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New options for Best Western Ellerslie clients

Not only does accommodation these days need the latest in electronic communications, but in 2012, business people away from home want a certain amount of luxury but comfortable, homely rooms. Personal, friendly staff and room to park a car are also likely to be high on their list.

Such reasons were behind the decision to construct a new 18 unit building at the motor inn, aimed primarily at the corporate market. Opened in July, the new extension is providing corporate clients with more options for accommodation in the heart of Auckland, says Best Western Ellerslie International Motor Inn managing director, Murray Wansbone. Built to high spec standards, they have been very, very well received, he said.

Upmarket demand

"We always knew that there was a demand to fill standard rooms but we started to notice the lack of luxury accommodation and a keen demand for upmarket accommodation from Australia and New Zealand corporates that do not want to stay in the busy central business district area. Most times they want to have a more personal service than most big operations offer and our minds started to tick over as to how we could best cater for them here," Mr Wansbone said.

The units offer a step up in terms of luxury accommodation. The design has been based on the Best Western Ellerslie International Motor Inn's existing executive rooms but are more spacious, and include some luxurious extra features. All studio rooms have plush king size beds, kitchenette with microwave, 32"LED television, media hubs, iHome alarm clocks with Bluetooth, electronic safes, high-speed wireless Internet access and relaxing double spa baths with eight jets. The new extension also includes purpose-built disabled units for mobility-challenged guests. They have a Qualmark 4 star rating.

Complementing the units is the guest access to the motor inn's general facilities including a heated in-ground pool, laundry and dry-cleaning facilities, and in-house bar and restaurant.

Best Western Ellerslie International Motor Inn has been in operation since 1991 with Murray and Margaret Wansbone taking over the reins in 2004. It services a large catchment including: Penrose, Onehunga, Mt Wellington, Panmure, Otahuhu,
Highbrook, Ellerslie, Te Papapa, Mt Smart and Greenlane. It is approximately 15 minutes from the airports and a short bus or train ride to the Auckland CBD.

"We pride ourselves on offering hotel quality facilities while still retaining the personal interaction with our clients," said Mr Wansbone.

Good conference facilities

The expansion project was started in September 2011 and complements the existing 36 units. At Best Western Ellerslie International Motor Inn, guests can check in 24 hours and in-house car rental is available. The premises are located close to the bus and train network but ample off street parking is also provided.

Because it is located just off the Southern Motorway, Murray Wansbone says that the property's conference centre is popular with corporates for business meetings, seminars, product launches, training courses or conferences.

"There are more than 15,000 companies within 20km of our premises, placing us at the beating-heart of the Auckland business community. Corporates can select from one of our three air-conditioned conference rooms, from boardroom-size up to a 50-seat open-plan setting. Refreshment options include morning and afternoon tea or they may select from our popular working luncheon menu. Bar selections are also available. Additional conference equipment is available for hire," he said.

Environmentally responsible

Murray Wansbone says that Best Western Ellerslie International Motor Inn is committed to responsible tourism and the implementation of proactive measures to help protect and sustain the environment for future generations.

"We recognise the impact of our operations on the environment and aim to be an increasingly efficient environmental accommodation provider. We strive to minimise any detrimental effects as a result of our business. For example, we seek to conserve natural resources through the responsible use of energy, water and materials, while also maintaining the quality of service expected by our guests. We monitor performance and aim for continued improvement by reducing, reusing and recycling waste and being more efficient in our consumption of water and energy."

Expansion at the inn is far from being complete. The Wansbones plan to keep developing Best Western Ellerslie International Motor Inn to meet projected future demand. Future projects include conversion from a motor inn to a hotel, upgrading of all existing units, renovation of the bar and restaurant areas, and development of the conference facilities.

"We are always looking to improve our services. Because we are a smaller business, we know our customer base and are very customer focused. That's why Best Western Ellerslie International Motor has been so popular with corporates – it's a home away from home."

In-room technology now essential

The requirements of travellers have changed rapidly in recent times. A few years ago, the emphasis would have been on a good TV and reasonable comfort, but a recent American research study reports that business travellers increasingly use technology to make travel more productive but also to stay in touch with those back home.

The study, by GBTA, the research arm of the Global Business Travel Association, says that "looking across all segments of travelers, a strong majority (79 per cent) noted they commonly bring technology on their trips to stay in touch with their family and friends – at least two-thirds bringing laptops, wireless broadband, portable GPS, and smartphones also utilizing mobile travel apps, among other tools."

The research showed that most business travellers are under 35, a generation likely to not only be comfortable with the latest technology but also to expect it. They are well catered for at Best Western Ellerslie International Motor Inn where products such as the TA – 7650 MediaHub HD and the iHome iD37 Hotel mode app-enhanced Dual Alarm Stereo Clock Radio will help to make their stay both present and productive.

Business travellers need to unwind during their time away from home and they will love the MediaHub HD, a connectivity panel featuring Stereo Bluetooth Wireless Technology which enables guests to stream music wirelessly through the TV sound system. It also has iPod/iPhone, MP3 Player or Laptop Audio connectivity, allowing guests to play their own music through the TV sound system.

They can view video media from their PC, camcorder, DVD player and any other device supported through VGA, composite AV, S-Video and HDMI, and connect game consoles to the TV through composite audio/video or HDMI connectors. MediaHub HD is compatible with any TV with an available HDMI port.

Guests will also be happy with the iHome iD37 which offers a wide range of features including: a hotel mode switch for single day alarm, radio station locking and a universal dock to charge and play iPhone, iPod or iPad. It also features a daylight saving switch and a USB charge port. Guests have a choice of waking to iPhone/iPod/iPad, playlists, FM radio or buzzer. For the tech-savvy and comfort loving business traveller of today, being on the road will never be the same again.

New smart TVs bring touch of home

Guests at the Best Western Ellerslie International Motor Inn will certainly enjoy their relaxation time. The new Lifestylepanel system installed by the owners offers a total solution to the accommodation industry – in-house movies, instant internet connection, in-house information as well as all free to air television channels and the full Sky Select package, all coming from just one remote control.

The inn's managing director, Murray Wansbone, says the Lifestylepanel system is providing guests with the comforts of home. "We see it as a successful addition to our policy of supplying the latest in technology. We expect to be full with corporate guests from Monday to Friday and we have to provide what they want, including the ability to simultaneously connect up to four devices on the same account. It has worked out well for us," he said.

For those who like new release movies, the digital system allows guests to play their video as many times as they like within a 24 hour period. The Lifestylepanel system has a simple solution for guests who want to access the Internet via the TV screen, says Lifestylepanel sales manager Arvin Lawler. "Using the wireless keyboard, they can instantly connect to the Internet and surf the web. Security is guaranteed as all history is automatically deleted as soon as the application is closed down."

Those guests content to only watch television are also well catered for as all screens are 32" High Definition LED with access to all the usual free-to-air television channels and a cable package.

The digital elements provide a revenue opportunity for the hotel or motel that wants to deliver superior in-room content. Lifestylepanel offers the complete package at a very competitive cost, provides full technical support on all of the equipment, with little or no disruption to business while it is being installed. The Lifestylepanel system is New Zealand designed and developed.