Sponsored By
Tour boost for Sheffield hotels
The Holiday Inn Royal Victorial Hotel
HOTELS in Sheffield have reported a surge in interest from cycling enthusiasts keen to book rooms when the Tour de France passes through the city in July 2014.
One of three legs of the event’s 2014 Grand Départ will finish in Sheffield, and the race - one of the largest sporting events in the world - is expected to bring a big economic boost for businesses.
Danielle Holman, from the reservations department at the Hilton on Victoria Quays, said the hotel has already received several calls regarding rooms for the Tour.
“We’ve had quite a few people ringing up,” she said.
“At the moment we’re not taking bookings for it. We’re putting people on a waiting list because we’re expecting it to be ridiculous around then.
“We’ve had people ringing up trying to book, asking for prices.”
Danielle said the waiting list was part of the hotel’s plan to cope with the demand for rooms.
Thousands of people, including fans, media, cycling teams and support staff, will descend on Sheffield for the sporting action, set to take place on July 6, 2014.
“We’ve got 128 rooms and we expect all of those to be booked. It’ll be very good for business,” Danielle added.
Michael Maycock, revenue manager at the Holiday Inn Royal Victoria, said his hotel was also anticipating a huge number of requests for rooms.
“We’re hoping to be full.That’s our main thing - full at a good rate,” he said.
“So many people will want to see it. We’re expecting a lot of interest.”
The Royal Victoria has 107 rooms, while the nearby Holiday Inn Express has a further 161.
“We’re expecting all of those to be full,” Michael added.
“I would say people should book early.”
The provisional route will enter South Yorkshire from the Woodhead Pass, then run via Langsett, Bradfield, Oughtibridge, Grenoside, Parson Cross, Fox Hill, Wadsley Bridge, Fir Vale and Wincobank, ending up at Sheffield Arena.
Residents have already expressed excitement at being given the chance to see the world’s top cyclists racing past.
Matthew Dixon, a member of Bradfield Parish Council, said: “Village folk are already very excited at the prospect. Bradfield and the surrounding area has stunning countryside that will provide a breathtaking backdrop to the Tour de France.”
The initial leg of the Grand Départ will take in Leeds and the Yorkshire Dales, while the third UK stage will be from Cambridge to London.
* Visit Le tour Yorkshire the route to see the full route.
What do you think about the Tour de France coming to Sheffield?
Email: letters@thestar.co.uk
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Sheffield
Sunday 19 May 2013
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: 9 C to 16 C
Wind Speed: 10 mph
Wind direction: North west
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 10 C to 17 C
Wind Speed: 10 mph
Wind direction: North
