Tuesday 20 December 2011

Record response to BC&M annual guest survey

As part of the Belmore Court & Motel commitment to our customers & Vision of becoming the leading independent accommodation base in Northern Ireland we sent out our annual guest survey a couple of months ago.

Almost 10% of the surveys were returned with some really helpful and useful information; 93% thought that we were achieving our Vision.


It is fantastic to read that more than 99% of respondents found the booking process to be Excellent or Very Good. Comments include; Professional and Competent staff, Staff extremely helpful, Michelle was so friendly, Staff were quick to respond, Lena friendly as always, & Very helpful. Online comments; One click and done, clear and easy to use & Missed special offer online, but rang and was able to book


It was a credit to the reception team that no one felt that the welcome was poor and that 99% thought the 1st impressions, welcome, service and booking accuracy were either very good or excellent. This is reflected in the comments; All first class, reception area is always clean and tidy, staff are efficient & approachable and outstanding service as always.


It is also a credit to the housekeeping department that 99% or guests found the cleanliness of the room to be very good or excellent. And that 97% found the maintenance with a similar breakdown of scores. 2 responses showed the facilities to be poor. Both these guests stayed in the Motel Standard Rooms.

Comments included; Couldn’t fault a thing, facilities excellent when room price taken into account and the room was as good as I would expect from a 3 or 4 star hotel.

Not all comments were positive and these give us opportunity to improve; TV and wireless tend to drop out when least expecting it, no WiFi available, Poor WiFi at times - unstable connection,  in winter it just seemed so cold in the motel rooms and Apartment was a bit musty.


Overall almost 98% of people felt that we offered value for money – with 46.5 stating our accommodation was Excellent value for money. Comments from very reasonable to relative expensive. Prepay option was excellent.


The vast majority of people found the Friendliness, Quality and Choice to be very good or excellent – 93%, 86% & 77% respectively. Only 3% thought he choice could be improved. Comments; pleasantly surprised by the quality of food and selection, Varied buffet, fresh and plentiful, Gluten-Free bread was supplied for me, It is a good healthy option, Excellent food and healthy and delicious and plenty of variety.

Negative comments included; What can you say about toast & cereal?, selection wasn't great, breakfast room was a bit hectic, choice for the breakfast could be improved, cooked breakfast could also be offered, Hot breakfast would be more appealing, perhaps having boiled eggs on offer for a hot breakfast and cooked breakfast option would be nice.

Describe you experience at the Belmore Court & Motel in 1 sentence;
A great response from this open ended question; Flawless, perfect service and no issues whatsoever, Superb location, professional service, good value, Friendly, comfortable and great value for money, Convenient location at a reasonable price, I left the hotel satisfied and willing to return, Great rooms,  friendly and helpful staff, Top class facilities for whoever!!, We felt as if our custom mattered, thank you, Home away from home but more relaxing, Relaxing environment where I get a good sleep, A very enjoyable stay, made by your friendly staff, perfect as a base to visit surrounding area, First Class accommodation with welcoming staff and accommodation to suit all people and pockets.

Improvements: following the Annual Guest Survey
  • New Wifi system offering Free Wifi to every customer for the first 30 minutes. £5 per 24hour period after. Executive rooms and longer term corporate clients will receive complimentary Wifi all the time.
  • New heaters are being installed in the older building housing the Motel Standard Rooms providing a better, more efficient heat which is controllable by the guest and aesthetically more pleasing.
  • 32in LCD Digital TVs are also being installed in the Motel Standard Rooms improving the quality of the stay - better picture and more channels.
  • It is hoped in the new year we can paint and redecorate the Standard Rooms with the laying of a new carpet.
Congratulations to Mr Andrew McMurray who won the 2 night break in our Executive Suite. Thanks to all who took part in the survey.

Sunday 18 December 2011

1st WallPod installed in Northern Ireland at Belmore Court


The no-nonsense pro-active charity Zero Carbon World (ZCW) is dedicated to undertaking projects that reduce carbon emissions in the UK today.

To support the development of a national charging infrastructure and encourage the adoption of electric vehicles, ZCW are donating 1000 Electric Vehicle (EV) ‘WallPod’ Charging Stations to businesses around the UK.

