The hotel industry has witnessed a notable consumer trend in recent years: the increasing popularity of multi-stop holidays and experience-based stays. This shift in consumer behaviour has prompted hoteliers to revaluate their offerings and adapt to meet the evolving demands of their guests. At our Business Showcase in October 2022, Kalindi Juneja, CEO of PoB Hotels, a consortium of prominent UK hotels, delivered an enlightening talk that explored the importance of catering to travellers seeking luxurious experiences throughout their journeys.
Embracing Experience-Based Stays
Over the past year, experience-based stays have been at the forefront of our business strategy and will continue to shape our approach moving forward. Our hotels are ideally located near one another, boasting convenient connectivity and picturesque settings, such as the serene Dedham Vale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty along the banks of the Stour estuary, the historically significant town of Harwich, and the breath-taking Suffolk countryside, just a stone’s throw away from the Suffolk Heritage Coast. However, fully appreciating the plethora of offerings in these areas often requires some prior research unless guests are already familiar with the abundant opportunities available to enhance their stay.
Introducing the Milsom Way: A Multi-Hotel Walking Holiday
Within the Milsom Hotels & Restaurants group, guests often find it challenging to decide which hotel to visit due to the exceptional experiences offered by each establishment. To address this, we have launched a unique package that allows guests to enjoy three of our hotels during a single trip. Aptly named the Milsom Way, this three-day walking holiday covers a total distance of 27 miles over two days, making it an ideal choice for hiking enthusiasts. The itinerary has been meticulously crafted and tested by avid hikers within our team and is now open for booking. As part of the package, guests will indulge in delectable cuisine and enjoy the convenience of having their luggage expertly transferred between hotels by our attentive concierge.
Focus on Experiences
Adapting to the evolving landscape of the hotel industry has been an exciting opportunity for us. The past three years have seen significant changes, including national lockdowns, rising living costs, and the emergence of the short-term holiday lets market. In response, we strive to go above and beyond in delivering exceptional experiences that surpass customer expectations and have connected with local businesses to highlight all the adventures that await. Guests can now access an interactive directory of experiences that will encourage them to make the most of their stay.
Follow the Art Trail of Gainsborough, Munnings and Constable
Talbooth House & Spa is ideally situated to explore and follow the trail of three East Anglian-born artists, with just a 30-minute drive to Gainsborough’s House and Munnings a 25-minute walk or 5 minutes by car. The birthplace of John Constable locally in East Bergholt and Flatford Mill along the River Stour are also points of interest that make the local area worth visiting. Some of Constable’s work can be seen at the new Art Centre at Gainsborough’s House
As the hotel industry continues to evolve, embracing the concept of experience-embedded stays has become paramount. Travellers seek more than just a comfortable place to rest; they crave immersive experiences that create lasting memories. By strategically aligning our offerings with this consumer trend, we aim to provide our guests with an unforgettable journey that goes beyond luxury accommodation. As we look to the future, our commitment to developing experience-embedded stays remains steadfast, ensuring that each guest’s stay with us is truly exceptional.