Manchester Serviced Apartments set high standards

Having recently signed a 'Code of Best Practice', two members of The Manchester Serviced Apartment Group have achieved the much acclaimed gold award from Visit England.

The design-led operator Staying Cool has won three awards for their four-star apartments, whilst luxurious Blue Rainbow Apartments* have also achieved an award for their four-star accommodation.

The prestigious Gold awards are only granted where accommodation has exceptional levels of service, standards and cleanliness.

Manchester has the third highest number of serviced apartments in the UK after London and Edinburgh. Serviced apartments offer the leisure and corporate visitor an alternative type of accommodation, providing the comfort, privacy and flexibility of a self-catering property, alongside exclusive hotel-type facilities such as room service, maid service, reception and concierge.

The Manchester Serviced Apartment Group established its Code of Best Practice to set an industry standard for serviced apartment operators within the city. This is the only code of its kind in the UK, designed to ensure that all serviced apartments providers in Manchester maintain the highest of standards.

Tracey Stephenson, director from Staying Cool, said: "The code is far more rigorous in its content than any legal requirement and it sends an important message out to our guests and neighbours that we take quality very seriously."

Paul Simpson, managing director of Visit Manchester, the tourist board for Greater Manchester, said: "I'm delighted our serviced apartment operators have signed the Code of Best Practice. The code has established a benchmark to which all serious operators should consider committing to.

"The demand for serviced apartments, particularly from the business community, has grown significantly over recent years and the code ensures that there is a responsible reaction to this growth."

The Manchester Serviced Apartment Group was established in 2007. They meet regularly to discuss current issues in the industry and to work upon raising awareness of their sector.

Any serviced apartment operators who are interested in joining the Manchester Serviced Apartment Group should contact the tourism development team at Visit Manchester on 0161 237 1010.