Tuesday 5 October 2010

Belmore Court & Motel caps successful year by reaching final of major business awards



The outstanding performance of The Belmore Court & Motel in achieving record annual occupancies has won it a place as a finalist in the prestigious UTV / Business Eye awards.


The Enniskillen-based motel which underwent a £2.5m refurbishment and extension a year ago will compete against the Ulster Museum, The Merchant Hotel and Airporter for the coveted Tourism & Hospitality category of the awards which will attract an attendance of more than 400 top business people at The Culloden Hotel on 15 October.



Located in the centre of Enniskillen in County Fermanagh, the Belmore Court reached the 20,000 bednights’ milestone almost exactly one year to the day after the official opening of its 30 bedroom extension.


Owner, Terry McCartney revealed:


“The Motel is celebrating its 21st year and it has been gratifying to see a 205% year on year increase in Irish visitors, no doubt swayed by the recent weakness of sterling against the Euro and a 133% rise in the numbers of Scottish visitors. Overall it has been a terrific year all-around with the achieving of AA 4 Star status by the UK, VisitBritain, VisitScotland and VisitWales.


“We have invested heavily in our accommodation and staff training and we believe the market has responded to our unique offering. A major element in the success is the Belmore Court & Motel customer ‘experience’. This has been borne out by several independent surveys and is something of which we are very proud. Part of the supporting evidence lies in the fact we have featured regularly in Trip Advisor’s number one and two slots during 2010. To be shortlisted against the ‘big boys’ in this major competition is a perfect finish to what has been a great year for our team at The Belmore Court & Motel.”


The Belmore Court & Motel was opened by Terry’s father, Raymond McCartney, who was inspired to build a motel after extensive travels in the USA.


Terry McCartney concedes his motel has ‘bucked the trend’ in many ways.


“We decided to push ahead with what was a serious investment right in the heart of the recession which, I suppose, was a surprise to some. But we have great confidence in our product and our people and we always knew the addition of new bedrooms, which boast state-of-the-art flatscreen TVs, iPod docking stations and free wifi, would add further to our already compelling offering.


“We have experienced particularly strong interest from corporate customers who want to provide their executives with value for money, good quality accommodation and we are looking optimistically towards the summer season with many people likely to opt for a holiday in the UK or Ireland due to the economic downturn.


“We believe passionately in our product and service and all work to raising the bar every day. This year we have seen strong visitor numbers and we are confident the market will continue respond well to our unique offering.”


The Belmore Court & Motel was also was commended in the annual NI Tourism Awards’ Serviced Accommodation category held in Belfast City Hall.


To find out more about The Belmore Court & Motel log on to www.motel.co.uk.

Wednesday 29 September 2010

What's on in Fermanagh from 29th Sept


September

Wed 29 to Sun 3
Enniskillen Arts Festival - see calendar below for individual events.
Vibrant visual art, dynamic drama, Music, dance, creative workshops and BBC digital circus. Special events for children,teenagers and young adults. Many events free of charge. Tickets can be purchased on the door (subject to availability) or in advance (in person only) at Fermanagh TIC Tel 028 66 323110. Ardhowen Theatre Events should be booked at the Ardhowen Tel 028 6632 5440.

Wed 29
Enniskillen Arts Festival Film ‘Crazy Heart’, Fermanagh House, Enniskillen 7pm Tickets £6 (combination ticket for all three films £15)

Thurs 30
Inspiration Motivation in Challenging Times - 10am to 2.30pm. Westville Hotel, Enniskillen
Cost £20 including 2 course lunch. The Network for Enterprising Women Tyrone Fermanagh host this inspiring event for all business owners North and South of the Border. Fantastic line-up of inspirational speakers including Veronica Canning and Aideen McGinley OBE, representation from Stormont and breakout workshops packed full of relevant and useful information to apply in your business. Additional opportunity to network and make new business contacts. Further info from Ciara Callan 07736 518137

Thurs 30
Partnerships: Enniskillen Arts Festival at Enniskillen Castle Museums 6pm and continuing to 7 January 2011. Opening to coincide with this year’s Arts Festival, this stunning exhibition celebrates the theme of creative partnerships. The show highlights work by Fermanagh artists who are also partners – see section on Enniskillen Castle Msueums.