Today ZCW announce the donation of two more WallPods to The Belmore Court & Motel inEnniskillen. Belmore is the first business in Northern Ireland to join Zero Carbon World.

Each WallPod is simple, robust and reliable. Supporting both a 13-Amp socket and 32-Amp connector they enable all EV drivers to recharge overnight or ‘top up’ their vehicles as required.

“There are no restrictions to use our network. You don’t need to be a member, subscribe, pay in advance or use a smart card to access electricity. Wherever EV drivers are, they can recharge while eating, sleeping, working or simply relaxing “ said Kevin Sharpe Founder of ZCW and Chair of the Trustees. “We are extremely proud to be creating the UK’s only Open Charging Station Network”. 

Terry McCartney, owner of Belmore and The High Sherriff of Fermanagh stated: “Installing a WallPod reconfirms our commitment to reducing pollution as part of our Green Policy and is visible evidence that we support green travel.” He continued: “We are also opening our business to a relatively new market of electric vehicle owners giving them the option of an overnight charge. I am delighted that I am the first in the area to attract EV drivers to local businesses.”

Growing rapidly with 66 donations to date, ZCW is on track to install 1000 WallPod’s in the UK by the end of June 2012.

Wednesday 7 December 2011

What a Christmas Present!

It's now the second week in December and we are all gearing up for Christmas. At the Belmore Court we have the Christmas tree and decorations up, the festive music is playing in the background and the staff are ready to go carol singing around Enniskillen (only joking about the carols).

Although it has continued to be very busy we now have time to reflect over our last 12 months. Our year started on a Green note when we achieved the Green Tourism Business Scheme Silver Award; this awards reflects our commitment to sustainable tourism by reducing waste, congestion and pollution, supporting the local businesses and enhancing the natural environment. We also retained out AA 4 Star Guest Accommodation status.

 

By the time Easter came around our Reception Team and Housekeeping Team had entered their respective Northern Ireland Hotels Federation competitions. The Reception team came runner up in the over 60 bedrooms category while the Housekeeping team won the over 60 bedrooms category beating the Killyhevlin and the Merchant Hotel. This was a fantastic achievement.


For the second year running we were commended in the Northern Ireland Tourist Board annual awards for Serviced Accommodation and we trained all our staff in Welcome Host thus becoming a Welcome Host Gold Employer. Our breakfast room and kitchen were awarded 5 stars in the Fermanagh District Council Food Safe programme.



After the Summer our marketing plan was commended in the Tourism & Hospitality section of the Chartered Institute of Ireland Marketing Excellence Awards. In the inaugural Digital Advertising Northern Ireland awards our online strategy won best in Northern Ireland while one of our viral adverts and our mobile web app received commendations.

This is where the icing on the cake arrives. As if the year had not been fantastic enough already, following a change in NITB classification and certification the Belmore Court & Motel was confirmed as 4 Star Guest Accommodation after a mystery shopper visit in December and we achieved Investors in People - Bronze award.

The IIP awards shows our commitment to oyur staff. They are an integral part of the running of our business. Without good people we wouldn't have a good business. December also seen a milestone with one of our receptionists, Arlene, being employed with me for 10 years and another employee reaching aht 5 year mark. Not bad for a relatively young business.

It's been a great year already and I hope that even in these difficult financial circumstances that we can continue to prosper and grow.   

Merry Christmas everyone.

Sunday 20 November 2011

Belmore Court & Motel wins best Online Strategy

Last Friday night Mary and I attended the inaugural Digital Advertising Northern Ireland (DANI) awards in the Hilton Hotel, Belfast. We had been nominated in 3 different categories; Best Viral, Best Mobile App & Best Online Strategy.

Almost 200 people filled the function room at the awards and we were seated at a table along with Todds Leap and Creative Media. I think we were the only table West of the Bann.


The judges included;  Left to right Maurice Mulvenna, Professor of Computer Sciences at University of Ulster; Katrina Doran, Editor of Sugahfix.com; (back) Director Repknight Online Reputation Management, Ruan O'Tiarnaigh, Jill Culbertson, Co-Founder Navajo Talk; John Reid, Managing Director The Gurus Network and (centre- front) Naomh McElhatton, Managing Director Digital Advertising Northern Ireland.

