We use lots of guest quotes in our social media and on our website, usually things like ‘we had a wonderful time’, ‘what a great place’, and ‘fabulous food, brilliant service’.
So why have we chosen to headline a blog with a genuine comment that apparently points at a weakness in our offering?
Well, because that one comment from a visitor to our stand at the recent Surrey Business Expo led to an extremely interesting conversation, and a very nice event booking.
The person in question had driven past Mandolay lots of times but for one reason or another, had never been inside. He actually told us how much he loved the exterior but had always thought we were ‘just a medium sized hotel’.
We could of course just hit back with statistics like ‘largest conference venue in Guildford’ ‘eight purpose built meeting and event spaces’, ‘theatre style up to 500 delegates’, and ‘joint host of Guildford’s largest ever international conference’.
Instead, we asked what sort of event they were planning, and for how many people.
We quickly learned that this was a 2 day pharmaceutical conference for 130 people, with some overnight accommodation, a gala dinner with invited guests, a celebrity speaker and a small partner programme of activities in and around Guildford.
‘Yes, we can do that. Why not pop over for a look around and a chat?’
Appointment made, and last week we welcomed a small delegation of organisers to Mandolay for the ‘Cook’s Tour’ of bedrooms, event spaces, breakout rooms, a green room for the celebrity guest, and a spot of lunch.
The tour went well, and as is not uncommon we heard phrases like ‘I didn’t realise the place is so big’. ‘It’s like the TARDIS’ and something along the lines of the classic ‘you would never guess from the outside’.
Well no, you would never guess that we are Surrey’s largest independent conference and events centre, that with the Mandolay Suite, we have the largest single span space in Guildford, or that included in our 80 bedrooms are junior suites and even an aparthotel, with fully fitted kitchen.
But we believe that what truly elevates Mandolay is our flexibility. Our collection of beautifully designed suites, we host everything from intimate board meetings to large‑scale conferences for several hundred delegates. We comfortably offer the kind of versatility that event planners value, things like high ceilings, modern lighting, integrated AV, and the ability to transform seamlessly from a business environment into a glamorous evening setting.
Our AA Four Star status and Rosette for Culinary Excellence demonstrates our commitment to quality, while our dedicated events team brings a level of expertise that ensures every detail is handled with precision.
Being big enough is one thing, but it would count for nothing if we could not also combine our extraordinary size with brilliant service.
So, if you are in the area, don’t just drive past, pop in and be amazed.