Member Article

Matfen Hall records best figures in a decade

Matfen Hall Hotel Golf and Spa, Hexham, has reported most successful year to date, from the UK and overseas, along with a sharp rise in membership and use of its Aqua Vitae Spa, following a £1m investment in the overall operation.

The hotel has welcomed a 12% increase in revenues across all areas of the business as well as in the number and frequency of return bookings made by guests.

Hotel bosses attribute the success to a number of factors, including an upsurge of interest in the county from holidaymakers and food lovers alike and the venue’s clutch of tourism awards. Guests have commented on the independent, family owned factor, which they see as an added benefit.

In the past 18 months, various areas of the 53-bedroom, privately-owned hotel have undergone refurbishment, including the spa – which now boasts a state-of-the-art fitness suite, professional therapists and an aerobic studio - bathrooms and the reception area.

The hotel has also thrown its weight behind the local economy, sourcing any produce not grown or reared on the Matfen Estate from nearby suppliers.

Matfen hotel continues to support initiatives such as Northumberland Day, which aims to shine a spotlight on the county and has received a variety of gold awards from organisations such as VisitEngland and North East Tourism. It also plays a big part in the local community, having donated over £30,000 to local charities through fundraising and prize donations.

“This recognition has drawn in visitors from the North East as well as around the country and abroad,” said Managing Director Bernard Bloodworth, “and the investment has meant guests enjoy their stay so much so that they return.

“Feedback from guests almost always refers to how welcoming the hotel and its staff are and I think that’s very much because we’re not an impersonal hotel chain - Matfen Hall is owned by Sir Hugh and Lady Blackett, whose family has lived here for generations.”

Mr Bloodworth also believes a rise in the level of ‘staycations’ and Northumberland’s increasing prominence on the national stage have had a positive effect on the hotel, which is set in 300 acres of parkland.

“There is no doubt about it – the county’s heritage, its wide open spaces and the superb quality of its restaurants, food producers and visitor attractions are proving a big draw and we are delighted to be at the heart of that.”

For further information about Matfen Hall Hotel call 01661 886500 email info@matfenhall.com or visit www.matfenhall.com.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ellie Murdoch .