Latest news with #HamptonbyHilton
The Sun
07-08-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
Three top hotels yards from Bournemouth beach being used as migrant accommodation sparking fury from tourists & locals
THREE huge hotels near one of Britain's favourite beaches are being used as accommodation for asylum seekers during the peak summer season. Holidaymakers in Bournemouth say they are fed-up at forking out thousands of pounds while illegal migrants are put up for free 200 metres from the seafront. 9 9 9 9 The hotels — all within walking distance of Bournemouth's seafront — have been closed to the paying public for more than a year. Home Office officials have taken over the 79-room Chine Hotel, the 102-room Roundhouse Hotel and 123-room Britannia Hotel. Around one million visitors book hotel stays in Bournemouth every year and there are fears the arrival of any more migrants in the Dorset town could severely damage its £1.3billion tourism industry. And this week there was anger among paying holidaymakers. Retired great-grandmother Susan Beacham, 70, of Cheltenham, Gloucs, forked out £1,400 for a week's stay with her daughter at the Hampton by Hilton near the town centre. 'Scared to walk around' She told The Sun: 'I don't think they should be in hotels like that if they've come here illegally. "That they're on the seaside makes me cross. It makes me scared to walk around at night when we've paid so much to come somewhere nice. 'If they're trying to escape a warzone, then I understand why genuine asylum seekers would come here. "But the hotels for people who aren't here legally are a waste of money, especially if they cross from France, because it's a safe country. 'The billions on this are taking away money from the NHS — which I need because I haven't been well.' First migrants detained under Starmer's 'one-in-one-out' deal with France as MORE boats arrive in UK Stewart Brown, 34, and Philip Finch, 75, from Cambridge, said putting an asylum hotel by the seaside could scare off young families. PE teacher Stewart said: 'It doesn't sit nicely with me. We've spent about £1,200 to come here. Before I came down, my dad made me aware of the asylum hotels. 'I think if you were staying around there you might feel uneasy about it, especially if you have young children. 'I suppose if you start seeing reviews saying that the crime rate around this area is increasing, I think it would be blocking people coming into the area on holiday.' Bournemouth — along with the rest of the country — is paying the price for Labour's massive failures Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp Retired grandfather Peter Morris, 76, on holiday from Peterborough, said: 'I don't agree with people coming over but they have to go somewhere. It's not good. They're expensive hotels. "The amount we're spending is a big number. You'd think those in power would always go for the cheapest option.' Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp told The Sun: 'Bournemouth's tourist trade is being put at risk by the Government. 'There are now more illegal immigrants in hotels than when Labour came to office and this year so far has been the worst ever for Channel crossings. 'Labour promised to smash the gangs and end hotel use. 'Both promises lie in tatters and Bournemouth — along with the rest of the country — is paying the price for Labour's massive failures.' 9 Earlier this year local Labour MP Tom Hayes blasted the situation, telling Parliament: 'Bournemouth hotels cost the taxpayer eye-watering sums and everyone is stuck in a situation that nobody wants.' The Bournemouth Area Hospitality Association told The Sun that the Government's choice to use hotels in the town for asylum seeker accommodation was 'disappointing'. But hotelier Rosie Radwell, who is chair of the BAHA, claimed: 'Bournemouth and the South Coast remain a wonderful destination for visitors, and holidaymakers should rest assured of high standards and a warm welcome.' Yesterday The Sun caught an asylum seeker working as a Just Eat delivery rider near to one hotel — despite Labour promising a crackdown on illegal working. The Chine boasts a sauna, jacuzzi and swimming pool but it is understood the amenities were closed when migrants arrived. It now has a security guard at the entrance and parking spaces coned off for bikes suspected to be used by illegal workers. A nearby apartment owner said: 'There have been knife fights, armed police outside. I think this will ruin tourism for so many, which is what the town relies on.' 9 9 Volunteer group Safeguard Force plans to start patrols next week to tackle violence and anti-social behaviour. Dorset Police said it was not endorsed by the force and must operate within the law. A Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council spokesman said: 'The council carefully monitors the use of asylum hotels and the impact on our services, community safety and the local economy.' The region's Destination Management Board said: 'Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole have over 450 hotels and guesthouses. Only three are currently under government contract to accommodate asylum seekers. 'The wider conurbation remains fully open for tourism, events and business, with strong bed availability, vibrant hospitality and a thriving local economy.' The Government said: 'From over 400 asylum hotels under the previous government, there are now fewer than 210, and we want them all closed by the end of this Parliament.' 'DINGHY SALES MR BIG' NICKED AN alleged international trafficking kingpin charged with selling rubber dinghies to migrant gangs was nicked on his way to a boat show. Adem Savas faces up to 15 years accused of shipping thousands of inflatables and life-jackets from China to Turkey. The Turk, 44, was nicked when he flew into Amsterdam for a boat show after a long probe by British, Belgian and Dutch cops. His case was adjourned by a Belgian court yesterday. 9