Thurs 30
‘Inspired by Autumn’ Flower Demonstration by Magheracross Mothers Union At 8pm in the Archdale Hall, Ballinamallard. Admission £5. To book phone Olive on 028 66388 483 or Valerie on 028 66 388117

Thurs 30
Enniskillen Arts Festival Film ‘The Black Balloon’, Fermanagh House, Enniskillen 8pm Tickets £6 or combination ticket for all three films £15. Thomas is about to turn sixteen and start yet another new school but his problems are a little more complex than just being the new boy. His older brother Charlie is autistic and suffers from ADHd, so Thomas is often forced to be more keeper than playmate to him. And with their mother under doctor’s orders to rest in her final months of pregnancy, Thomas’ responsibilities to look after his brother are only increasing. A sensitive script and a great performance by Rhys Wakefield, with Toni Collette & Gemma Ward – directed by Elissa Downs

Thurs 30
Enniskillen Arts Festival Event - Enniskillen Amateur Dramatic Society In association with Soroptimist International Enniskillen & District presents Green Rain by Miriam Gallagher. An theatrical/musical entertainmenet celebrating pianist and composer Joan Trimble. Ardhowen Theatre 8pm. Tickets £17.50. The evening will conclude with light refreshments and a glass of wine, - proceeds to Horizon West Children’s Hospice.


Thurs 30 to Sun 3
BBC Blast Free Creative Workshops for teenagers,
Enniskillen Castle Museums Courtyard, Enniskillen. Expert tutors and state of the art equipment in film-making, fashion design, photography, ring-tones and animation for 12-19 years olds who can broadcast live on Blast’s own radio station Blast Out Loud.. Public Showcase with live Radio & Poetry Slam Sat afternoon (Part of Enniskillen Arts Festival) Free event workshops. Booking through www.bbc.co.uk/ni/blast


October

Fri 1 to Sun 3
Shannean Set Dancers hosts The Eamon McKeaney Set Dancing Week-end. Lusty Beg Island, Kesh. Ceili on the Friday night 10pm-1am with Davey Ceili Band, Saturday workshop 10.30am to 4.30pm with Gerard Butler Ceili 10pm-1am with Swallow’s Tail. Two-Hand Workshop 11am to 1pm on Sunday with Marie Garrity. Ceili 2.30-6pm with Lough Ree Ceili Band. Week-end ticket £40. Special rates for accommodation available.Details from Teresa McKeaney on 353 (0) 87 771 3082

Sat 2 to Sat 16
Shop and Save Extravaganza in Irvinestown!
One Big Sale in almost 50 shops – a real bargain hunter’s paradise!! As well as offering very attractive discounts and special offers, the participating businesses are offering customers the opportunity to enter a FREE competition to win a massive £1000 worth of Irvinestown Shopping Vouchers. (Draw will take place on Sat 16th on Main St at 6pm)
A hearty welcome awaits you and a wide range of goods and services – including groceries, fashion, footwear, furniture and hardware, fancy goods, all household requirements, building products, jewellers, pharmacies and much much more. Stop off for a while with that special person in one of the pubs, cafes, restaurants, coffee shops or the long established famous hotel.
Irvinestown is just a click away – log onto www.visitirvinestown.com for more info. Don’t miss the bargains – there’s something for everyone and you might even win the £1000 worth of vouchers!!!!!

Sat 2
Go Walkies for Guide Dogs Sponsored Paws, Castle Coole, Enniskillen from Noon. Register online: www.guidedogsgiving.org.uk/gowalkies. Contact NI Guide Dog Office: 0845 372 7402
Email: dt.northernireland@guidedogs.org.uk Come along and sponsor your pet to walk for guide dogs. Two walks to choose from or do both!
1 – family fun walk round the lake path, approx 1.5miles
2- little ramble around the lake and grounds, approx 4.5 miles
On completion your pet will be awarded a Certificate and fluorescent Go Walkies For Guide Dogs tag.

Fri 1 to Fri 15
Valerie Parker Art Exhibition at Enniskillen Library
Valerie will be holding her annual art exhibition for the first two weeks in October during library normal opening hours. Her paintings are mostly local landscapes in various mediums eg pastel, acrylic and watercolour. Valerie has been living in Fermanagh for the past 16 years and takes her inspiration from the beautiful scenery in the county.

