Ride into 2014...Mountain Biking Exclusive!

Be one of the first to experience Colebrooke Park  in association with Lakeland Bikes Kick start your 2014 by taking on the Colebrooke Challenge on Sunday 19th January in association with Lakeland Bikes, and be one of the first to experience the amazing Colebrooke Estate. Colebrooke Estate set in the Fermanagh Lakelands in Brookeborough, is home to Viscount & Viscountess Brookeborough and is one of region's most important and historic stately homes. Take up the Colebrooke Challenge on Sunday 19th January which is expected to attract a large number of bikers and gain exclusive access to the lush 1,000 acre estate, where you will be guaranteed an amazing Mountain Bike experience! The 4k Route will showcase the outstanding natural beauty of Colebrooke Estate and those first to finish will reap the rewards of a one of the biggest Mountain Biking prize funds. The event is the perfect way to keep your 2014 resolutions and there is something for all the family with Men's and Ladies Race as well as Junior Races for Under 16, 14, 12, 10 and 8 year olds. In addition there will a kids balance bike race to add to the fun! Chip Timing will be in place from 'Elite Timing' so entrants will have a record of their Colebrooke Challenge event stats. Advance registration is not required for the event - Colebrooke Mountain Bike Challengers, can simply enter on day and the entry fee is just £12 for adults and £5 for Juniors.  Participants can enjoy light refreshments as well as the chance to be crowned Colebrooke Challenge winner (Prizes for 1st, 2nd 3rd & a 4th  in the open adult race) and enjoy the prize fund; there is also the chance to win spot prizes in Colebrooke Challenge Raffle. Colebrooke Estate also boosts a luxury Spa on site, which opened in 2011 as the result of Channel 4's 'Country House Rescue' project. A Decleor Spa of excellence (2012-13)  - visitors can choose from a wide range of treatments and retreat packages. Participants and their family & friends can enjoy Colebrooke Challenge special offers on Sunday 19th  January (subject to availability). With a unique Biking trail, exclusive access  to Colebrooke Estate, a generous Prize fun and special offers at Colebrooke Spa this is sure to be a very successful Mountain Biking event and plans are already in place for a second Colebrooke Challenge Mountain Biking event on Sunday 2nd February. Like www.facebook.com/lakelandcc & facebook.com/colebrooke.spa or visit www.lakelandcc.co.uk  & www.colebrookespa.com for more information on the event.

Ulster Rally wins top award after 1st year in Enniskillen

MEMBERS of the Todds Leap Ulster Rally's organising committee were left speechless at the British Rally Championship's (BRC) end of season awards night in Manchester on Saturday when Rally NI was again named Rally of the Year.

The BRC Rally of the Year award was first presented in 2003 with the Ulster Rally taking the honours in 2005, 2009, 2010 and 2012. This year the same Todds Leap Rally N.I team had cause for double celebration on Saturday, Clerk of the Course Lewis Boyd accepting the award on behalf of the organisers and hundreds of volunteers for the fifth time on his 50th birthday.

2013 threw up a new set of challenges for the Ulster Rally team as the entire five-event rally shifted across Northern Ireland to Fermanagh and South Tyrone for the first time.

Clerk of the course, Lewis Boyd, was taken aback with the award, but he was keen to pay tribute to his fellow volunteers.

“We were very surprised to receive the award for the event in its first year in Fermanagh," he beamed “but none of it would be possible without the hard work and support from our 800 volunteers, Fermanagh District Council, Todds Leap, Sport NI, the Fisher Foundation, Northern Ireland Tourist Board and the many local businesses who helped us deliver such a high quality enjoyable event. Everyone involved should give themselves a massive pat on the back."

It was our pleasure to host the Ulster Rally during their visit in Enniskillen. 

Belmore Court & Motel Is Up For Recognition

There are some industries where picking upon industry rewards and recognition is par for the course and often little more than a backslapping exercise. However, there are some industries, notably the tourism industry, where being recognised by your peers and leading authorities can be hugely important to a business. This industry, especially in Northern Ireland, is hugely contested and there are a lot of great motels, hotels, B&Bs and accommodations working hard to provide their clients with a friendly service and hospitable welcome. This is why any hotel that is recognised on a regular basis by their peers and industry experts is worth taking note of.

The motel aims to excel on every matter

The Belmore Court & Motel is no stranger to receiving an award for their rooms, service and features but they are not the type of place to rest on their laurels. When it comes to finding a good value enniskillen hotel or guest accommodation, this is an option that is always going to provide value and interest to customers. The Belmore Court & Motel is located in the heart of the town of Enniskillen, which is viewed as being the gateway to the lakes of Fermanagh and to the coastline that runs along the North West of Ireland. This Motel has long been considered as one of the best accommodations to stay in this part of the world and it is has been nominated for three awards in the upcoming Fermanagh Herald Business Awards, which takes place in the Manor House Hotel on Friday the 11^th October 2013.