After a great meal and a bit of craic Nuala McKeever took to the stage and managed to slag off most of the people in the room and tell some great jokes. Nuala then proceeded to announce the shorlisted companies. Anticipation filled the air while the noise from the audience decreased.



In our first nomination our Viral advert for the Best Viral featuring my 8 year old son, Lewis, doing a video tour of the Belmore Court & Motel was up against the Belfast Giants singing "All I want for Christmas" and Derry's Ledgendary Campaign. The Giants won and it was hard to complain because Mariah Carey tweeted about it and Sky Sports even featured it. We did achieve Highly Commended status.


The next award we were shortlisted for pitted us against lookaly and another company but it was always gonna be hard to beat the local Lookaly company. there service really is great. Once again we were awards Highly Commended.

At this stage we thought we were going to be the perenial bridesmaids. Our last nomination was for the best Online Strategy. This award reflected the best overall strategy incorporating pay per click, social media, Search engine Optimisation, etc.

I waited nervously on stage with the CIM Ireland and Alzheimers Society while the winner was announced. Finally our name was announced as winner and I was really shocked and just stood there with my Mickey Mouse hands in the air (that's another story).




The judges said "This best overall strategy has been given to a company that has engaged with all the online elements – including continuous developmenf of their website, SEO, PPC, Facebook, YouTube, Ecommerce, online advertising and PR … Showing a clear return on investment making a massive £10 for every £1 spent … direct website revenue now accounts for 40% of overall revenues and they’re listed no.1 on Google."


On collecting the award I was asked for the oppotunity to speak through the microphone. Taking advantage of this I thanked all the team at the Belmore Court & Motel, Bookassist Ireland and my wife Mary. I also thanked Naomh McElhatton for having the courage to organise these types of awards; it really is just the right time for them to happen.


The night went on into the early hours in the morning. As usual it was great to meet old friends and make new ones. Really pleased to meet Grannine Maher and her husband and catching up with Niall McKeown from ION


 


We retired to our suite (perk of the hotel industry) and slept well after a very statisfactory night. Spent the next day shopping in Ikea with a sore head. Looking forward to next year already.


It really was an honour to win this award and it was great that Bookassist Ireland were able to help me throughout the years and with the application forms. I look forward to continued success with them in the future.

The DANI Awards 2011 Winners

Best B2B Campaign: Equality Commission (iON)

Best B2C Campaign: Treat Ticket

Best Viral Campaign: Belfast Giants

Best Social Media (SME): Boojum (Mammoth)

Best Social Media (Corporate): Cool FM

Best Mobile App Campaign: Lookaly

Best Web Design: Todds Leap (Creative Media)

Best Online Strategy: Belmore Court & Motel

Business Person of the Year: Russell Moore


Read more: http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/business/business-news/in-pictures-northern-ireland-digital-advertising-awards-night-16077589.html#ixzz1eHSmDLar

Tuesday 15 November 2011

Happy Days are here in Enniskillen

THE WORLD'S FIRST ANNUAL FESTIVAL CELEBRATING  
SAMUEL BECKETT  
HAPPY DAYS ENNISKILLEN INTERNATIONAL 
BECKETT FESTIVAL

  
The world's first annual festival to celebrate the work and influence of Nobel Prize writer Samuel Beckett is announced today. HAPPY DAYS will take place each year in Enniskillen, Northern Ireland, where Beckett spent his formative years attending Portora Royal School.

The inaugural HAPPY DAYS, 23rd - 27th August 2012, is part of the London 2012 Festival (Cultural Olympiad) and coincides with the 400th anniversary of the founding of Enniskillen.

HAPPY DAYS is the first annual, international, multi-arts festival in Northern Ireland since the launch of the
Belfast Festival in 1962. As with the Edinburgh Festival in 1947, HAPPY DAYS will be a major cultural event
bringing diverse communities together, mixing local and international audiences and artists.

The Festival will present events of wide, popular appeal including:

  • the work of Beckett, with world and UK premieres of his major and lesser-known works;
  • the influences on Beckett, including music and comedy;
  • those Beckett has influenced, including Irish, UK and international writers, directors, actors, visual artists, musicians, comedians, circus artists and individuals prominent in their fields.
     There will also be a range of events reflecting Beckett's favourite sports.

