9:44am Wednesday 16th July 2008
By Harry Hogger
AN UPMARKET bed and breakfast chain has branched out from the shoppers' paradise of West End London to the sandy shores of Weymouth.
The B+B Collection, which owns an award-winning guesthouse in the affluent London district of Belgravia, has opened a second property on Weymouth Esplanade.
Belgravia may offer easy access to a host of boutique stores of Mayfair and Knightsbridge, but the owners of B+B Weymouth are confident the Dorset resort has its own attractions and will prove just as popular with holiday-makers.
Sales and marketing director Sue Bertram said: "We had been looking for a property by the sea for a few years.
"When London won the 2012 Olympic Games and it was announced that Weymouth would host the sailing competition it was obvious that Weymouth would become the next 'hot spot' on the South Coast."
Managing director Penny Brown added: "This year we have seen an increase in domestic bookings compared to 2007 in our London property.
Responsibility "People's travel habits are changing and many are adopting a sense of responsibility to the environment by actively reducing their carbon footprint and taking holidays in the UK.
"The coast and hassle of delayed flights abroad versus a holiday in the UK, makes us optimistic for a busy first season in Weymouth."
The B+B team is promising an 'innovative and stylish' bed and breakfast experience with a 'boutique concept'.
The property on The Esplanade retains many of the features of the original Grade II listed building, but the interior has been transformed with a 'contemporary but sympathetic' design.
B+B Weymouth boasts 26 en suite bedrooms featuring Wi-Fi internet access and Freeview TV, a guest lounge and large breakfast room.
Mrs Bertram said: "The B+B Collection is the brainchild of a group of like-minded professional hoteliers who have rewritten the rules for a new style of bed and breakfast hotels for the 21st century.
"We have created a new brand that offers a quality, contemporary environment at affordable rates for the discerning business traveller and the cost-conscious tourist alike.
"Design, service, quality, comfort and character are all part of our philosophy."
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