While the Belmore Court & Motel faces stiff opposition in the all three categories it has been nominated for, all of the management and staff are proud that their motel in Enniskillen has been put forward for recognition in three separate categories. In the Best Tourism Service Provider award we are up against The Enniskillen Hotel and the Westville Hotel.

The categories are:

·       Best Tourism Service Provider Award, sponsored by Fermanagh Lakelands;

·       Excellence in Marketing Award, sponsored by CaraPharmacy;

·       Excellence in Business Practice Award, sponsored by Fermanagh District Council

The fact that the Fermanagh Motel has been nominated in three separate areas is extremely important to the hotel staff. This is because they know that there are many different strands to running a successful hotel or motel and they believe that they are being recognised in three areas where they have worked hard to provide a strong service to customers.

The heart of the business is the tourism element and the motel welcomes new guests on a daily basis. Whether it’s businessmen and women looking to find reliable Enniskillen accommodation while they host meetings and meet clients or if it’s a family enjoying a well-earned break in the area, there is a need to meet and cater for different needs.

The company knows that there is a need to appeal to clients and to make sure that people know exactly what the hotel has to offer. This is at the heart of the marketing work carried out by the Belmore Court & Motel and the marketing team are extremely honoured to have been nominated in this category. However, no matter what individual teams or departments do, there is a need to provide a comprehensive and overall service and this is why the Belmore Court & Motel is delighted to have been nominated for displaying excellence in business practice.

Industry recognition is always nice to receive but the team at the Belmore Court know that they are only able to be recognised by their peers and local businesses due to the service that is provided to clients and guests on a regular business. In an era when many in the tourism sector are struggling, the Belmore Court & Motel has managed to maintain a high quality of service to all customers. This has helped the motel compete with other Enniskillen hotels and to withstand many of the pressures that are prevalent in the modern day Northern Irish tourism sector.

The whole team are looking forward to the Gala Awards on the 11^th of October but whatever the outcome, they look forward to serving guests for many years to come.

See out the Summer in Style at Enniskillen Castle

It's that time of year again as Enniskillen Castle Museums' 'Summer of Cultures' Family Fun Day returns this Bank Holiday Monday, 26 August, from 2pm to 5pm.  

With something for everyone to enjoy, the afternoon's activities offer a wonderful fusion of local and global cultures.

This year's event brings together a host of activities including balloon modelling, bouncy castles, puppet shows, face painting, arts and crafts activities and much more.

Traditional music and storytelling will mix with drum performances, Chinese Lion dances and demonstrations from 'Women of the World'. 

Join the 'One World Collective Belfast' and decorate stunning large-scale Chinese Warrior Statues, or become a History Detective searching for clues around the museum displays.

Speaking about the forthcoming event, Chairman of Fermanagh District Council, Councillor Alex Baird, said:

"The 'Summer of Cultures' event at the end of August is the perfect way to celebrate the summer before the holidays end, with firm family favourites making a return as well as new activities to experience, transforming the beautiful site of Enniskillen Castle into a hive of creativity and fun."
 

To book a ticket for the event, please contact the Museum Reception on 028 6632 5000.  Admission is £3.50 per person or £15 per group of five. Admission covers all the activities that are part of the event.

Why not stay at Belmore Court & Motel while visiting Enniskillen Castle Museums on our special offer Staycation Package - 2 nights for the price of 1.

99 out 100 people more than satisfied with Belmore Court & Motel, Enniskillen

In April 2013 the Belmore Court & Motel sent out its eighth annual guest survey to gather feedback from those who had stayed in the previous 12 months.  The survey asked many useful questions that we can use to help improve our facilities and services.  Almost 500 responses were received - online and by post.

These are some of the results:

99/100 people were more than satisfied with #BelmoreCourt & Motel from Belmore Court

•Receptionist couldn't have been more helpful and went to great lengths to meet our requirements. It is quite refreshing to have a bright and cheerful person on the other end of the phone who is obviously doing their best to accommodate you.

•Efficient knowledgeable staff made recommendations relating to the size of our group.

•The receptionist was very welcoming and lifted my mood after lost sleep elsewhere previous night

•So easy & straightforward especially for an old boy like me

•All the ladies that spoke to me on different occasions were very helpful, Una, Nina, Lena and Michelle.

•I have stayed at the Belmore Court three years in a row - I have always had a very positive experience!  Location, service, room standard and of course the staff are excellent!  I happily recommend the Belmore to friends and family - thank you so much and I look forward to my next stay!

•Attending a wedding at nearby by hotel - the hotels rates very high - Belmore offered as good  a service for much less!! Well done.

•My husband and i just fancied a night away together! Enniskillen was a lovely place and the Belmore was so near it that we could just dander in and out!

•I needed somewhere convenient with parking - where I could also run a meeting the next morning.  I used your Board room which was excellent.

•We both needed a break, for very different reasons. What also helped was excellent recommendations, by your staff of local restaurants, within walking distance.

