Local heroes

Roomzzz will open at least three properties in 2017, in Manchester, Newcastle and London, adding to its existing aparthotels in Leeds, Chester, Nottingham, Newcastle and Manchester. It also has projects in the pipeline in York and Harrogate, and is fast gaining a reputation for value and customer satisfaction. The company is building up quite a reputation in the leisure market and has a loyal band of followers who are enthusiastic brand advocates. Clearly a company who has got the formula for this particular brand just right.

And in another provincial city – the 2017 UK City of Culture no less – the Hideout Hotel, which opens in Hull in May this year will also be looking to capitalise on the leisure travel influx to the city this summer to attend the numerous events taking place.

While there has been an ongoing debate about the pros and cons of Airbnb for the wider hospitality sector there can be little doubt that it has been a huge positive for the serviced apartment and aparthotel sector – it has made staying in an apartment rather than a hotel room on leisure travel normal rather than a novelty. Hopefully there will be many more regional UK brands who can take advantage of this in the future.