After the phenomenal success of its first event last year, the Greater Portsmouth Hoteliers Association has announced its second free Open Day to engage with the local community and demonstrate all that the area’s biggest hospitality brands have to offer.
On Sunday March 21, all the major hotels throughout Portsmouth and its surrounds are joining forces by offering tours of lounges, restaurants, kitchens, function and bedrooms as well as free refreshments and a quiz with fantastic prizes in the GPHA’s annual ‘Open Day’.
‘One of the biggest misconceptions of our industry is that our venues are for tourists, but we believe that hotels should be places where everyone can meet, enjoy themselves and celebrate,’ explains Barend Jan Schreuder, General Manager Portsmouth Marriott Hotel and president of the GPHA. ‘We were so impressed by the support and enthusiasm we received last year that we have now decided to make our Open Day an annual event.’
Culinary enthusiasts will be spoiled for choice with the Lysses House Hotel in Fareham showing how to ‘Decorate a Plate’ like a professional, the Premier Inn in North Harbour inviting people to sample its brand new Á la Carte Menu and the Langstone Hotel in Havant sharing the secret of ‘How to Cook the Perfect Starter’. The Marriott in Portsmouth is planning live cookery demonstrations, the disclosure of exclusive recipes from the menu of its Sealevel Restaurant and Lounge and lessons in how to make the most delicious cocktails.
On Portsea Island, Express Holiday Inn in Gunwharf and Etap in Fratton Park will be showing off their venues, the Ibis will be calling on its French roots with a free master class in wine tasting and a wide variety of wines for visitors to sample, and family fun can be found at the Holiday Inn in Pembroke Road with an events display in their Normandy Suite showcasing all types banqueting and parties with decorations, entertainment and a dance floor with children’s disco.
For those who are finding the wait until next Christmas far too long, the Hilton will be bringing back the mulled wine, how to organise Christmas festivities, parties and decorations.
The more health conscious can take part in a Keep Fit health day at Holiday Inn Fareham, visit Health Clubs and Spas at the Langstone and .Solent Hotels in Havant and Whiteley or visit the Marriott Meon Valley which is offering free golf tutoring and driving range lessons on its prestigious golf course in Shedfield. These hotels will also be showing all they have to offer for wedding receptions and civil ceremonies.
‘‘Since a variety of staff will be in attendance at all hotels and the GPHA works very closely with South Downs and Highbury College, this will also be a good opportunity for anyone interested in a career in the hospitality industry to meet us, ask questions and find out more about what we do," said Kevin Israel, general manager of the Holiday Inn Portsmouth and vice-president of the GPHA. ‘We almost had 1,000 guests visiting the hotels last year and we are looking forward to receiving many more this time round."
To find out more about the GPHA’s programme of events, visit http://www.marriott.gpha.org.uk
Tel: 023-9231-6101.