Torquay Grosvenor Hotel inquiries boost as millions tune into hit reality TV show
THE GROSVENOR Hotel has seen a surge in interest from potential guests since the latest airing of the Channel 4 series.
Now almost halfway through its third series, it features the hotel in Belgrave Road, Torquay, and former manager Mark Jenkins.
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Alison Pennell, Mark Jenkins, Christian Scott-Lee
In this series, with finances at rock bottom, Mr Jenkins decides that his 'three-star, bucket-and-spade' hotel is going upmarket.
Mr Jenkins and his team attempt to lure in posh guests and keep them happy over a busy summer season.
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In early October, the Victorian building was sold to Grand Hotel boss Keith Richardson, following sales inquiries from 2,200 people.
Mr Richardson said that since the new series went on air, there has been a surge of interest in the hotel.
"In the first week, it was mental," he said. "The website crashed because there were so many hits, and we were inundated with phone calls. Last week, the hotel was the second most talked about subject on Twitter after Pamela Anderson and Dancing on Ice."
Mr Richardson appears in the seventh episode, bringing what he described as 'a bit of sanity' into the programme.
He said it was 'really exciting' to be involved in the show.
He also said he believed the series was good for Torbay.
"It shows Torbay off in a beautiful light," he said. "It shows the sunshine and areas such as the harbour."
Work is currently under way to bring the hotel up to three-star status.
Mr Richardson said: "We will make it into a mini Grand."
New manager Chris Jones added that, in the wake of the television show, there has been increased interest from around the country but also local interest in using the venue for functions.
He said: "Last week alone, we had eight wedding inquiries which was really good. With advertising, we might expect two or three a month."
He added that people did not realise how much work has been done on the hotel since the series was filmed.
"From the outside, it's the same hotel," said Mr Jones.
"Within a month or two, we will have painted it and the locals will believe we have invested in it."
He added that almost all the staff that were working at The Grosvenor before the sale are still working at the hotel.
Viewing figures for the third series of the Channel 4 'reality' show The Hotel have been in the millions.
And readers of our website www.thisissouthdevon.co.uk can't get enough of the shenanigans at the Grosvenor either.
On our website more than 27,000 of our online readers have clicked stories about Mark Jenkins and his Grosvenor staff in the past week, making them the most popular stories on www.thisissouthdevon
Join us online at www.thisissouthdevon.co.uk during the show on Sunday night at 8pm to take part in a live discussion on The Hotel.
Comments
by Ned_Fl4nders
Tuesday, January 22 2013, 12:25PM
“How dissapointed those new guests will be to find that Mark and Co are no longer there. Afterall they will be attending for the ' Grosvenor ' experience.”
by SidneyNuff
Monday, January 21 2013, 9:19PM
“Drug addicts and alcoholics that have fallen down the stairs maybe. They have disabled access because they have to do by law.”
by parkingpain
Monday, January 21 2013, 9:12PM
“I thought ranting was your area of expertise, who do you think lives at the Leonard Stocks 'hotel' they have rooms for the disabled as well as the homeless. Good for you with the wheel, one positive remark in a downward spiral for Torbay.”
by SidneyNuff
Monday, January 21 2013, 8:39PM
“I notice you drag 'less able bodied' into your rant. Is there a reason for this. I certainly have never 'dissed' the less able bodied. I was positive about the wheel coming back to Torquay, so get your facts right.”
by parkingpain
Monday, January 21 2013, 8:29PM
“Hey Sidney(that'llbee)nuff, Is there somewhere you think worthy of your presence, it is fairly obvious that you think Torbay is inhabited by drug users, dossers, scroungers etc, you NEVER have anything positive to say. If you dislike this area so much why not go off somewhere where there are no drug users, homeless, those less able bodied than you may be, people who have had a drink and may be enjoying themselves, hen parties etc etc, don't hold your breath while you are looking tho. When you get there you could throw a party for all your friends, a phone box would be a good venue. You NEVER have anything positive to say, lighten up you might enjoy yourself instead of luxuriating in your misery.”
by SidneyNuff
Monday, January 21 2013, 9:17AM
“Do we really want a 3 star hotel in that area, what kind of people would it attract, tourists with spending power. That seems to be rather at odds with a Belgrave road full of benefit hostels and the drug users facilities just around the corner at Castle circus. Don't let the council know your plans for the Torquay.”
by tremarco
Sunday, January 20 2013, 10:28PM
“i still think liam bennett of the grand is the best helicopter cleaner in the bay”
by James_TQ
Friday, January 18 2013, 12:55PM
“aiming to make it like the Grand? Distinct lack of ambition. How is the Grand's hygene rating these days?”
by realityzone
Friday, January 18 2013, 8:35AM
“Well Mark Jenkins might be a bit colourful with his off the wall remarks and playing up to the camera, all makes for good knockabout TV. But if this bay is to improve its credibility in the tourist industry it's a good thing that a bit of sanity is now in place at the Grosvenor.
Television is rarely just an observer , it is only honest when it is live and unedited, and part of the interest in watching the programme is speculating on how much of the editing and the incidents are contrived for good ratings rather than the reality.”