Behind the scenes The neighbourhood ethos
Hotel Indigo Leeds’ opening this summer had a strong focus on celebrating its Yorkshire roots. Staying true to its neighbourhood ethos, the hotel is partnering with a range of regional suppliers to deliver an experience that’s authentically local. Its adjoining bar and restaurant, The Banksia, will feature meat from Sykes House Farm, just 15 miles away, and drinks from Northern Monk Brewery, Leeds Gin, Slingsby Gin, Dutch Barn as “responsible, community-centred hospitality” that supports local businesses while enhancing the guest experience. Head Chef Craig Rogan says the menu will take inspiration from eastern-Mediterranean cuisine,
Could you share more about the investment and development process? What made Leeds the right choice for your next Hotel Indigo location? Keval Thakerar: Bringing Hotel Indigo to Leeds has been an incredibly exciting journey. Our investment in this project reflects both our commitment to the brand and our belief in the city’s growth and character. Leeds is a vibrant cultural and business hub, with a strong tourism market and a deep sense of local identity, making it an ideal fit for the Hotel Indigo ethos, which is all about celebrating neighbourhood stories. We’ve worked closely with local designers and contractors throughout the development to ensure the hotel reflects the spirit of Leeds while meeting the high standards guests expect from Hotel Indigo.
The guest room design seeks to captures the opulence and mystery of cinema.
What sets Hotel Indigo Leeds apart from other city centre hotels in terms of guest experience? SG: An important USP that the Hotel Indigo brand brings to each city is the neighbourhood story. Almost like a patent for the hotel, we bring the past, present and future of the city of Leeds through our guest room design. With a nod to the city’s heritage and history along with its current culture and vibrancy, we’re the only hotel that brings a personal touch from the city in its design.
Can you tell us more about the amenities offered – such as the fitness centre and in-room technology? SG: We’re bringing a brand-new, state-of-the-art fitness centre to Leeds for those looking to enjoy a gym session during their stay. The latest in-room technology will also allow guests to relax and watch their own movies, TV shows and sports brought from their home to their hotel room.
How are you applying IHG’s initiatives specifically at the Leeds site? Are there any innovative sustainable practices you’re particularly proud of? KT: Sustainability has been a core focus throughout the Leeds development, in line with IHG’s ‘Journey to Tomorrow’ goals. We’ve introduced energy-efficient systems, such as low-energy lighting and smart climate control, and have embedded waste reduction initiatives throughout the hotel’s operations. We’re also in the process of becoming a Greengage ECO-smart accredited hotel – an important step that reflects our long-term commitment to responsible and sustainable hospitality. It’s a journey we’re proud to be on, and one that will continue to evolve as we open our doors.
What kind of feedback or involvement have you had from the local community during development? SG: So far, as we started to add branding to the space and announce our presence in Leeds, we’ve received great engagement from the local community. Our hotel owner has ensured that the construction company has created a great network, with access to other contractors to reduce disruption as we develop. We’ve also had some really welcoming experiences so far in Leeds, using other hotels as a base to work while we set up. With our engagement with schools and universities so far, we’ve received great excitement regarding apprenticeship opportunities, and we’ve also heard from many local businesses for community events to welcome us and our team. After much discussion about the want for the Hotel Indigo brand in Leeds, it’s really exciting to finally be bringing this sought-after brand to the city.
With this being your latest Indigo property, are there other UK cities on your radar for future developments? KT: While we’re not actively pursuing any specific locations at the moment, we’re always on the lookout for the right opportunity. The success of this development so far has been incredibly encouraging, and it’s made us even more excited about the upcoming opening. When the right city, site and story come together, we’d absolutely consider expanding the Hotel Indigo footprint further across the UK. ●
22
www.hmi-online.com
Hotel Indigo Leeds
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37