Fri 1 to Sun 3
Mini Flower Festival & Harvest Thanksgiving Week-end to mark the re-opening of the newly re-furbished Lisnaskea Parish Church. The Church will be open for viewing on Saturday from 11am to 5pm, Sunday from 2 to 5pm.

Fri 1
Enniskillen Arts Festival at Willie Ramblers. Roy Fulton Guitar Workshop 6-8pm £8. Roy is an Examiner for the London College of Music. He will be playing at the festival on Friday night and will deliver a workshop on Saturday morning. This is a rare opportunity to learn from a guitar legend

Fri 1
Enniskillen Arts Festival – Morga, Young Traditional Band
Railway Hotel 8pm £10 The most exciting young Irish Traditional band to appear on the scene in recent years.

Fri 1
Enniskillen Arts Festival presents Neil Hannon in Concert, Ardhowen Theatre, Enniskillen 8pm All seats £15. The Internationally renowned lead singer of “The Divine Comedy” makes his Ardhowen debut in an eagerly awaited individual performance

Fri 1
Enniskillen Arts Festivall at Willie Ramblers. Roy Fulton, Guitar Legend. 10pm £8. Roy’s performances range from solo acoustic sets to blues, country and rock to theatre work. He has appeared with artists as diverse as Jools Holland, Gary Barlow, Suzi Quatro and Vanessa Mae.

Sat 2
Enniskillen Motor Club Clubman Stages Rally, Derrygonnelly. Details from www.enniskillenmotorclub.co.uk

Sat 2
Enniskillen Arts Festival – Claire Keegan Book Signing, Enniskillen Library at 10am Free

Sat 2
Enniskillen Arts Festivall - Song of Erne, Musical Bus Journey Join the coach tour and visit the places that featured in ‘Song of Erne’. Commentary by Marion Maxwell, extracts read by Bryan Gallagher. Commencing in Railway Car Park 10am – repeated at 2pm. Lasting approx 2-2.5 hours. Tickets £10 - see festival programme for further info

Sat 2
Model & Collectors Fayre, Bawnacre Centre, Irvinestown 10am to 5pm.. Tractors, buses, cars, dolls house accessories, railways, aircraft and much more. Admission Adult £3, Children £1.50
Proceeds in aid of Irvinestown Presbyterian Church Building Fund

Sat 2
Claire Keegan Short Story Writing Workshop 11am to 12.30pm. Clinton Centre £8 Claire will host one of her acclaimed workshops on the writing of short stories. This will appeal to members of creative writing groups, students of English language and/or literature, emerging writers and experienced authors.

Sat 2
Enniskillen Arts Festival BBC Blast! – Creative workshops for teenagers.
Castle Courtyard 11am to 6pm Free Variety of free creative workshops
In everything from film-making, and fashion design to photography, an Imation and radio production. Hands-on experience under the supervision and direction of expert facilitators using professional equipment. The specially adapted trucks boat a complete TV/Radio studio that allows young people create their own audio visual content and broadcast on Blast’sown radio station ‘Blast out Loud’. Workshops include Comedy Sketch Writing and Performing, Performing Poetry, and a nation-wide Dr Who competition among others. BBC Blast can facilitate 150 teenagers each day through the event space.
Booking through www.bbc.co.uk/ni/blast

Sat 2
Enniskillen Arts Festival - Art Express Carnival Cavalcade, Enniskillen. 1.30pm onwards until 5pm. Cavalcade consisting of 40 primary school children in fancy dress, accompanied by Samba Band will lead the festival dream dragon on its path from The Diamond to The Castle Museums Courtyard. The Dragon is a long limbed puppet whose task is to collect up children’s Hopes and Dreams – these will be released into the sky at the Courtyard by a Super-hero. Face painting, balloon modelling, bouncy castle,etc at Museum courtyard. The dragon puppet will take pride of place over an afternoon of free family fun.


Sat 2
Enniskillen Arts Festival - Claire Keegan Reading –The Clinton Centre 2pm £5 (Combined workshop and reading ticket £12). Originally from Co Wicklow, Claire lived in the US before returning to Ireland. Her first collection of short stories ‘Antarctica’ won the Rooney Prize and was followed by ‘Walk the Blue Fields’ which won her the 2008 Edge Hill Prize for Short Stories. Claire recently was a winner of the Davy Byrne’s competition for her short story ‘Foster.

