a growth in visitors from China and Japan.
Knowing that many of its guests travel alone on business, one of the keys to Staybridge Suites Newcastle’s success has been its weekly informal evening social events.
From Monday to Wednesday from 6.30pm for an hour, travellers are invited to mingle with fellow guests, get to know the hotel team and relax at the end of the day over complimentary drinks and snacks.
“Our weekly social evenings are a great way for our team to really get to know our guests and for those staying with us who may be travelling on their own to meet others in a similar position,” explained Lisa.
“With Newcastle ranked as one of the UK’s fastest growing cities, we’re confident our fresh new-look will encourage business travellers to enjoy a better work-life balance when on the move, and inspire more people to our great city.”
Prices at Staybridge Suites Newcastle start from £90 including breakfast, use of the on-site gym, laundry and free WiFi. For more information visit www.staybridge.com.