Nightlife and shopping put Leeds on the map for hotels
Leeds’ hotel industry can look forward to another optimistic year, according to Crowne Plaza’s newly appointed general manager, Lynda Coaley.
Appointed to oversee the running of the multi-million pound refurbishment following the Boxing Day floods last year, Lynda has returned to Leeds – where she began her career – at a highly competitive time for the city’s hoteliers.
She said: “In a growing market, you’ve got to make sure you remain competitive. I think there’s lots of factors that could make the hoteliers increasingly nervous but you’ve just got to go with the statistics that you’ve got and its stating that the market’s still going to be buoyant this year.”
She puts the sector’s growth down to the “exciting nightlife”, “exceptionally strong” leisure industry, improved shopping offering and new developments within the city.
With the experience of having worked in the industry for the entirety of her career, Lynda is confident that the gain of new businesses in Leeds will ensure the continued buoyancy of the hotel sector, and the success of the Crowne Plaza, even as three new hotels appear in the city.
“It will give more availability and make it a little bit less buoyant for a while until everybody settles. Because they’re all going to go and have a look at the new hotels, but its where everybody ends up after that slight movement that counts,” Lynda added.
The Crowne Plaza hopes it’s £4m refurbishment, in which it is developing its bedrooms, conferencing facilities, restaurant and bar, will be enough to keep customers loyal and entice new business as Leeds’ hotel offering expands.
“The refurb has been planned for a while, and while the hotel is performing exceptionally well, you need to keep it up to date. The owners can see that Leeds is continuing to be buoyant and you’ve got to keep up with the competitors that are coming in.
“Whilst its challenging during the refurbishment, we’re going to have a much more superior product and up to date product.
“We’re going to be in a fantastic position. Its about loyalty from your regular guests and service, everyone can have a great product but it’s the service that gets you repeat business.”
