Macdonald Hotels Sees A Surge In Traffic As The Traitors Inspires Castle Breaks

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Scottish hotels are once again seeing a surge in online interest following the success of the BBC’s The Traitors, with new figures from Macdonald Hotels suggesting viewers are looking to turn their fascination with the show’s grand settings into real-life country house breaks.

The independent hotel group, which was founded in Scotland and now has over 30 properties across the UK, has reported a 42% increase in traffic to its hotel pages since the latest series launched, while its guide to Scotland’s famous castle hotels generated more than 30,000 impressions in less than three days.

Filmed in the Scottish Highlands, The Traitors has brought the country’s dramatic landscapes and historic architecture to a national audience. Its popularity is helping shine a spotlight on the appeal of grand country houses and historic retreats, where distinctive settings and a sense of history are central to the guest experience.

Among them is Macdonald Pittodrie House which dates back to 1480 and is set within a 2,400-acre estate near Inverurie in Aberdeenshire, at the foot of Bennachie. With traditional interiors, antique furnishings, original architectural features and sweeping countryside views, the property offers an atmospheric rural retreat surrounded by the dramatic landscapes of the north-east. The hotel features 27 individually styled bedrooms, a restaurant and a cosy snug bar, providing a peaceful base for exploring Aberdeenshire.

Further south, Macdonald Houstoun House offers another distinctive take on the historic country house stay. This 16th-century tower house sits within 22 acres of woodland and landscaped grounds in West Lothian, just 25 minutes from Edinburgh. It combines antique-filled feature bedrooms and historic character with the Tower Restaurant, a cosy vaulted bar and spa and leisure facilities, making it an appealing retreat within easy reach of the capital and its historic attractions.

For those keen to experience Scotland’s dramatic natural setting for themselves, Macdonald Forest Hills Hotel & Resort offers a different kind of escape.

Nestled beside Loch Ard in Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, the four-star Highland-style hotel and resort is surrounded by wooded hills, mountains and spectacular scenery, with views across the loch towards Ben Lomond. Its 55 bedrooms and self-catering accommodation provide options for a range of stays, while its restaurant, spa and leisure facilities complement the walking routes, cycling trails and outdoor attractions nearby.

Robyn Lee, Head of Marketing at Macdonald Hotels, said:

“The success of The Traitors has captured people’s imaginations, and we’re seeing a real appetite for the kind of atmospheric, character-filled properties that viewers associate with the show."

“Our Traitors castle guide attracted more than 30,000 impressions in less than three days, and we’ve seen a 42% increase in traffic to our hotel pages since the series launched. It’s clear that people are interested in experiencing a little of that castle-inspired escapism for themselves."

“Scotland has an incredible range of historic hotels, and spectacular landscapes, and we’re excited to help guests discover their own version of that experience.”

To explore Scottish stays and plan a break visit here.

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May 16, 2024

2 min read

Luxury Cotswolds hotel Tewkesbury Park has secured a £500,000 investment from Lombard for upgrading its plant room to include combined heat and power (CHP) in a move which the resort estimates will save it £100,000 per year in energy costs.

This highly efficient process captures the heat created by electricity generation to meet its water and space heating requirements.

Tewkesbury Park is a family-owned, luxury hotel resort and 18-hole golf course situated on the site of the 1471 Battle of Tewkesbury. The hotel hosts premium stays, golf and tennis trips, weddings and conferences, and also has an onsite spa and fitness centre.

The business, which employs 134 people, is run by Linda McIntosh, with her son Chris McIntosh and daughter Claire White.

They estimate that the use of combined heat and power will save 200 tonnes of Carbon Dioxide per year.

Chris McIntosh, Managing Director at Tewkesbury Park Limited, said:

“We are passionate about making our hotel more sustainable and setting a positive example that others in the hotel industry can follow. This investment from Lombard has allowed us to take a big step forward in this regard."

“Due to space and listed building constraints, we were unable to install solar panels – but Lombard helped us find a solution that will allow us reduce our emissions and make huge costs savings, while increasing our security of supply with a system powered by LPG that can run even if the grid does not.”

Jason Holness, Senior Relationship Manager at Lombard, said:

“It was fantastic to work with the McIntosh family on this deal and help them to take a big step towards their sustainability goals, with the added benefit of saving them a lot of money in the long run."

"One of our business aims is to provide financing options that encourage and empower businesses to improve their sustainability, and the Tewkesbury Park team embodies exactly what we’re trying to achieve.”

The family discovered the neglected hotel in 2014 and, seeing its potential, purchased and refurbished it over a four-year period, adding a new events venue and bedrooms in the main house.

For further assistance with their climate action plan, Tewkesbury Park has registered with NatWest’s Carbon Planner, a free tool providing businesses with tailored solutions to reduce their operational emissions.

Commercial Director Claire is putting her luxury hotel experience to good use on new ITV game show The Fortune Hotel. Claire and husband Dan are competing for a £250,000 cash prize.

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Macdonald Hotels Sees A Surge In Traffic As The Traitors Inspires Castle Breaks

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