Sat 2
Enniskillen Arts Festival Drumming Workshop. Free 2.45pm & 3.45pm. Booking required. Book via FDC Arts Officer on 028 66 325050

Sat 2
Enniskillen Arts Festival – Mask Workshop,. £4 Book through Diane Henshaw on 028 66 325050. 2.45pm, 3.30pm and 4.15pm

Sat 2
Enniskillen Arts Festival - Phil Hessian Traditional Singing/Visual Art Performance
Blakes of the Hollow 4-5pm Free


Sat 2
Enniskillen Arts Festival – Film: Kings 5pm, Fermanagh House £6

Sat 2
Enniskillen Arts Festival -Launch of Visual Arts Trail. The Higher Bridges Gallery, 7pm Free

Sat 2
Enniskillen Arts Festival in association with Ardhowen Theatre presents The Ulster Orchestra Ardhowen Theatre, Enniskillen 8pm. Tickets £15, concession £12, student £8. Conducted by Dima Slobodeniouk, the programme, comprising Mozart’s Symphony D major (Posthorn, after K.320), Shostakovich’s Cello Concerto No 1 and Beethoven’s Symphony No7 will feature cello soloist guy Johnston.

Sat 2
Enniskillen Arts Festival - All Ireland Fleadh Winners Traditional Concert, Railway Hotel, Enniskillen 8-10pm £10

Sat 2
Enniskillen Arts Festival – Mark Black & Roots Orchestra with DJ Andy Weatherall, Willie Ramblers 9pm til late £12. Mark’s distinctive style of ‘Rootsy blues’ often combines rock, country and Celtic influences into a powerful mix. The 13 piece big band with a myriad of influences and instruments combine to create a unique musical experience. The band is made up of some of the finest musicians in the country.
DJ Andy has carved out a well respected career in British techno music. His work as a producer includes the track ‘train spotting’ for the movie of the same name, and he is one of the world’s most dedicated and top DJs.

Sat 2
Enniskillen Arts Festival - Traditional Music Session with Fermanagh musicians. Railway Hotel, Enniskillen 10pm til late. Free

Sat 2
Enniskillen Arts Festival presents Yankee Panky Ardhowen Theatre, Enniskillen 10.15pm Gallery Bar Tickets £7 (combined ticket Ulster Orchestra & Yankee Panky £20/£17) Jeanne Munroe (Musical Director, pianist) and Melissa McKeague (vocalist) met and began assembling music in Autumn 2005. Borne out of the Berlin of Kurt Weill & Bertolt Brecht, cabaret expressed the political and moral climate the composers inhabited. In other words, cabaret is urban folk music: storytelling with a fairly common/accessible theme. The smells of tobacco and booze have sunk into the clothes of cabaret, and you can hear broken glass under her feet as she trudges down her musical alleyway. The music ranges from silly to gritty but it’s all there for the fun of it. The women and the music of Yankee Panky will remind you of fine wine, ‘Over-ripeness, coupled with some tartness!’

Sun 3
Apple Day at the Organic Centre, Rossinver, Co Leitrim. Information from www.theorganiccentre.ie

Sun 3
National Trails Day 2010 – simultaneous events across Ireland. A celebration day of Ireland’s wonderful variety of trails and a chance for everyone to enjoy some of Fermanagh’s most beautiful countryside, forests, mountains and lakes 4 events happening in Fermanagh -2 guided walks through Big Dog Forest and Crom, canoeing on Upper Lough Erne and a family cycle through Castle Archdale.
Big Dog Forest Walk – 2pm. Approx 2 hours Booking with Martina Magee 028 66 348855
Crom Walk – 2pm . Approx 2 hours. Booking with Stuart Jennings 028 6773 88118
Canoeing – 1130 to 3.30 – approx 4 hours. Booking with Ashley Hunter 02890738884
Family Cycle Run – 2.30pm to 4.30pm. Booking with Colin Reilly 028 6634 3040./ 07900 608903
More details from www.nationaltrailsdays.co.uk or Email aideen@countrysiderecreation.com Tel 02890 303931

Sun 3
Enniskillen Arts Festival at Willie Ramblers – Forfey Showcase of Young bands in afternoon. 1-7pm. £10

Sun 3
Enniskillen Arts Festival - Poetry Chicks ‘Edgy Poems with Attitude’
Blakes, Level 7 3pm £5. The poetry chicks have been performing since 2004 and their unique style of energetic performance poetry proves that the medium need not be dull.

