Back in 2009 we learned that Radisson were planning to open a new luxury hotel on the site of the old White Horse Hotel, approximately 400 metres from our front door, and rather than view this as bad news, we chose to welcome the new arrival with open arms.
In fact, one of the very first things that we did was to contact their Head Office and offer our lounges, and internet access to Radisson executives. We also spoke to their Sales and Marketing Director and offered to introduce their new Guildford team to businesses, and other contacts in and around the town.
This might seem a crazy thing to do, why on earth would we share our resources with a rival?
There are a number of reasons, first we are a friendly bunch at Mandolay. Second, their excellent sales team would have met these contacts anyway, and we wanted them to feel at home in Guildford.
Then there was the fact that we knew how much the area needed more, high end accommodation if we were to attract visitors from home and abroad, and the strength of the Radisson brand would certainly help the town of Guildford.
We also thought that it would be a great opportunity to raise our own game, and at around this time we began our journey from an unrated, albeit very good hotel, to an AA 4 Star property with the finest meeting and event spaces, and a first class restaurant.
It is worth noting that some of the original Radisson executive team are still friends of Mandolay, even after all these years, and long after the hotel changed hands to become The Harbour.
With the arrival of Radisson, Guildford became a destination, somewhere to be considered by international agencies, and conference bookers. The addition of G Live was another boost, and it was not long before Mandolay was co-hosting the largest international Expo that the town has ever seen.
So why this stroll down memory lane?
The new Hilton that has opened in Woking will be great news for us, and the entire area. It will attract visitors to Surrey, and that has to be a positive thing for the County, and the people that will be employed as a result of their arrival.
We began the process of ‘raising our game’ still further some time ago, introducing The Residence at Mandolay, installing air conditioning in every bedroom, and adding little touches to our entire offering.
So, in answer to the question ‘what’s the best place to open a shoe shop?’ we say with complete confidence ‘right next door to another shoe shop’.
Surrey is becoming a must visit destination for leisure and business, and together with our new neighbours we will be ready to welcome them.