02 April 2009

Shearings targets self-drive with hotel brand

A self-drive programme under the Coast and Country branding has been unveiled by Shearings.

The move follows the company spending more than £7 million revamping 13 hotels, including five new properties.

Each hotel has a three-star rating and is set in popular destinations including Weston-super-Mare, Bournemouth, Exmouth, Scarborough, Windermere, Bath, Tenby, Keswick, Harrogate, Chollerford, Portpatrick and Pitlochry.

The launch of Coast and Country follows Shearings announcement that bookings to its portfolio of 49 UK hotels are up by an average of 10% compared to the same period last year.

Head of sales and marketing Fiona Greenhalgh said: "By investing in this collection of hotels and creating the new Coast and Country brand, our aim is to extend our appeal to self-drive customers and a younger market who may not have previously considered a Shearings holiday.

"All the hotels enjoy stunning locations and a high standard of service, accommodation and dining.

"Each property is also unique in appearance, period and character which sets the collection apart from other hotel chains and gives agents something different to offer customers."

by Phil Davies