Business of the Month: Kingsmills Hotel Group
We caught up with Arran McAleer, Marketing Executive at Kingsmills Hotel Group, to find out more about the group’s two luxury hotels and what they have in store for the future…
Hello Arran, tell us a bit about yourself and your position at Kingsmills Hotel Group?
I have been with the Kingsmills Hotel Group for just over a year now after graduating from Robert Gordon University. I graduated with a degree in Business Management, specialising in Marketing and gaining an in-depth knowledge of the discipline.
My role at the group as a Marketing Executive has a diverse range of responsibilities – no day is ever the same! However, if I was to summarise in one sentence, I would say that my responsibilities work towards the common goal of developing and enhancing the brand of both the Kingsmills Hotel and the recently opened Ness Walk, leading to increasing customer engagement, affinity, loyalty and in turn revenue.
You have two properties located at the start (or end) of the NC500. Why should guests choose to stay with yourselves and could you tell us more about each property?
An adventure always begins (and ends) with a good night’s sleep. We love offering a warm Highland welcome or farewell to those taking part in the NC500 in both of our luxury Inverness hotels – the 4-star Kingsmills Hotel and our newly opened 5-star Ness Walk.
Each hotel has its own unique design personality however that exemplary standard of service remains constant.
The Kingsmills Hotel offers endless facilities for your trip. You can enjoy a meal in either of our two in-house restaurants, a swim in our leisure club, or even a massage in our spa – you will never have to look for something to do. We also have one of the largest whisky bars’ in Inverness, delivering the perfect opportunity to learn about the famous single malt (as long as you aren’t driving in the morning).
Ness Walk is nestled peacefully on the banks of the River Ness in Inverness city centre. The hotel is a lovingly restored 18th century house with the addition of a contemporary styled bedroom wing – the perfect balance between past and present. Our bedrooms redefine luxury and many offer spectacular views across our beautiful courtyard. It is also home to our in-house restaurant, Torrish.
Are there any unique experiences our NC500 visitors can get involved in during their stay?
In terms of unique experiences, foodies should look no further than our in-house restaurant at Ness Walk, Torrish. Open to both our residents and non-residents, Torrish delivers a fine dining experience assured to leave you astounded! Set in the original drawing room emblazoned with traditional details and a cosy fire, it delivers a friendly dining experience with a difference and a MUST TRY on your NC500 adventure.
The enthusiasm and creative flair of our Executive Chef and his brigade can be seen in the sumptuous dishes we offer. Our menus are designed around the seasons, using the very best of local produce. Some of the ingredients used in our dishes are actually grown and hand-picked in the Ness Walk herb garden each morning. It doesn’t get fresher than that!
Do you have anything exciting or new planned for 2020?
2020 will, like 2019, be an incredibly exciting year for the Kingsmills Hotel Group as we continue to expand our portfolio in Inverness. Our third addition ‘Kin’ will be entering its final stages of development in the Inverness city centre bringing 70 bedrooms, restaurant and basement bar- due to open in March 2021.
Watch this space…
How do you feel the NC500 has impacted the capital of the Highlands, and your business?
A marketing masterpiece as it is commonly called, the North Coast 500 has impacted the Highlands in many ways. It has opened up the region to a brand-new tourism market and helped create businesses throughout the route. It has also generated an incredible level of exposure for the region through various means.
Furthermore, the North Coast 500 has without a doubt had a profound impact on our business. Each year we have the pleasure of hosting various car clubs alongside individual adventure seekers that have their sights set on the route. This is a figure that is ever increasing, with the popularity of the route continuing to grow.
How has the NC500 Business Partnership been beneficial to your business?
We have been business partners with the NC500 for several months and it has delivered a range of benefits to both our properties. We were able to access the massive NC500 network to generate a buzz for the opening of Ness Walk and promote our special offers. Furthermore, our business listing has generated additional revenue through both individual bookings and group enquiries.
The infancy of our partnership has been extremely positive, and we are excited about the opportunities and prospects on the horizon as the route continues to develop.
And finally…do you have a hidden Highland gem you can share with us?
The Highlands are packed full of hidden gems and experiences! One of my personal favourites is the Fyrish Monument nearby Alness. The peak of the hill itself offers unspoiled views across the Cromarty Firth and the Black Isle, as well as the nearby Munro Ben Wyvis – perfect for the more experienced climber. If you have a spare couple of hours, then this is the ideal attraction for you.
Find out more about our partners at Kingsmills Hotel Group.
