Member Article

Newcastle hotel crowned most female friendly in country

Luxury hotel Crowne Plaza Newcastle – Stephenson Quarter has been named as the best in the country for catering for women guests.

The Newcastle city centre hotel beat off competition from more than 100 hotels from across the UK to secure first prize and set a new industry benchmark.

A delighted Ellen Deboeck, general manager at Crowne Plaza Newcastle, said: “We don’t differentiate between our male and female guests. But we do have an eye for detail, a personal touch and can be very flexible to the needs of all of our visitors. We’re delighted to win this Solo award.”

The 251-bed Crowne Plaza Newcastle hotel opened in 2015 as part of the £200m Stephenson Quarter site being developed near Central Station by Clouston Group.

The Solo awards are based on nominations of women who travel for business and praised hotels they felt went over and above when it came to providing great quality service and care for female corporate travellers. The awards are organised by travel management company Redfern to recognise excellence for female travellers.

Louise Hutchinson-Chambers, head of account management at Redfern and one of the judges who visited Crowne Plaza Newcastle anonymously as a mystery shopper, said: “We developed the Solo awards to highlight those hotels that are leading the way when it comes to meeting the needs of the increasing number of female business travellers.

Crowne Plaza Newcastle is the perfect example of a hotel that’s getting it absolutely right. The big stand out was the staff. They showed discretion, privacy and care. Everything about my stay as a lone traveller was as you would expect to see if you were away with a group of friends – very warm and secure with some nice personal touches.“

She highlighted the hotel’s attention to detail – from pillow menus, full length mirrors and good lighting in the bedrooms to unusually good hairdryers. Judges also considered features like safety and the quality of facilities along with the more personal touches.

Pam Clouston, a director of Clouston Group, which owns the hotel, said: “We set out to provide excellent hospitality when we opened the hotel and so we’re really proud that hotel staff have been recognised for taking genuine ownership in delivering a highly flexible and personal service.

“Women guests, in particular, want hospitality that makes them feel welcome, safe and a touch like home. Women travelling alone, whether on business or leisure, want to know they can sit at a bar or in a dining room in peace and comfort.”

Other finalists in the Solo award included: Hilton Leeds, Mercure Manchester, Novotel Birmingham City Centre, Park Regis Birmingham, Travelodge Hull city centre, North Lakes Hotel Penrith, and Doubletree by Hilton Tower Hill.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Crowne Plaza Newcastle - Stephenson Quarter .