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

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

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.

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 5^th 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...

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/

A Greener Belmore Court & Motel

BELMORE COURT & MOTEL BECOMES THE FIRST INDEPENDENT BUSINESS TO ACHIEVE SILVER AWARD FROM GREEN TOURISM BUSINESS SCHEME

Belmore Court & Motel has achieved a Silver award under the Green Tourism Business Scheme, for demonstrating excellence in environmental practice and promoting sustainable tourism.

The locally owned Belmore Court & Motel in Enniskillen is an award winning Guest Accommodation and was opened originally in March 1991 with 30 rooms and relaunched with an additional 30 bedrooms in March 2009. 

The Green Tourism Business Scheme is the leading sustainable tourism certification scheme in the UK. The scheme honours establishments that demonstrate high levels of commitment in protecting the environment and promoting sustainable tourism with bronze, silver and gold awards. Award winners are scrutinised on over 145 separate measures by qualified advisors before being appointed the relevant award.

Terry McCartney, Manager commented: “Through a dedicated ongoing maintenance programme, waste reduction, use of local suppliers and continuing commitment to greener options in the motel, we aim to become an industry leader in environmental management and contribute to demonstrating that being green is attractive to the consumer as well as vital for all our futures.”

Belmore Court & Motel offers comprehensive range of accommodation to suit all needs and  is unique, successfully combining the Motel, a distinctive terrace of houses, and the splendour of the new Belmore Court.

Guaranteed a Great Reception

The 2011 Hotel and Guesthouse Receptionist of the year brought further success for the Belmore Court & Motel who were runners up it the Team Category. The property recently was awarded the title of the Best Housekeeping Team in the over 60 bedroom category has gone from strength to strength since its undergoing major development in 2010. Terry McCartney, Owner of the property said “Our aim is to provide excellent facilities and services at reasonable prices to all customers and becoming runner up in the category show that we are well on the way to achieving this goal. I’d like to thank all the team at the Belmore Court & Motel who have worked hard over the last couple of years to make the accommodation a great place to stay and work. ”

The competition is in its eighth year and had a record 95 entries this year from hotels across Northern Ireland. The event is run by the Northern Ireland Hotels Federation and its President, Eugene McKeever said, “There is no doubt in my mind that reception staff have a unique role to play in the operation of a successful hotel. They are our eyes and ears providing the main point of contact for guests. A smiling face at reception and a pleasant greeting over the phone is what makes customers want to come back. As the industry body, the NIHF is delighted to be able to recognise the important role that receptionists have in the hotel sector.”

Industry partners, Coca-Cola HBC NI, Avvio and the Northern Ireland Tourist board, support the competition. Eugene McKeever highlighted the importance of these partnerships saying, “the hotel industry is all about teamwork and without a great team of sponsors we would not be able to stage competitions like this. We are indebted to all those who have helped us with the competition and thank them for their commitment to the industry.”

Pete Snodden, Cool FM DJ, compered proceedings at the awards dinner, which was held in the Holiday Inn Belfast on Thursday 14th April. Sponsors, Northern Ireland Tourist Board, Coca-Cola HBC NI and Avvio joined with hundreds of hotel receptionists and their managers for a night of celebration.

Winners 2011

Hotel & Guesthouse Receptionist of the Year sponsored by Appletiser

Winner: Elaine Harkin, City Hotel Derry, age 38

Runner-up: Rachael Kaye Crossey, Fitzwilliam Hotel, Belfast, age 22

3rd Place: Kieva Jewell, City Hotel Derry, age 22

Most Promising Hotel & Guesthouse Receptionist of the Year sponsored by Avvio

Winner: Sarah Brown, Strangford Arms Hotel, Newtownards, age 27

Recognising those in the role for less than one year.

Hotel & Guesthouse Reception of the Year sponsored by the Northern Ireland Tourist Board

Winner: Radisson Blu Roe Park Resort, Limavady

2nd Place: Belmore Court & Motel, Enniskillen

Recognising the achievements of the whole reception team.

Other Finalists 2011

Hotel & Guesthouse Receptionist of the Year sponsored by Appletiser

Orla Lee, Galgorm Resort & Spa, age 27

Gail Lindsay, Holiday Inn Express Antrim, age 23

Martina O'Hare, Malone Lodge Hotel & Apartments, age 23

Melanie Peachy, Bushmills Inn Hotel, age 30

Adriana Szczodrowska, Park Inn By Radisson, age 25

Anna Toriola, Benedicts Hotel Belfast, age 29

Most Promising Hotel & Guesthouse Receptionist of the Year sponsored by Avvio

Paul Andrews, Hilton Belfast, age 23

Leanne Kerr, Everglades Hotel, age 22

Jarmila Slugocka, Jurys Inn Belfast, age 24

Hotel & Guesthouse Reception of the Year sponsored by the Northern Ireland Tourist Board

Bushmills Inn Hotel

City Hotel Derry

Radisson Blu Hotel Belfast

Stormont Hotel

Tara Lodge

Background

The Northern Ireland Hotels Federation successfully re-launched the competition in 2004. The event has been very well received within the sector and currently recognises excellence in three distinct categories.

The competition aims to recognise the attributes and skills of the reception function and has been reinstated after consultation with the sector and keen interest from the hotel trade. The competition also seeks to recognise international standards and competitiveness within the hospitality sector.

This award previously ran for over 20 years and was recognised as a leading accolade within the hospitality sector. The last eight years have seen the award receive significant attention from the public, press and industry including applications from over 95 hopeful contestants.

More Information

For further information please contact Janice Gault, Chief Executive, Northern Ireland Hotels Federation:

Tel: 028 9077 6635 Mobile: 07799711960 Email: janice@nihf.co.uk