Sun 3
Enniskillen Arts Festival - Maiden Voyage Contemporary Dance, Erneside Centre, Enniskillen
2 & 3pm Free Maiden Voyage will perform ‘Dream a Little Dream’ – a 15 minute dance piece that is about a couple who bored with normal life decide to try life on the red carpet.

Sun 3
Enniskillen Arts Festival - Traditional Unaccompanied Ballad Singers. 3-6pm Railway Hotel, £5
Len Graham, Roisin White, Gabriel McArdle and Rosie Stewart, all outstanding singers individually, join forces to perform the best of the Ulster tradition. You will hear beautiful songs from the hinterlands of Ulster, including Fermanagh, songs reminiscent of those from England, Scotland and other parts of Ireland.

Sun 3
Enniskillen Arts Festival presents At the Racket, Ardhowen Theatre, Enniskillen 8pm All seats £15 At the Racket is made up of some of our finest traditional musicians whose music has a strong flavour of that played in the Irish-American dance halls in the 1920s and 1930s. It is thrilling traditional music but fun and frivolity are high on the agenda. The line-up includes John Carty (fiddle, banjo, flute) Brian McGrath (piano, mandolin, banjo), Michael McCague (guitar, bouzouki) and Seamus O'Donnell (flute, saxophone, vocals) – a band to set souls ablaze!

Sun 3
Enniskillen Arts Festival - Erneside Music Collective presents Overoth, William Christ and his One Man Orgy, Bloodshot Dawn - Willie Ramblers 8pm-midnight. £5

Sun 3
Enniskillen Arts Festival - Melisma Choir, premier a cappella choral ensemble, St Michael’s Church, Enniskillen 8pm (Part of Enniskillen Arts Festival) One of N Ireland’s most distinguished choral groups will perform a wide selection of songs from early music through to sassy arrangements of well-known popular songs. These will be interspersed by some fine organ playing by their conductor Philip Stopford who is currently organist in St Anne’s Cathedral, Belfast Tickets £9, concession £7

Wed 6
Fermanagh Film Club present ‘ The White Ribbon, Fermanagh House, Enniskillen 8pm Membership £35, Non Member £6 on the night. Email mcdermottcrane@googlemail.com
Set within a year of the events that began World War I, this film is set in a small German village where a very suspicious series of events occur. The resident Doctor has a serious horse accident and the village begins to wonder who set the wire to trip him and why? It is not until the death of a farmer’s wife and the torture of the Baron’s son, do the events start to seriously concern the villagers, particularly the school teacher. However, these mysterious crimes are not the complete focus of the film, rather the catalyst for exposing the flaws, problems and conflicts of the various townsfolk Language German

Wed 6
Cahoots NI presents Leon and the Place Between Ardhowen Theatre, Enniskillen 10.30am and 7pm Tickets £4. Special evening Family Ticket (2 adults, 2 kids) £15
Little Leon loves magic, so, at a magic show, when magician Abdul Kazam asks for a volunteer Leon can’t wait to join. He bravely steps up onto the stage and in through a door into a box, only to find himself in ‘the place between’.
‘The place between’ is an enchanting place full of mystery, illusion and extraordinary characters! It is a place where anything can happen. But when his adventure there is over will Leon be able to find his way back to where his brothers and sister are waiting for him? A delightful new production for children aged 4 years and upwards.

Monday 30 August 2010

What did you do this Bank Holiday?

With the Belmore Court & Motel and most hotels in Enniskillen full for the Bank Holiday Weekend I decided to take the family a few places to relax and enjoy the good weather - Let's not forget it's back to school on Wednesday.

On Saturday we went to the Valley Hotel in Fivemiletown to Circus workshop and funday supported by Dungannon District Council. Lisa Williamson and committee has organised a number of events. There was a bouncy castle and inflatables outside along with people representing the Niamh Lousie Foundation and Drink Aware. There was also a disco, a Todd's Leap competition and sparkley temporary tattoos by Over the Moon. Inside the function room of the Valley Hotel there was a educational puppet show about dropping litter and the Circus workshop by BelfastCircus.org.


