The Palace Hotel & Casino on Douglas Promenade has marked its first year as part of the ‘world’s largest hotel family’, the Best Western group.
The hotel joined the Best Western group in November 2011, becoming the first Best Western in the UK to incorporate a casino, and the only branded hotel in the Isle of Man.
While the hotel has remained under the operational control and ownership of the Sefton Group, the Group’s Director of Hotels and Leisure Adrian Brockhouse recognises the benefits that have come from being part of the Best Western brand.
Adrian said: ‘It has been an exciting time for the Palace Hotel & Casino since joining the Best Western brand late last year. We have traded ahead of 2011 levels and have seen some significant developments within the Palace complex.
‘The hotel held its first wedding ceremonies, after the Sefton Group was granted a civil wedding licence early in 2012, and the Casino has undergone some major changes with the creation of the “Live Play” area, which allows online gamers around the world the chance to take part in live gaming via the internet, and the introduction of “fun tables”, which offer easy-to-play and enjoyable alternatives for inexperienced gamers.
‘The last year has also seen the introduction of an exciting new Casino membership package, ‘V’, which gives Casino members – including Bingo and Kursaal Slots – exclusive invitations to events and special offers within the Casino, as well as special deals on restaurants and other services offered by the Sefton Group. In April, the Palace Health Club received a revamp and a fresh new look when it was fitted out with the latest “next generation” fitness equipment.’
Adrian explained: ‘Being part of the Best Western brand brings with it many advantages for the hotel and casino, the Sefton Group as a whole, and the Island in general, through additional marketing exposure within the UK and further afield. It also brings benefits to our customers, particularly our corporate clients, through Best Western’s worldwide loyalty programme.’
The Best Western name dates back to 1946, when the brand was created in Phoenix, USA. During the 1960s, the group started to licence the brand overseas and today the name is represented in 80-plus countries around the world, with more than 4,000 hotels – all independently owned and managed.
Keith Pope, Director of Best Western, added: ‘Best Western Palace Hotel & Casino has been a great addition to our portfolio of “hotels with personality”. The Palace complex offers a wide variety of fantastic facilities, which makes it a great place to stay for both business and leisure travellers. After an excellent first year, we are confident in the continuing success of our partnership.’
