The Business Exchange Bath & Somerset Issue 5: Autumn 2017 | Page 7

BUSINESS NEWS 10 Minutes with Amanda Jones, Sales Director at the new Apex City of Bath Hotel The Apex City of Bath Hotel opened for business at the end of August. Situated on the corner of James Street West its development has completely transformed the area adjacent to Green Park. Creating 120 new jobs in the city, its opening has been highly anticipated. We caught up with Amanda to find out how things are going so far. How does it feel to finally open the doors? It’s taken 93 weeks and a £35 million investment to be very excited and happy to be launching Bath’s largest bedroom and meeting hotel. What’s your favourite part of the building? I know I’m biased, but there are many favourite parts to the hotel, from the light, bright bar and restaurant space to the views from our fourth floor balcony bedrooms across the city, to the superbly appointed meeting and event space. What are you looking forward to the most over the coming months? The next few months will be very busy welcoming our first guests and delegates into the hotel. The Christmas period will be fantastic too, hosting our first corporate Christmas parties. We are lucky to have a selection of event spaces that can accommodate private seated Christmas dinner groups from 8 people up to 300 persons. How are bookings looking so far? There has been a healthy interest in the hotel with many types of enquiries locally, nationally and internationally. This is due to our large Lansdown Suite and the fact we can accommodate a car! (large and great access). We’ve had car launch enquiries, exhibition enquiries, conference, dinner and wedding enquiries. Clients have been really enthused by the delegate package offering as there’s a wellbeing option available. They also love the fact we can offer a meeting interaction and data capture capability. Who is being attracted to the hotel? We predict we will be busy with leisure bookings at the weekends. This is because 64 of our 177 bedrooms are dedicated family rooms. Our leisure facilities are popular with these customers also. We have a swimming pool, sauna, steam room and gym. Mid-week we hope to be working closely with the corporate market and to attract business from further afield. I feel part of the key to this success is not only selling the hotel, but also selling Bath as a destination. How wonderful to be able to offer hosting an event at Apex City of Bath, but also incorporate stays with exclusive drinks receptions by flickering torch-light around the stunning Roman B aths! So many fantastic things to do in the city we hope to take to the client. Will you be having a launch party? Yes, one is planned for the end of September, but we are also doing various events to showcase the facilities to the different markets in Bath. This is so taxi drivers, corporates, neighbours and hoteliers can all see and experience the hotel. How do people get in touch if they’re interested in finding out more? To find out more about our rates, capabilities or availability, email: [email protected] apexhotels.co.uk YOUR NEW PLACE TO MEET #HELLOBATH POP IN AND SAY HI As the newbies in town, we’d love to meet you and show you our new place, just show this ad for your complimentary tea or coffee.* Apex City of Bath Hotel, James St West, Bath T 01225 418 501 E [email protected] *Complimentary tea or coffee valid until 30/11/17 THE BUSINESS EXCHANGE 2017 7