I think so.
Of the tens of thousands of guests, conference delegates, party goers and diners that will visit Mandolay this year, I doubt that very many will mention the carpets, it’s just carpet after all.
But there’s more to it than fitting a new floor covering. Quite a lot more.
Creating a good first impression is of course vital to any hospitality venue, this is one of the reasons why we place such high value on a warm welcome from reception team members. As a side note, just check us out on review sites and see how often our receptionists are mentioned by name for the quality of their work.
But, it’s not just in the reception area where our new carpets are a spectacular new addition. We have really ‘gone to town’ with public areas like corridors and hallways and I have to say that the place is looking wonderful.
So that’s the aesthetic covered, but there’s more. New carpets soften large spaces, add a touch of elegance to those hidden little corners, and just feel right underfoot.
Acoustics have improved, and of course there’s the additional benefit of increased soundproofing, something that is especially important near guest bedrooms.
Before I go on, I would like to take a step back to mention Mandolay procurement policy, and you didn’t think it could get more exciting than carpet.
‘Buy cheap buy twice’ is a well-worn mantra, not just in the hospitality industry, but in everyday life. We all know the perils associated with cutting costs, and while as responsible hoteliers we do seek out the very best prices, we never do so at the cost of quality.
We have Four Stars and a raft of hospitality awards for a reason.
So, when we made the decision to re-carpet the hotel, we had a number of non-negotiables. Quality of course was one, bespoke design another, and we wanted to ‘buy British’. This last point is important because as a hotel committed to sustainability we really do take care not to add to our carbon footprint.
Choosing a supplier was a joy. We met and spoke with some fabulous manufacturers and the decision was not an easy one, but we felt ‘safe’ with Ulster Carpets. They talked us through the entire process, and along with Lotti Baker-Johnson who designed the carpet, and Rosemont Flooring who fitted them so professionally, I do not think that we could have made better choices.
The result is a carpet that will last us years, and while it might never be given five stars on Tripadvisor, or get a mention on a review site, it will add to the quality of a hotel that regularly, and consistently ranks among the very best in Surrey.
So, there you have it. The story of a new carpet, and why I think it’s much much more than just something to stand on.