The older kids with us loved the workshop the most, while the youngest loved getting a sparkley tattoo and the bouncey stuff. The 2 people from the workshop were fab and communicated well with the 10 kids that were able to take part. Starting off with some team introduction games they then moved on to juggling, hat tricks, stilts and finally the unicycle. A great day was had by all.





On Sunday I brought my eldest to the National Trust's Crom Castle for the Classic Sailing event. There were vintage cars at the old ruins, steam boats, yachts and the Lough Erne Yacht Club were doing a learn to sail day - but we were too late.




It was a magnicient sight to see the flotilla back on Lough Erne for the 1st time in almost 100 years at Crom. We had many residents staying with us from the event and they all said they had a fantasic time.


Monday was back into Enniskillen for the Enniskillen Castle Fun Day. Free family entertainment for the whole family. Drum school, dance classes, tanks, magicians, punch & judy and off course the bouncey castle.




Record numbers came to the Castle museum to see what was happening.

Phew it was a busy couple of days but thankfully the weather held out for us.

Tuesday 17 August 2010

Terry's Travel Tales! Part 1


We've just returned from a fabulous Summer holiday in Spain and I must say Spain is still a great county to visit. The weather was perfect, the people were great and food excellent. Although it did bring me to think about several things when you embark on holiday.
The issue of Airport Parking is still a thorny one. On this occasion we used Easi-Park just on the edge of the Belfast International Airport and we found them very reasonable and secure. We were discussing the pay for pick-up recently introduced and they were telling me that these car park shuttles have to pay around £3 each time they arrive at the collection point. This could go up to £5 before Christmas - Seems seasy money for the Airport.

We flew Jet2.com to Murcia and when we booked we reserved the inflight meal. Dubious abut such food our worries quickly evaporated when the meal arrived. For £7 you get a fresh fruit, beef dinner, bread roll, dessert, cheese and cracker, chocolate and refreshment. Not unlike the old British Airways food. Really enjoyed the meal and the chicken one on the return journey.

On arrival at Murcia Airport, Mary queued for the cases and I went to the hire car. Now hire cars are a whole different story..... There is so much choice at the time of booking - book direct, book thru agent, pay now, pay on arrival. The most confusing thing is insurance. When I collected my key after swiping my card the employee informed me that I didn't have insurance and that I would need to pay another £140 quid otherwise I'd have to pay for any damages - Now this is contary to what I though I had booked. Being is Spain I could really argue - Spanish not great. But I didn't take it. Everything seemed to go fine - no bills yet.

All in All a great holiday, but always nive to drive down Garvary Hill to see the lights of Enniskillen.
PS My 8 year old took the Photo!

Sunday 15 August 2010

Virtual Visit to the Belmore Court & Motel


Virtual Visit Northern Ireland allows you to literally Get in the Picture, stand where the photographer stood and see what they saw. Experience the visitor attractions of Northern Ireland, visit Hotels, Bars and Restaurants of Belfast and beyond.

Recently the company have been visiting Fermanagh and shot the inside of the Belmore Court & Motel for us along with a number of other attractions in the area.

Sign up to the Virtual Visit Facebook Page & Twitter Feed.


How do you think these places look in 360o?

Thursday 12 August 2010

Do I need an iPhone???


Over the last number of months many of my friends have been getting iPhones and telling me about how great they are. I've been a loyal Nokia fan for almost 10 years (on O2) and haven't been tempted into the iPhone just yet.
I know if looks cool, hip and trendy. My sister, sister-in-law and neice already have one but are they not just status symbols? My Nokia still allows phone calls, tells the time, surf the web and downloads email.
Let's look at the Advantages:
Brand, Apps, Coolness
What about the Disadvantages;
Large, expensive, too cool for me.

I've always been a PC person and never got into Apple and that maybe a problem I have to overcome.


Interestingly there are now large volumes of business being done on smart phones. The Belmore Court & Motel, Enniskillen has experienced a large increase in mobile visitors to our website which has resulted in a number of booking from the iPhone platform for the 1st time.

Do you have an iPhone? Would you book hotels & holidays on it? Visit our mobile site and let me know what you think.

More importantly - should I buy one?