Hospitality Net
13-05-2025
- Hospitality Net
The Smile Effect: Why Great Service is the Ultimate Travel Upgrade
A new study conducted by Hampton by Hilton and Goldsmiths, University of London, scientifically proves the impact friendly service has on a hotel stay. Service with a smile can make your stay 22% better, six times more memorable, and leave guests feeling 51% more welcome. In fact, the findings show that the warmth of team members is nearly four times more likely to enhance a stay – making your food taste EVEN better AND your bed feel more comfortable. Hampton by Hilton partnered with Big Zuu, rapper and TV personality known for his signature smile, to put the findings to the test. LONDON, UK – Can a simple smile turn an ordinary hotel stay into something remarkable? Well, two thirds of Brits think so, with great service rated as one of the top drivers of a good hotel experience (69%), alongside good food (67%), a good shower (55%), and soft towels (34%). It turns out the science also agrees. A study conducted by researchers at Goldsmiths, University of London, and Hampton by Hilton finally proves that a smile is so much more than a gesture. Guests who received friendly and reliable service rated their stay 22% better overall. The research which used biometric technology, guest questionnaires, and real-world observations also found: A warm welcome matters – A big smile at check-in makes guests feel 51% more welcome. – A big smile at check-in makes guests feel 51% more welcome. Friendly service enhances the experience – 92% of guests agree that friendly service makes a stay feel exceptional, while the warmth of hotel team members is nearly 4 times more likely to enhance a guest's experience than amenities alone. – 92% of guests agree that friendly service makes a stay feel exceptional, while the warmth of hotel team members is nearly 4 times more likely to enhance a guest's experience than amenities alone. Tastier food and drinks? Absolutely – Believe it or not, a quarter (25%) of guests even say friendly service makes your breakfast more delicious, and 28% say a smile makes drinks tastier. – Believe it or not, a quarter (25%) of guests even say friendly service makes your breakfast more delicious, and 28% say a smile makes drinks tastier. Happiness is contagious – Guests who experienced friendly service reported mood improvements 3.5 times higher than those who received neutral service. – Guests who experienced friendly service reported mood improvements 3.5 times higher than those who received neutral service. Memories that last – Good service made guests' hotel stays six times more memorable. – Good service made guests' hotel stays six times more memorable. Loyalty boost – Guests are 75% more likely to return to the same hotel after experiencing 'service with a smile.' To put these findings to the test, Hampton by Hilton teamed up with Big Zuu – known for his big smile and passion for hospitality. Zuu tested how simple, friendly gestures can turn an ordinary hotel stay into an unforgettable experience. Commenting on the experience, Big Zuu said, I'm all about big smiles and bringing good vibes to whoever I meet, so when Hampton by Hilton invited me to put their experiment to the test I was all in! The science doesn't lie – smiles really do make the difference. From making breakfast taste better to improving your overall hotel stay - that's a lot to smile about! The study, which also used innovative eye-tracking technology and facial analysis to measure participants' emotional responses to friendly service, revealed that those receiving 'service with a smile' displayed 3.5 times higher levels of overall happiness during their stay. The findings illustrate a fascinating link between interpersonal warmth and guest perception. Even small gestures of friendliness, such as a simple smile, genuinely affect how people experience their environment – from physical comfort to mental well-being. Jonathan Freeman, professor of Psychology at Goldsmiths, University of London At Hampton by Hilton, our passion for exceptional service runs so deep, we've given it a name, Hamptonality! This study confirms what we witness every day from our incredible Hampton team members around the world: a genuine, warm, and inviting smile doesn't just brighten a moment – it transforms the entire guest experience. From making a morning coffee taste better to turning a brief stay into a lasting memory, the power of a smile is undeniable. Shruti Gandhi Buckley, global brand head, Hampton by Hilton With more hotel rooms around the world than any other hospitality brand, Hampton by Hilton is uniquely positioned to spread the light and warmth of hospitality to more travelers than ever before. To book your own experience of 'Service with a