[H]allmark Hotel Carlisle has seen an immediate impact on sales figures following the arrival of new General Manager, Jeff Hodgson, only four months ago.
Having immediately embarked on a soft refurbishment programme across bedrooms following customer feedback, the hotel has also now just completed a total revamp to its legendary and much loved Victorian ballroom; one of the city’s largest event rooms and the only banqueting room in the city with a sprung dance floor.
The hotel has also started to work with local charities, with the intention of giving back to the community while boosting the social banqueting side of the business. This includes working with local radion station CFM and supporting its Cash for Kids initaitive with onsite collection buckets, a book stall and fun games to encourage donations from its guests, not to mention being a Mission Christmas Drop Off location for toys to be donated to the disadvantaged.
Furthermore, Hallmark Hotel Carlisle has introduced charity night packages with a red carpet welcome, three course meal and DJ, starting at just £25 per person – and promises to donate five per cent of the bar takings back to their charity.
Jeff commented: “I’ve been delighted with the passion and enthusiasm that the team has shown and achieved in such a short amount of time. We have managed to secure 600 more Christmas party covers this year compared to 2016 which has already led to increased sales figures and improved customer service. The guests can see and have commented through TripAdvisor on our involvement in several charity initiatives that have really moved and motivated our team and started to see a movement forward in our TripAdvisor ranking.
“The works to the Ballroom have probably been the most exciting development since my arrival here and we all look forward to seeing further benefits from this work as we enter 2018.”
Situated in the heart of Carlisle, directly opposite the city’s train station, Hallmark Hotel Carlisle provides an excellent base for exploring the North West, the Lake District and southern Scotland. With meeting facilities for up to 220 delegates, a sensational ballroom with a capacity for 180 guests, and a locally renowned afternoon tea menu, the hotel is an ideal destination for a relaxing break, business event, wedding or social gathering.
With over 25 years in the hospitality industry, Jeff joined Hallmark Hotel Carlisle from The George Hotel Piercebridge and Chapters Hotel & Restaurant, Middlesbrough. Jeff is responsible for managing a team of 50 alongside the running of the hotel’s dining facilities of the striking 70-bedroom Victorian hotel.
For more information, visit: hallmarkhotels.co.uk/carlisle