Tunbridge Wells-based Elite Leisure Collection (ELC) hotels have reported their highest monthly occupancy levels since August 2019, exceeding pre-pandemic levels.
According to UKHospitality, which represents over 100,000 venues across the UK, the cost of the pandemic to the sector is estimated at £115billion, so the data from Salomons Estate and One Warwick Park in Tunbridge Wells suggests there is a light at the end of the tunnel for Kent’s hospitality businesses.
Reporting its latest figures for July 2022, Salomons Estate, a wedding venue which also provides accommodation and function room hire, said the Victorian country house had hit 80 per cent occupancy.
This was topped by fellow ELC property One Warwick Park Hotel in the centre of town, which reported 84 per cent occupancy – a level not seen since August 2019.
ELC is also the owner of One Media, publisher of the Times.
Commenting on the increased business, operations director Nick Moore said: “People are travelling again.”
However, an influx of travel-focused Brits means investing in new systems to book services while at the hotel, according to ELC.
The city-centre hotel is also creating Deluxe Plus suites, each with a balcony overlooking Cumberland Walk.
These ‘feature bedrooms’ are all equipped with a Nespresso coffee machine and walk-in wet room and bath, and complemented by a robe and slippers, said the company.