Smile,' visit Join the conversation at #ForTheStay. About the Research i2 Media Research Consumer research was conducted by i2 media research lab based at Goldsmiths, University of London with 24 UK adults. This study was designed as a field experiment to assess the impact of Service with a Smile on guest experience at Hampton by Hilton. It followed a between-subjects design, with service type (exemplary vs. neutral) as the independent variable and stay experience as the dependent variable. To capture a comprehensive understanding of the guest experience, the study incorporated a multi-method approach: Eye-tracking technology: Worn by hotel staff to unobtrusively record guests' facial expressions and engagement during key interactions. Polling surveys: Short e-surveys administered immediately after check-in, arrival in the room, and drink ordering, capturing guests' immediate perceptions of service quality. Final post-stay questionnaire: A longer survey completed after check-out, assessing overall experience, service perception, and future booking intent. Vox pops: Brief on-camera interviews with departing guests to gather qualitative insights and emotional responses in real-time. Consumer research Research conducted by 3Gem across 1,000 UK adults, March 2024. About Hilton Hilton (NYSE: HLT) is a leading global hospitality company with a portfolio of 24 world-class brands comprising more than 7,600 properties and nearly 1.2 million rooms, in 126 countries and territories. Dedicated to fulfilling its founding vision to fill the earth with the light and warmth of hospitality, Hilton has welcomed over 3 billion guests in its more than 100-year history, was named the No. 1 World's Best Workplace by Great Place to Work and Fortune and has been recognized as a global leader on the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices for seven consecutive years. Hilton has introduced industry-leading technology enhancements to improve the guest experience, including Digital Key Share, automated complimentary room upgrades and the ability to book confirmed connecting rooms. Through the award-winning guest loyalty program Hilton Honors, the nearly 190 million Hilton Honors members who book directly with Hilton can earn Points for hotel stays and experiences money can't buy. With the free Hilton Honors app, guests can book their stay, select their room, check in, unlock their door with a Digital Key and check out, all from their smartphone. Visit for more information, and connect with Hilton on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube. View source
Daily Mirror
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Why service with a smile is the ultimate travel upgrade
Two thirds of Brits rate great service as one of the top drivers of a good hotel experience, along with delicious food, a fabulous shower and soft towels, according to a new study While we love the little luxuries that come with a hotel stay, it's the warm welcome and friendly service that really matter. Two thirds of Brits rate great service as one of the top drivers of a good hotel experience (69%), along with delicious food (67%), a fabulous shower (55%) and soft towels (34%), according to a new study. Nor does it stop at feeling welcome. Hotel guests who got 'service with a smile' were six times more likely to remember their visit, felt 51% more welcome, and 75% more likely to come back. Incredibly friendly staff can actually make your food taste better, your bed feel comfier and your break 22% more enjoyable overall, according to the survey conducted by Hampton by Hilton and researchers at Goldsmiths, University of London. Researchers used guest surveys combined with innovative eye-tracking technology and facial analysis to measure guests' emotional responses to friendly service, revealing that 'service with a smile' displayed 3.5 times higher levels of overall happiness during their stay. The hotel brand also teamed up with rapper and TV personality Big Zuu – known for his big smile - to test how simple gestures can turn an ordinary stay into an unforgettable experience. 'I'm all about big smiles and bringing good vibes to whoever I meet,' Big Zuu said. 'The science doesn't lie – smiles really do make the difference. From making breakfast taste better to improving your overall hotel stay - that's a lot to smile about.' Professor Jonathan Freeman, Professor of Psychology at Goldsmiths, University of London, said: 'The findings illustrate a fascinating link between interpersonal warmth and guest perception. Even small gestures of friendliness, such as a simple smile, genuinely affect how people experience their environment - from physical comfort to mental well-being.' Shruti Gandhi Buckley, Global Brand Head at Hampton by Hilton says: 'At Hampton by Hilton, our passion for exceptional service runs so deep, we've given it a name, Hamptonality! 'This study confirms what we witness every day from our incredible Hampton team members around the world: a genuine, warm, and inviting smile doesn't just brighten a moment - it transforms the entire guest experience. From making a morning coffee taste better to turning a brief stay into a lasting memory, the power of a smile is undeniable." For more information on the research and to book your own experience of 'Service with a Smile,' visit here and join the conversation at #ForTheStay.
