Ireland: Dublin-based operator Staycity has launched a marketing campaign urging customers to bypass OTAs and book directly with the company.
Customers who book direct via the company’s website will be guaranteed the lowest rate available or a 10 per cent refund, and will be eligible for complimentary early check-in and late check-out, flexible cancellation facilities, the opportunity to book larger apartments that aren’t available through OTAs, as well as the opportunity to win a stay for free. A donation to one of Staycity‘s nominated charities will also be made for every online booking made.
“It’s important to us that we build a direct relationship with our customers and that we can pass on special offers and discounted rates more quickly and easily,” explained Staycity CEO Tom Walsh. “That’s difficult to do through a third-party booking agent, so we’re urging our guests to book their stay through our own website to benefit from these offers and the price guarantee.”
Next week the company is opening 170 new apartments in Birmingham’s Newhall Square, the company’s second site in the city. Newhall Square is in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter within walking distance of the National Indoor Arena, Birmingham New Street train station, and the Bullring Shopping Centre.
The project consists of four studios, 142 one-bedroom apartments and 24 two-bedroom apartments. All have fully-equipped kitchenettes, sitting areas and bathrooms, with a 24-hour reception service, fitness room and on-site parking. Newhall Square will have a lounge area on its ground floor with Staycity’s first food and beverage offer. This will include freshly ground coffee and tea, Continental breakfasts in the morning and light snacks in the afternoon. The lounge is also suitable for meetings and offers access to super-fast fibre optic Wi-Fi.
Staycity opened its first site in Birmingham in 2006, with occupancy remaining consistently over 90 per cent.
“Birmingham has been one of our best-performing sites, with strong demand from leisure and corporate bookings. We are confident Newhall Square will be just as popular,” said Walsh.
Staycity serviced apartments and aparthotels can now be found in eight major cities across the UK and Europe. The company’s European expansion plans will take it from 1,000 apartments to 3,500 over the next 24 months.
www.staycity.com</p