Friday 18 June 2010

Belmore Court attends Internet conference


Terry McCartney, Owner/Manager of the Belmore Court & Motel, Enniskillen recently attended the Northern Ireland Hotels' Federation Internet Workshop. The event, held at the Malone Lodge Hotel, was supported Tourism Ireland and featured Shaa Wasmund from Smarta.

Sháá Wasmund is a respected marketing strategist who has worked with the Government, social networkers and major brands such as Dyson. She also set up Smarta, an online social media site for small businesses, encouraging them to develop brands and strive for success. Her inspirational session at last year's Hospitality Exchange resulted in demands for her to return!

Internet strategist Sháá returned to Northern Ireland to look at strategies guaranteed to increase audiences and get the message across. She also focused on the many facets of social media and give an insight into how these platforms could work for us. In the interactive session Sháá went online to give relevant examples for operations large and small.

The Belmore Court & Motel already has a good social media presence with the following websites:






Sunday 9 May 2010

Which side of the bed?


Our first major competition on the Belmore Court & Motel facebook fan page proved a major success. More than 75 entries tagged or commented on which side of the bed they preferred.
About 3/4 of entrants were female and they were evenly split between both sides of the bed. The men prefered the righthand side. Quite a few didn't really care but just wanted to enter the competition.
The beds in the new Belmore Court Superior & Executive rooms at high quality are made by Respa (Kelletts) in Oldcastle. The doubles at 6ft x 6ft 6", the singles are 3ft x 6ft 6".
A number of male partners don't really have a choice of which side they sleep on!!!!. Children also seem to end up in these beds with parents.
Congratulations to Michelle Thompson who won the competition.

Wednesday 28 April 2010

Gary Robinson sponsored by Belmore Court & Motel

For the 2nd year in a row Fermanagh motorcyclist, Gary Robinson, has been sponsored by the Belmore Court & Motel. After last years successful partnership between Gary and the Motel an additional year has been added to the agreement. Gary hopes to compete in all the Major road races throughout Northern Ireland, including the North West 200, and even a few further away. We at the Belmore Court & Mote, Enniskillen wish him good luck with all his races and hope he'll carry many brochures to give out when touring the province and beyond.

Saturday 24 April 2010

Enniskillen Model School visit the Belmore Court


Last week P1M visited the Belmore Court & Motel. About 25 children including the owner, Terry McCartney's daughter, Ellie, came over as part of their classwork project about human habitats.
Mrs Murry and her class toured a range of the accommodation types including standard, superior and executive rooms before have a question and answer session in the Belmore Room.
At this time the kids also got juice and biscuits to help keep them quiet.

Wednesday 21 April 2010

Belmore Court & Motel gains AA 4 Star status


Hi Folks

Following our mystery inspection by the AA they have awarded the Belmore Court & Motel AA 4 Star Guest Accommodation.

The AA assesses establishments that offer accommodation to a set of common quality standards. These standards are agreed by the AA and the UK tourist authorities: VisitBritain, VisitScotland and Visit Wales. Accommodation is assessed under three broad categories: Hotel, Guest Accommodation and Budget Hotel.

Guest Accommodationis any establishment that meets the minimum entry requirements is eligible for this general category.

From 2006, Stars replaced Diamonds as the AA's rating system for guest accommodation. Star ratings, from one to five, are used to assess guest accommodation. The following is a brief summary of standards expected from guest accommodation within their ratings.

One  Star Minimum quality requirements for cleanliness, maintenance, hospitality, facilities and service. A cooked or substantial continental breakfast is served in a dining room or eating area, or bedroom only.
Two  Star Courteous service, well-maintained beds, and breakfast prepared with a good level of care.
Three  Star A friendly welcome and good-quality, well-presented beds and furniture. A choice of good-quality, freshly cooked food is available at breakfast.
Four  Star Attentive, more personalised service. At least half of the bedrooms are ensuite or have private bathrooms. Very good beds and high quality furniture. Breakfast offers a greater choice, and fresh ingredients are cooked and presented with a high level of care.
Five  Star Awareness of each guest's needs with nothing being too much trouble. All bedrooms are ensuite or have a private bathroom. Excellent quality beds and furnishings. Breakfast includes specials/home-made items, high quality ingredients, and fresh local produce.

