Tyneside's newest hotel opens for business


Tyneside’s newest hotel – the £5 million Tulip Inn NewcastleGateshead – has opened its doors for business.

The hotel is the UK’s first new build Tulip Inn to open since Yorkshire-based hotel group Golden Tulip UK announced a major expansion programme for the brand which is already well-known throughout Europe.

The 115-bed Tulip Inn is located on the 150,000 sq. ft. Maingate development in the Team Valley. It is one of three new Tulip Inns currently being built - the Portsmouth Tulip Inn opens in November with the Tulip Inn Leeds Castleford following in early 2005. Golden Tulip UK plans to open 15 more hotels in the UK and Ireland during the next three years.

The hotel, which has created 45 new jobs, is set grab a slice of both the region’s leisure and business travel sectors. The North East attracts some five million tourists who annually contribute more than a £1 billion to the regional economy while the booming conference market is now one of the fastest growing business sectors, already bringing in more than £72.5 million a year.

Alastair Balls, chairman of destination marketing agency Newcastle Gateshead Initiative, welcomed the Tulip Inn’s arrival: “I am delighted that Golden Tulip UK has chosen this area for its first new-build Tulip Inn.

“Demand for hotel accommodation is currently at an all time high in NewcastleGateshead and this level of demand has been sustained despite recent growth in the area’s hotel stock. Average hotel occupancy for the first eight months of 2004 stands at 74%, compared with 69% for the same period last year.

“Our international PR and marketing campaigns have succeeded in raising the profile of the area as a vibrant, cultural city break and conference destination, driving more UK and overseas visitors here than ever before. The Tulip Inn brand brings an exciting new dimension to the hotel sector on Tyneside and will undoubtedly attract both the growing business and leisure market.”

In June, Golden Tulip UK became one of the first hotel groups to announce a no smoking policy in all public areas of its new hotels and the Tulip Inn NewcastleGateshead will be the first hotel to enforce the policy. The company’s announcement followed a MORI poll on behalf of ASH (Action on Smoking and Health) which showed overwhelming public support for a ban on smoking in the workplace. ASH warmly welcomed the decision and urged other hotels to follow Golden Tulip’s example.

Jesmond-based Andrew Silver, who is sales & marketing director for Golden Tulip UK, commented: “Tulip Inns offer guests a new concept with an informal atmosphere, stylish, well-appointed accommodation and a Bibo Bar & Bistro. Rooms are also very competitively priced with rates from £62.50 for an introductory period. I am confident this value-for-money approach, combined with the quick access to road and rail networks, will ensure the hotel is a great success.”

The hotel has ample free parking and Wi-Fi access in public areas and meeting rooms. There are three meeting rooms, two of which can take up to 30 people theatre-style. Every bedroom has a larger than usual walk-in power shower, satellite TV, work space, computer modem, trouser press and hair dryer.

Golden Tulip UK is part of Golden Tulip Hotels Inns & Resorts, one of Europe’s top four hotel franchise operators. The new hotel will be the 85th Tulip Inn in the world.

Have Your Say