The full HAPPY DAYS artistic line-up will be announced in April 2012. Some highlights of the 2012 Festival include:

  • directing and acting in Krapp's Last Tape, a UK & Irish premiere by a world acclaimed international Director;
  • singing Schubert's Winterreise, Beckett's most favoured piece of music. Ian is one of Europe's most in-demand tenors, especially in the genre of German Lieder.
  • will design a stage element (to form part of a Beckett production in Australia in 2013) which will be installed and publicly exhibited for the first time as part of HAPPY DAYS. Antony is renowned for his large-scale public sculptures such as the Angel of the North, Gateshead and Inside Australia,
  • 's kinetic artwork, Steenbeckett, an inspirational response to the role of film in our understanding of Beckett. Atom is an acclaimed film and stage director and winner of four major awards at the Cannes Film Festival. Steenbeckett is presented in association with Artangel.
  • World class writers Edna O'Brien, Alice Oswald, Melvyn Bragg and John Banville

HAPPY DAYS Founder & Artistic Director, Sean Doran said: "I am delighted to return to where my professional festival career began (Derry 1992) and where I had many rewarding artistic experiences as Artistic Director of the 1997 & 1998 Belfast Festivals". HAPPY DAYS is funded by Arts Council Northern Ireland, Fermanagh District Council and
 London 2012 Festival.

Arlene Foster, Northern Ireland's Tourism Minister, said: "HAPPY DAYS is a perfect complement to the wide range of events that already take place around the Fermanagh Lakelands. Culture is a key ingredient that sets Northern Ireland apart from competing destinations, and festivals such as this are crucial in attracting visitors. Innovative events help to raise the profile of a destination and I have no doubt this initiative has the capacity to grow to a level where it can attract overseas tourists. It will benefit the local economy by generating additional spend on accommodation, hospitality
and travel".

Chairman of Fermanagh District Council, Councillor Thomas O'Reilly said: "We are very excited about the inaugural HAPPY DAYS which includes a wide variety of arts and sporting events. Fermanagh is proud of its association with Samuel Beckett and it is fitting that this innovative Festival is taking place in Enniskillen, the County Town".

Ruth McKenzie, LOCOG Director of Culture (Cultural Olympiad), said: "HAPPY DAYS will be the only brand new and on-going festival premiering in 2012 and certainly the only festival in the world dedicated to one of the greatest world writers, Sam Beckett. With world class writing, comedy, music, and amazing scenery, Enniskillen is bidding to become one of the great world festivals".

MEDIA ENQUIRIES: PLEASE CONTACT IAN MCKAY, 07973 660767 / imckay100@gmail.com

www.happy-days-enniskillen.com

Wednesday 2 November 2011

Jumping for Joy!


AN eight year old boy’s take on his daddy’s business has beaten some of the most creative minds in Northern Ireland’s digital advertising industry to be short listed for a major award.

Young Lewis McCartney has become something of a star in his hometown of Enniskillen since he featured in the video to promote his dad’s business, the Belmore Court & Motel.


Father and son were both thrilled last week when the cute video viral showing Lewis giving his “lovely” guided tour of the Belmore court & Motel’s bedrooms, which has been watched by nearly 3,000 people on U Tube, was short listed in the prestigious DANI 2011 awards.

The P5 pupil’s video is up against the might of the Belfast Giants and Derry City of Culture in the Best Viral Campaign category at the awards. Visit www.motel.co.uk to see his tour of the Belmore Court.

The inaugural DANI Awards in association with Invest Northern Ireland and Chain Reaction Cycles, aims to recognise the burgeoning creative and digital online media sector in Northern Ireland.




The ceremony will take place at Belfast’s Hilton Hotel on Friday, November 11 when a  total of nine awards will be presented but it’s way past Lewis’ bedtime so he wont be able to attend.



Terry McCartney, owner of Belmore Court & Motel was thrilled that his simple, low budget promotional video had impressed judges. “We are just a small company where every pound matters and we didn’t have a big budget to blow on a video. Lewis is always in the Belmore Court and we stay overnight regularly and the kids love it. We just thought if we could capture some of his enthusiasm about staying it might be infectious.”

“We didn’t work to a script and just told him to talk and tell it in his own wee words and he did talk -  non stop. He loved doing it and especially as he got a new big piece of Lego at the end of it. He has become a bit of star now with people coming into the motel asking if he is there. He is modest but he is loving it too.”

