We know that guests travelling alone frequently avoid restaurants because they stand out from other diners. With TV Dining, they have an experience that's designed for them, with in-built entertainment that doesn't intrude on other guests. You no longer have to be at home to eat in front of the television. Following the successful introduction a year ago of the TV Dining Experience at the Novotel in Sheffield, the concept, whereby lone diners can plug into their own, personal screen over a meal or drink, has been extended to a number of the group's other UK hotels. These include Birmingham (city and airport), Cardiff, Wolverhampton and London Heathrow, and by the end of the year, all UK Novotels with Elements restaurants will feature the service. It will then be extended to European hotels. Using aircraft-style TV monitors, the complimentary service offers terrestrial TV via headsets and high quality screens. “The Elements food and drink concept is all part of the change that’s producing a ‘New Generation’ of Novotels,” says Roger Smith, director of marketing and distribution for Accor Hotels UK. “Offering guests choice is the key – not only in terms of where, when and how much they want to eat, but also in the type of dining experience they can enjoy. “TV Dining is part of that choice. We know that guests travelling alone frequently avoid restaurants because they stand out from other diners. With TV Dining, they have an experience that’s designed for them, with in-built entertainment that doesn’t intrude on other guests.We’re pleased with the feedback, which has been positive.” Unwind with Westin Travellers staying at Westin hotels around the world are being invited to unwind at the end of the day with social gatherings designed to inform, entertain and help combat the loneliness many often experience on the road. Ranging from lessons on mixing a Bellini in Venice to learning about Scottish whisky in Turnberry, from whipping up guacamole in Tucson to a tai chi lesson in Beijing, the carefully curated social experiences are being rolled out across Westin’s 129 hotels worldwide this month. “By transforming our lobbies from a place guests pass through to an inviting social and sensory setting, Westin hopes to provide a richer guest experience, where they can indulge, socialise and maybe even learn a new skill to bring home from each destination,” says Sue Brush, senior vice president, Westin Hotels & Resorts. “If we can provide our guests with a place to relax at the end of the day, lift their spirits and perhaps meet new people in a warm environment, we believe we are doing our job well.” Budget brand for Middle East A new hotel brand for the budget-conscious business traveller is being launched in the Middle East. Rotana Hotels, which currently manages 23, mainly 5-star, properties throughout the region, including Abu Dhabi, is planning the first two of its new Centro brand in Dubai, opening within 18 months. Up to 25 properties in central business or commercial district locations are planned over the next five years. “Business travel and accommodation for the budget-conscious executive is an increasingly important market in the Middle East but remains grossly under-serviced,” says Daniel Hajjar, corporate vice president for sales and marketing. Appealing to large corporate entities, small and medium business owners, and even individual travellers, Centro is an ‘essential service’ hotel brand.
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