Studley Castle in Warwickshire is one of Warner Leisure Hotels’ newest openings. We caught up with general manager Joanne Hammick about the journey so far.
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.
GLT’s Keeley Rodgers stayed at Studley Castle to see what all the fuss was about. You can read her review in the August edition of Group Leisure & Travel magazine which will be out soon.
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.
About Studley Castle
- Refashioned in 2017, Studley Castle has Grade II listed status with 180 years of history.
- Designed by Samuel Beazley, a renowned theatre architect, in the Gothic Revival style, it became a training camp for the Women’s Land Army during the World War One and Two and remained a women’s-only college for the next 60 or so years.
- There are 216 rooms (159 Studley Rooms, 23 Stables Rooms, 6 Lodge Rooms and 27 Castle Rooms).
- It boasts 28 acres of grounds with rolling countryside views.
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.
Groups of 20+ can benefit from discounted rates at Studley Castle, as with other Warner Hotels, low deposits, a free room upgrade for the GTO, a free place for bookings of 30+ paying guests and more.
GTOs can contact the team on 0300 100 9772 or email warnergroupsales@bourne-leisure.co.uk