As part of the inspection visit the AA representative visit a number of rooms in both the Belmore Court & Motel - Executive, Superior and Standard rooms. He also looked at the conference rooms and commented about the Breakfast Room.

The report praised the cleanliness, comfort and facilities of the Belmore Court & Motel rooms, the service at reception and the location/parking.

Once are where we can improve is the Breakfast Room. The Inspector felt we could add more of a service element by adding a welcome on entrance and a better coffee and this is something we will look about improving.

I'd be interested to hear any comments.

Saturday 17 April 2010

Belmore Court & Motel looking for local PR / Design company to help in 2010


We have now allocated our budget for the 2010/11 year at the Belmore Court & Motel and are looking for a local PR company to help plan and design the year ahead in conjuction with our Sales and Marketing Manager & marketing plan.
Last year we used Serious PR and this worked quite effectively. We wil be able to announce our results within the next few weeks.
If you are or know anyone involved in PR & Design you would like to make apitch for our business, please contact terry@motel.co.uk or 028 6632 6633.

Wednesday 14 April 2010

The Hotel Inspector visited us last night


Just like on Channel 5's The Hotel Inspector, the AA man arrived last night and the Belmore Court & Motel as a mystery guest. Imagine my surprise as I checked him out this morning and he introduced himself to me.

I must admit I must disappointed it wasn't Ruth Watson or Alex Polizzi but never the less the gentleman - who wants to remain nameless - asked to speak with me for 20-30 minutes. I was terrified. What would he say? Would he like the accommodation? My stomach was sick.

The inspector asked for a tour of the premises and I showed him the Motel Standard Rooms and the other Belmore Court Superior and Executive Rooms. He seemed very impressed with all the types of accommodation. I also got to show him the various meeting rooms.

We then sat down at breakfast and he explained his role and the procedure the AA use to grade and classify accommodation. He was very detailed and suggested that the category we would best fit in would be the AA Guest Accommodation. If I was happy with this he would proceed with that category and the check his notes and reply within 7 working days as to the star rating 1 to 5 stars.

The report will detail the service received at time of booking, the followup information, the check in, the stay, facilities and breakfast.

Once I recieve this report I let you know the detail.

Tuesday 13 April 2010

New Blog for the Belmore Court & Motel

Welcome to the new blog for the Belmore Court & Motel.

Over the next few weeks I'll be setting up this blog and testing and tweaking the blog.

Please bear with me while this is in progress. In the mean time join us on Belmore Court & Motel on Facebook.

Thanks

Terry

Wednesday 3 March 2010

Through the door masterclass in Enniskillen


Enniskillen is the first venue for a Northern Ireland wide series of free networking and master class events called ‘Through the Door’, practical lessons on attracting and retaining customers, organised by People 1st the sector skills council for the hospitality, leisure, travel and tourism sector

This breakfast event takes place on Thursday 11th March, from 8.15am to 10.30am in the Westville Hotel, Enniskillen.

Stressing the opportunity the event offers Fermanagh businesses Roisin McKee People 1st said:

“Customers are the lifeblood of our industry and attracting and retaining them is even more crucial in these challenging times. Our aim is that employers will leave these events inspired and enthused and most of all equipped with the right training tools to grow their people and their product. A new tool we’ll be highlighting is the website www.uksp.co.uk which is a one stop shop for employers and employees on funding, jobs, careers and skills.”

Guest speaker at the Enniskillen masterclass will be South Armagh born Hugh Daly known as the serial entrepreneur having bought and sold many successful businesses by the age of 35. He began his business career in South Armagh aged 6 when his father gave him a pig. Humble yet hilarious Hugh Daly is passionate about business and what it takes for individuals and organisations to succeed.

Business and training advisors will be on hand to advise on opportunities, funding and programmes to benefit businesses. Exhibitors at the event will include People 1st, the Department for Employment and Learning, the Northern Ireland Tourist Board and South West College.

This event is organised by People 1st with funding support from the Department for Employment and Learning as part of the Future Skills Action Plan for Hospitality and Tourism and is also in partnership with Fermanagh District Council and Fermanagh Lakeland Tourism in support of the Destination Fermanagh Tourism Strategy.


Picture (L-R) Roisin McKee (People 1st), Charlotte (Enniskillen Tourist Information Centre) & Terry McCartney (Belmore Court & Motel)