“We are thrilled that such a small company as ours has been short listed against such large organisations.”

Belmore Court & Motel has been shortlisted in a total of three of the eight DANI Awards categories. The company is also a finalist for the Best App and Best Online Strategy awards.

Naomh McElhatton, founder of The DANI Awards said: ''The judges felt the Belmore Court & Motel fulfilled all the criteria for the category and they demonstrated an understanding of how and why a viral campaign would work for them.

“The content was very relevant to their brand, the campaign hit their target audience, it was just the right length of footage and fitted very well with their family business ethos, aside from that it delivered results - following the coverage on Facebook and their own site - it was mentioned on over 30 bookings and other kids that stayed at the motel wanted to meet Lewis, the owners son who starred in the video!''

The Motel has enjoyed a superb year of success at major awards ceremonies where it has been recognised consistently for its attention to quality service.

Earlier this year Belmore enjoyed the distinction of being the only independent business in Ireland to pick up a Silver Award in the Green Tourism Business Scheme.

The motel also left its larger competitors standing when it was awarded House Keeping Team of the Year and runner up in the Receptionist of the Year categories in the 2011 Northern Ireland Hotel Federation annual awards.

And next month, the Belmore Court & Motel will be one of the finalists in the coveted Chartered Institute of Marketing Ireland Excellence awards; Best Marketing and Sales – Tourism and Hospitality.

Belmore owner Terry McCartney said: “As a small business up against much bigger companies, we are delighted to be singled out for success.

“Having all three of our entries shortlisted in DANI and also making the final of the CIM Marketing Excellence awards has topped what has been a very successful year for us. We really have a team and a product to be proud of.”

Thursday 27 October 2011

Would you make a great Hotel Inspector?

The Hotel Inspector is an observational documentary television series which airs on British terrestrial television station, Channel 5. It is very interesting following Alex Pollizzi changing the way various hotels throughout the UK operate. I'm always amused by the way most hotels don't want to listen to Alex, never mind the customers.



At the Belmore Court & Motel our vision is to become the leading independent Guest Accommodation in Northern Ireland and we recognise that we can't achieve this goal without satisfying you, the customer.

As part of our commitment to making the customer our number 1 priority we regularly organise for a mystery shopper to ensure our product and service exceeds the customer expectation. We are running a competition to win a 2 night break with dinner so that a customer can be a Hotel inspector.

The competition is being organised through our Facebook Fan Page www.facebook.com/BelmoreCourt. All you have to do is to like the page and then enter the competition providing the answer to the question and your name and contact details. Please share the link with your friends.

The winner will then be chosen at random on Thursday 10th November and I shall be in contact to arrange the 2 night break with dinner (Value up to £250) before 11th December 2011. The winner will also be issued with our Mystery Shopper audit form which needs to be completed before, during and after.

The areas to be scored include Internet, Reservation, Arrival, Bedroom, Local Enquiry, Breakfast &; Check out.

To help celebrate the competition and recent awards success we are also having a Winter Sale Special Offer with rooms from £39.00.


500 rooms are available as part of this Special Offer. Visit our website for more details....

Friday 21 October 2011

NIHF Hospitality Exchange

This week saw the Northern Ireland Hotels' Federation (NIHF) annual conference, Hospitality Exchange, in the Ramada Hotel, Belfast. The NIHF is the membership that represents the Hotel Industry in Northern Ireland.
On Tuesday I left Enniskillen early in the morning arriving at the venue after 9am. There is a great exhibition during the day with presentations dotted throughout the morning and afternoon. It's always a great opportunity to meet up with old friends and make new ones. I even met Mr Punjana (not his real name) - A great local success story and even better tea!
Terry McCartney, Pamela Emo & Mr Punjana
I attended the Online Marketing session with Frank Reeves from Avvio. Frank gave a very informative talk about how hotels can embrace social media mentioning facebook, twitter and tripadvisor. These websites are becoming integral in the development of a Hotel's online presence; facebook.com/BelmoreCourt & twitter.com/BelmoreCourt.
Guy Levine, Leila Makki & Terry McCartney
After a short break we returned to hear a Tourism Ireland supported presentation by Guy Levine and Leila Makki (presentation). These social media experts gave insights into the industry specifically mobile solutions. Mobile has been identified as the fastest growing medium for Hotel purchases. Belmore Court & Motel, Enniskillen had already identifiesd this and with the assistance of BookAssist we have developed a mobile web app which can be seen when you visit our website from a web enable phone (like an iPhone).
At the end of the presentation they both greed that ALL hotels should ensure that they provide FREE Wifi, accessible powerpoints and Ipod docking stations in all rooms.
After lunch there was a detailed presentation from Michael Williamson (ASM) on cost control.

