UK Hotels see rise in bookings amid heatwave and airport chaos

Coastal hotels in the UK have seen a boost in summer bookings driven by the hot weather and chaos at the airports.

Paul FitzGerald, portfolio managing director of the Coast and Country Hotel Collection, which has 36 properties across the country, said many people were taking staycations “at the last minute” as flights were cancelled.

He said: “Our guests look at the weather and think ‘let's book a night or two away’, which has helped generate a huge amount of last-minute trade over the last week or so.

"We are experiencing a very different year from last year in many ways. The pace of bookings is dramatically different, last year we found everyone booked their stay early, which was largely due to the boom in staycations and not being able to get away abroad.

"This year, however, the build-up of bookings has been much slower, with many turning to domestic travel at the last minute.”

According to the Sykes Holiday Cottages staycation index, 77% of Brits plan to enjoy at least one holiday at home this year with 46% choosing the UK for their main summer break.

Graham Donoghue, chief executive of Sykes Holiday Cottages, said the group has seen a “surge” in last-minute bookings.

“Travellers simply don’t want to have to tackle airports and take the risk that their family holidays could be cancelled,” he said.

Hot weather boost

Many hotels saw a boost in bookings last week as soaring temperatures saw people flock to the coast.

Giles Fuchs, owner of Devon’s Burgh Island hotel and neighbouring Pilchard Inn, said both properties were fully booked.

He added: "We have been fortunate at Burgh, given our location on a tidal island, receiving a cool Atlantic breeze during the summer months. However, hospitality establishments on the mainland have struggled with temperatures reaching 38 degrees [Celsius].”

The Old Ship hotel (pictured) on Brighton seafront saw a rise in bookings amid the warm weather, with customers flocking to its outdoor Mess Deck terrace bar. During the heatwaves staff were treated to ice lollies and extra breaks and offered bottles of fizzy drinks.

General manager Jason Branwell said: “We have certainly seen an uptake during this hot weather. We are used to Brighton getting busy in the summer although it felt like everyone wanted to come to the coast for the good weather. We are lucky at the hotel as we have one of the largest outside bar terraces and our guests were definitely grateful for somewhere to sit and take it all in.”

Amanda Thompson OBE, chief executive of the BLVD hotel and Big Blue hotel in Blackpool and Blackpool Pleasure Beach, said the sunny weather was boosting occupancy.

She added: “The recent heatwave, and all good spells of sunny weather, benefit our two hotels here in Blackpool.

"Both the Boulevard Hotel and Big Blue Hotel always see strong occupancy levels when the temperatures rise as many guests choose to head to the coast to make the most of the good weather and enjoy the cooling sea breeze and stunning west coast sunsets.”