Scotsman
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
Why service with a smile is the ultimate travel upgrade
While we love the little luxuries that come with a hotel stay, it's the warm welcome and friendly service that really matter. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Two thirds of Brits rate great service as one of the top drivers of a good hotel experience (69%), along with delicious food (67%), a fabulous shower (55%) and soft towels (34%), according to a new study. Nor does it stop at feeling welcome. Hotel guests who got 'service with a smile' were six times more likely to remember their visit, felt 51% more welcome, and 75% more likely to come back. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Incredibly friendly staff can actually make your food taste better, your bed feel comfier and your break 22% more enjoyable overall, according to the survey conducted by Hampton by Hilton and researchers at Goldsmiths, University of London. Big Zuu, known for his iconic smile, has teamed up with Hampton by Hilton and researchers at Goldsmiths, University of London to scientifically prove how friendly service transforms an ordinary hotel stay into an exceptional one | Cover Images Researchers used guest surveys combined with innovative eye-tracking technology and facial analysis to measure guests' emotional responses to friendly service, revealing that 'service with a smile' displayed 3.5 times higher levels of overall happiness during their stay. The hotel brand also teamed up with rapper and TV personality Big Zuu – known for his big smile - to test how simple gestures can turn an ordinary stay into an unforgettable experience. 'I'm all about big smiles and bringing good vibes to whoever I meet,' Big Zuu said. 'The science doesn't lie – smiles really do make the difference. From making breakfast taste better to improving your overall hotel stay - that's a lot to smile about.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Professor Jonathan Freeman, Professor of Psychology at Goldsmiths, University of London, said: 'The findings illustrate a fascinating link between interpersonal warmth and guest perception. Even small gestures of friendliness, such as a simple smile, genuinely affect how people experience their environment - from physical comfort to mental well-being.' Shruti Gandhi Buckley, Global Brand Head at Hampton by Hilton says: 'At Hampton by Hilton, our passion for exceptional service runs so deep, we've given it a name, Hamptonality! 'This study confirms what we witness every day from our incredible Hampton team members around the world: a genuine, warm, and inviting smile doesn't just brighten a moment - it transforms the entire guest experience. From making a morning coffee taste better to turning a brief stay into a lasting memory, the power of a smile is undeniable."
Zawya
20-02-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Hampton by Hilton expands to Africa
Hampton by Hilton, a prominent brand within Hilton's global portfolio (NYSE: HLT), has officially opened its first hotel in Africa, the Hampton by Hilton Sandton Grayston in Johannesburg, South Africa. This marks the brand's 150th property in the EMEA (Europe, Middle East, and Africa) region. Hampton by Hilton, known for its exceptional service, premium sleep experience, complimentary hot breakfast, quality accommodations, and a range of value-added amenities, continues to lead the mid-scale category with over 3,000 hotels globally. All stays are backed by the brand's 100% Hampton Guarantee. Situated in the heart of Johannesburg's vibrant financial and shopping hub, the 158-room hotel is an ideal choice for travelers seeking reliable and friendly accommodations. The Gautrain station is just 1.8 kilometers away, offering convenient access to O.R Tambo International Airport and major cultural and leisure spots, such as Sandton City Mall and Nelson Mandela Square. Guy Hutchinson, Hilton's President for the Middle East & Africa, commented, 'Africa offers significant development opportunities, and we are excited to expand and diversify the Hilton portfolio across the continent. We've had a proud legacy in South Africa for nearly 30 years, and the opening of Hampton by Hilton Sandton Grayston underscores our commitment to providing world-class hospitality across the region.' The hotel's design showcases local South African culture, with vibrant artwork reflecting the continent's landscapes and wildlife. Guests can start their day with Hampton by Hilton's signature hot breakfast, including the popular waffle, or grab a bite at 24/7 Snacks, which offers a variety of snacks and drinks for those on the go. For fitness enthusiasts, The Active Hub features a fully-equipped gym. For those wanting to explore local culture, the Keyes Art Mile in Rosebank is just a 13-minute drive away. History buffs can explore nearby Constitution Hill, offering tours that delve into South Africa's rich heritage. Nature lovers can take a longer drive to visit the Cradle of Humankind or the Lion and Safari Park. Shruti Gandhi Buckley, Senior Vice President and Global Brand Leader for Hampton by Hilton, said, 'We're thrilled to open Hampton by Hilton Sandton Grayston, marking our brand's debut on the African continent. This milestone reflects the growing demand for quality and value-focused accommodations. As part of Hilton's extensive global pipeline of 800 hotels, we're excited to bring Hampton by Hilton's friendly, reliable service to more guests in Africa.' Hampton by Hilton Sandton Grayston is also part of Hilton Honors®, the award-winning loyalty program for Hilton's portfolio of 24 brands. Hilton Honors members booking directly through Hilton's preferred channels enjoy instant benefits such as a flexible payment slider, an exclusive member discount, free standard Wi-Fi, and access to Hilton Honors' digital tools via the mobile app, including check-in, room selection, and Digital Key access. Guests can also enjoy Hilton's six other properties in South Africa, including Hilton Durban, DoubleTree by Hilton Cape Town – Upper Eastside, Hilton Garden Inn Umhlanga Arch, and the recently opened Canopy by Hilton Cape Town Longkloof, marking the debut of Hilton's lifestyle Canopy by Hilton brand in the country. Copyright © 2022 - All materials can be used freely, indicating the origin Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