Ramesh Rana, James McGinn, Mary & Terry McCartney
On the Wednesday night there was a President's Ball to welcome James McGinn as the new President of the NIHF. Once again it was great to see lots of aquiantences and hotelliers having fun.



Wednesday 7 September 2011

Friendly Fermanagh

Part of the Mission of the Belmore Court & Motel is to make the guest our number 1 priority. All our team try their very best to ensure we achieve this mission. A couple of weeks ago two members of our reception team looked after some Californian guests and they put pen to paper for the local newspaper....

From the Letters page of the Fermanagh Herald.



Please print this because the people of your lovely town need to know that their effortless kindness and friendliness shall be recognised whenever and wherever I tell this story.

On 18 August, 2011 whilst touring the Upper Lough Erne by a hire boat my brother took a terrible tumble attempting to tie up at the public mooring at Tully Castle. We knew immediately he was injured and while he still had his senses we were able to get him back aboard the boat and to the Carrick Craft mooring that had road access.

His injuries were such that we decided to call emergency services for an ambulance. That is when we met Richard and Michael from the ambulance. These two men were faced with moving a 300 plus lb man, in great pain, through a narrow pilot house door and onto their gurney then on to the ambulance. These men worked with such confidence and professionalism in very difficult circumstances all the while keeping up a positive and jovial banter.

Upon arrival at the hospital my brother was treated immediately and X-rays determined that no bones were broken. The nurse in charge was Emma, Michael’s wife, continued the theme of concern and positiveness in my brothers care. She even made the extra effort to guide us to The Belmore Court Hotel as a safe and soft landing zone for three very traumatised travelers.

When we arrived at the Belmore we met Una and Michelle who made everything easy and comfortable. Negotiating the price downward for us under the extreme circumstances and attending to our every need, of which there were many. The following morning these two delightful women arranged transportation for us to recover the boat at the Carrick Craft mooring and assured us that my brother would be well cared for in our absence. This gave us the confidence to leave my brother in their care and proceed on to the boat.

At Carrick Craft we were assisted by the staff in preparing the boat for departure and, shorthanded as we were, moved the boat back to Enniskillen where again we were aided
by your citizens in landing at Broad Meadow mooring.

Tired though we were, my friend Linda and I, repaired to the brilliant and warm fellowship of Blakes for the evening while my brother continued his convalescence at the Belmore. The next morning we again with the aid and helpfulness of Una and Michelle moved my brother back to the boat and continued our journey.

I feel that the people of your friendly town should be recognised for their kindness to three travellers from California who, without their efforts, would have had a significantly diminished experience. Our trip was greatly enhanced and enriched by our time in Enniskillen and restorative of our faith in man and Ireland in general. We shall never
forget you all and our thanks, gratitude and appreciation shall never be forgotten by ourselves and as Una put it so lovingly, by the wee little man in room 142.


Best to all,

Paul Mooney,

Santa Cruz, California

Wednesday 17 August 2011

15th Faldo Series Grand Final @ Lough Erne

The Grand Final will bring together over 80 of Europe and South America's leading young golfers, as well as five winners from the 2011 Faldo Series Asia Grand Final.
15th Faldo Series Grand Final
Lough Erne Resort, Ross Inner, Enniskillen, 13 Sep - 14 Sep

Contact details
Belleek Road
Enniskillen
Co. Fermanagh
BT93 7ED
Tel: (028) 6632 3230
Email: info@lougherneresort.com
Web: www.lougherneresort.com

Tuesday 2 August 2011

Visit National Trust Properties - Free!

Visit a number of National Trust attractions free of charge as part of the Heritage Open Days and get an insight into the heritage and conservation of the amazing places right on your own doorstep. Free entry over the Heritage Open Day weekend on 10 and 11 September.