•We just go up to Enniskillen for a bit of a break.  Always stay at the Belmore Court due to the reasonable prices and special offers.

•My husband has stayed at the original Belmore Court many times, then stayed in the new motel last year. He liked the standard of accommodation, or rather, knew I would like it, so that plus the sale prices made it an easy decision as a destination for a short break.

•The staff where very friendly and this me us feel very welcome

•I could not criticise in any way at all as my relatives changed our original booking about 3 times and Michelle and the other girl (sorry for forgetting your name) where patience personified.  They were lovely and so helpful.

•Staff were very bubbly and well mannered and always greeted us no matter when or how many times we came in

•When we arrived your staff could not have been more friendly they had made us feel very at ease! were very helpful on places to eat and if we need help with the travel cot!

•Great banter with the guy at reception and swift check in process for numerous groups at one time

•One of the short breaks with mum was for her birthday and the staff kindly left a card and chocolates in our room.  Mum was delighted and I appreciated that time was made to please an elderly lady.

•Excellent cleanliness throughout the whole motel.

•It was such a lovely room and the walk in shower was lovely.

•I was really surprised by the standard of my room it was great.

•We had everything we need, beds comfortable, I love my tea an staff were great ensuring we never ran out. Cleaners in every day and as I excepted them to be in an out I wasn't surprised when they offered if there was anything else we may need. Exceptional service.

•There should be a category better than excellent because that doesn't do it justice...maybe outstanding? The room was perfect, the bed was the best I've ever slept in, and the bathroom was modern and spotless. As I said, outstanding!

•The room was spotless. We had an espresso coffee machine, fridge, kettle and tea, coffee etc. a tv in the bathroom- couldn't ask for more.

•Kitchenette was an added bonus after a long car journey.

•Modern, bright and a pleasure to stay in.

•Oh very much so as we had to use are cards to obtain entrance etc.

•Very safe even though my motel room door opened onto near the main road.

•Yes we found the security to be very good we noticed the security team to be working later on at nite with young children its good to be assured there is security around the hotel.

•Good lock on the door and parking just outside.

•Good idea to need keycard to gain entry at night.

•The quietness and sense of privacy were very important to us. The quietness at the entrance, a member of staff, always present, at reception and the secure locks, on all doors helped too.

•Much better than I expected from a continental buffet, you should be proud.

•Breakfast was great in a relaxed atmosphere

•Loved the option to have cooked breakfast. Staff helpful, showing you have to work all cooking equipment.

•My husband has Coeliac Disease and had requested Gluten Free food, which he received, the staff were excellent at keeping GF food separate, Thank you very much.  When we next stay in Enniskillen we will be staying at the Belmore Court Motel, just a pity you don't do dinner.

•On my last stay it was nice to see the addition of some cooked items.

•Breakfast was fresh, with lots of choice. Staff replenished the buffet immediately .when items were finished.

•We as a family of five enjoy the breakfast simply for the variety of items you can have very handy as we all tend to eat different things in the morning I would also like to add that the food itself is of good quality and taste also the fact you can help yourself to whatever you want when you want is especial good as are youngest takes ages to eat.

•Wouldn't stay anywhere else!

•I love the rooms. its a touch of luxury. very near the shops. secure parking.

•Very central and very welcoming place!

•I will be booking again 100% just waiting for a reason to get away.

•I was surprised at the superior quality of the accommodation on my first stay.  The rooms compare favourably with the usual Fermanagh Hotel and at a much cheaper rate.

•Always would make this my first preference to stay as it is so central to where anyone would want to be in Enniskillen or to go everywhere else but sometime I am dictated to by others who have foolishly booked other places or just to be all together with others in one place.

•We just felt we were in friendly, comfortable surroundings and are already planning a return visit. We have also recommended  Belmore Court to others .

•Rooms great, good when with kids, great value & location.

•Had a lovely neat room for a good price. Didn't feel overcharged for what I got.

•Cleanliness, service and friendliness is invaluable.

•I stayed with my mom, sister and my 2 teenage daughters - we were give 2 luxurious rooms with adjoining door - our stay was really great and breakfast was a really welcome bonus :)

•Definitely excellent.... For the appetite my fiancé has (we're both chef's) he certainly can eat a good few quid at the breakfast buffet!!

•We got what we paid for and as advertised on your website

•I look out for offers on your site.

•Get offers every time an staff go through all options.

 •Very much so, and at a very competitive cost.

•Certainly from my stay with you I think you have something special. When I'm up there again I will definitely staying with you. All the best Justin

•I believe Belmore Court is a fabulous accommodation coupled with great service at excellent value - I wish it could be copied across other parts of Northern Ireland.

•Definitely as good as if not better than some well known hotel brands

•We received 5 star treatment for a quarter of the price

•For comfort, convenience and service you're up there with the best

•Thumbs up from me.

•Our stay surpassed our expectations leaving us with the desire to tell others.