Stratford’s Crowne Plaza and Club Motivation open with sparkling new refurb after devastating fire
IT was relief and smiles all round as Stratford’s Crowne Plaza was at last back in business following the devastating fire earlier this year.
The hotel has undergone extensive refurbishment since a fire broke out just before midnight on 29th April which saw guests – some of them in nightwear - and staff evacuated.
Showing the Herald round the revamped interior, general manager Robin Ford said: “We’re delighted to have reopened and to see new and returning guests at Crowne Plaza Stratford. The hotel is a significant part of the local community, playing host to many special events throughout the year, as well as welcoming thousands of guests through our doors each month, so we’re excited to be back to business as usual.”
Although the company declined to elaborate on the cost of the work done over the past four months, Robin added: “We’ve carried out an extensive renovation right across the hotel, from new beds and soft furnishings to a full refurbishment of our ballroom and public areas. We would like to thank all of our guests and members for their patience and understanding during our period of closure and we look forward to welcoming everyone back in the weeks to come.”
During the refurbishment, permanent staff were largely deployed at nearby sister hotels.
Brian McCarthy, president at parent company Valor Hospitality UK and Europe, said: “The team at Crowne Plaza Stratford have really pulled together over the past few months during what has been a difficult time and I’m proud of the resilience that they’ve shown. Now that the hotel is back open, we are pleased to say we have received some really positive feedback from guests already.”
The hotel’s health club is also back up and running. Club Moativation threw open its doors again this week with the message from manager Zoe Russell and her team that they can’t wait to see everyone back following a total refresh of the facilities, including the arrival of new pieces of training equipment.
“It has been a while and we have missed seeing everyone so much,” Zoe said. “It has given us the opportunity to freshen things up around the place including the pool area, carry out some work in the sauna and steam room and we have brought in three new pieces of equipment.
“We are all in this industry because we enjoy working with people and we have missed seeing our members, many of whom have become friends. We managed to hold a couple of social events over the summer but it's great that we can welcome them back into the club now.”
Long-time member James Maddock, pictured below, was one of the first back through the door – but only after he had cut the ribbon for the official re-opening. James explained why he had been a regular at the gym for more than 25 years.
“I have been coming here since 1996 with a break when I spent time working in Brazil. It has everything I need but it is so much more than a gym. It is a place to meet friends in beautiful surroundings alongside the river.”
Regarding the investigation into the blaze, the last update from Warwickshire Fire Service was that it is ongoing and that arson has not been ruled out.