CASTLECOOLE
Experience the stately grandeur of this stunning 18th-century mansion set in a beautiful wooded landscape park – which is ideal for family walks. Castle Coole is one of Ireland's finest Neo-classical houses: the sumptuous Regency interior and the State Bedroom prepared for George IV provide a rare treat for visitors, allowing them to glimpse what life was like in the home of the Earls of Belmore. Discover the story of the people who lived and worked below stairs as you explore the splendid suite of servants' rooms and service quarters of this magnificent property.

Friday 29 July 2011

Enjoy walking around Fermanagh

Red Squirrel Week and Fermanagh’s Walking Festival
Florencecourt, Sliabh Beagh & Castlecoole , 08 Oct - 10 Oct 2011

FERMANAGH WALKING FESTIVAL 2011
8th - 10th OCTOBER 2011
2011 will see the 5th annual Fermanagh Walking Festival taking place and we want you to come out and enjoy the fantastic Fermanagh countryside. Fermanagh District Council is planning a diverse FREE weekend walking programme based at a number of beautiful locations around the Cuilcagh, Florencecourt and Sliabh Beagh areas of the County. This is an opportunity for all to come out and enjoy the beauty and tranquillity of Fermanagh’s landscape.
The variety of walking available in County Fermanagh makes it is an ideal venue for walkers. Its vast array of terrains, mountains, forests and castle walks ensure that there is a walk to suit people of all strengths, abilities and interests. The locations for this year’s walking events will be carefully selected to provide walkers with an opportunity to experience some of the most spectacular and diverse scenery in County Fermanagh.
The Fermanagh Walking Festival includes a weekend walking programme with different grades of walk taking place at different locations in both East and West Fermanagh. It is envisaged that on each of the days three grades of walk will be available; these are a Family walk, Intermediate walk and an Advanced walk. An Inclusive walk on Monday 10th October at Castle Coole Estate is also planned as part of the festival. Therefore, regardless of your level of fitness or ability there is sure to be a walk that will cater for you allowing you to explore the spectacular landscapes of County Fermanagh.
To find out more informaiton please email grainne.oconnor@fermanagh.gov.uk or call 028 66325050

Register on this link for the Fermanag Walking Festival...

Thursday 21 July 2011

How do managers protect their Hotels?

Over the last number of years for a number of reasons we have had to introduce a credit card preauthorisation policy at the Belmore Court & Motel. Thankfully 99% of people respect their hotel bedroom and pay their bill before they leave.
Unfortunately a few people have caused damage or noise distrubance to other guests - although we try to deal with this as best we can at the time of a compliant the better thing to do is to try and avoid these problems happening at all. The way some people have left their room is disgraceful.

At the Belmore Court & Motel we have invested £2.5 million in our new rooms and are looking at investing £150,000 in our standard rooms over the next 12 months. we need to ensure that we protect these rooms and avoid any disturbances to other guests.

In 2006 we introduced a credit card preauthorisation policy to help reduce these situations. Many other Hotels around the world have a similar policy. This involves;
  • A credit or debit card number should be provided when booking the room. This card may be pre authorised for the first nights stay and/or and address check verified. A confirmation email or letter will be sent stating the booking details and terms and conditions.
  • Our standard cancellation terms are 3pm - 2 days prior to the day of arrival. This means that if you have booked for a Friday night; There will be no cancellation fee if you cancel before 3pm on Wednesday. Any cancellation after this time or a non arrival would mean the first nite will be charged for and the booking released.
  • On arrival a swipe of the credit/debit card is required to preauthorise and amount for the balance owing, plus £50 for any additional charges - telephone, breakfast, noise, damage, etc. At this stage nothing has been debitied from card but a hold has been placed for this amount. This may result in you being unable to access this amount for the 5-7 working days. it may also show on your statment.
  • Only on checkout do we complete the credit/debit card for the final amount after discussing it with the card holder.
  • For those people who do not have or use a credit/debit card we can accept a cash deposit for the same value which is returned on checkout.
These procedures have helped reduce the number of complaints from guests regarding noise and disturbances from other guests. There have been very few instances where we have had to charge additional costs to these preauthorisations for any problems arising.

We are committed to ensuring that our guests have a safe and enjoyable stay and that all guests should respect the rooms and are staff.

If you have any comments about the above it's would be great to hear them/