Studley Castle’s manager on Warner Leisure’s biggest hotel project to date

What’s the main message about Studley Castle for groups? 

There are lots of options for groups visiting Studley Castle. Starting with groups made up of different generations and ages - there’s something for everybody. During the day there are various activities and options and then in the evening, groups can come together for entertainment, good food and a great atmosphere. Studley is somewhere you could come with a wide range of ages and everybody will go home feeling like there was something for them. 

Tell us about some of the key selling points about Studley 

Groups will be interested to know that we’ve got a couple of private dining rooms available. Particularly with some smaller groups, they can have their own space and privacy; we can even organise drinks receptions before dinner for them.

All of the organising and logistics are already done for groups so it makes everything a lot easier and more enjoyable. 

How is the hotel different to other Warner experiences? 

It was the first new hotel that Warner Leisure Hotels had built in 19 years and the idea is that it would become the hotel of the future. We’re still early on in that process and we trial quite a lot of things at Studley such as different food concepts and activities and more wellbeing experiences. 

What can guests expect from the entertainment? 

The entertainment is on later in the evening at Studley - it’s the same at Heythrop. Guests have an extended evening starting with background music before the main act.

While we do have production shows, it’s not always necessarily about ‘watching the performance’, there’s dancing or you can chat. It’s more like a party which appeals to groups because of the social element. You arrive to a warm welcome and it carries on.

Could you share some of the feedback you’ve had from guests so far? 

People have said that it’s beautiful, they’re wowed by Studley. Every day when I drive into work I think, it’s so pretty. It’s all very well put together, clean, modern and provides a really comfortable stay. People have picked up on that point. Once you’re in your room, everything’s central, you’ve got everything you need in really easy reach.

The team are really lovely, professional and helpful too. 

What’s your favourite thing about Studley?

I love the team and the castle of course! It’s a place to come and relax and unwind. The guests are our number one. We do what we do, really well. 

I also love working for Warner Leisure Hotels. They’ve got some great pillars of success while being keen to innovate and challenge.