A POPULAR hotel has revealed how the hospitality sector has changed over recent years by using its 20th anniversary to take a nostalgic look at its past.
Back when Jurys Inn in Edinburgh opened in 1998, guests would still book a morning wake-up call, TVs were barely bigger than 14-inches and WiFi was just a weird name.
Now guests at the hotel wake themselves up with their smart phones; watch satellite TV on 40-inch screens and enjoy complimentary WiFi to keep them connected with their world at all times.
Gillian Duthie, Cluster General Manager at Jurys Inn Edinburgh said that over the past two decades, hotel life has gone through a grand transformation, with many of its elements fading out of existence or becoming entirely unrecognisable.
Gillian, said: “20 years ago, telephone wake-up calls were the only alarm available to guests to help them get out of bed on time. You wouldn’t expect people to make this request now, although the idea of it has a sentimental appeal, especially for people who have worked in the industry for years.
“It’s incredible how the trade has been completely altered by technology. Online booking systems dominate over telephone calls these days, and many things have switched to being electronic, including keys.
“We’ve come a long way and we want to celebrate the past that we’re proud of, while looking towards the future. Our main priority is providing our guests with a stylish, comfortable environment for a great, ‘Stay Happy’ experience.”
Beyond keys and alarm clocks, today’s hotel experience is significantly different than it was years ago, with TVs almost tripling in size from 14’’ to 40’’, dial up internet switching to complimentary high-speed WiFi and and more king size beds being available.
The interiors have also been upgraded over the years, with the bedrooms boasting a warm and stylish, minimalistic design.
But there is one thing that Jurys Inn hasn’t changed: their delicious breakfast buffet which has recently expanded to include even more choice.
Hunger-busting traditional full Scottish breakfast is offered alongside fresh breads and pastries, colourful fruit, mini-smoothies and new gluten free options.
Although 1998 was a special year for Jurys Inn Edinburgh, it also an eventful one for the Capital and Scotland, with the Scotland Act coming into force, Hearts winning the Scottish Cup Final, and the world’s first bionic arm – Edinburgh Modular Arm System – being built and fitted.
Located in the city’s picturesque Old Town, just off the Royal Mile, Jurys Inn Edinburgh’s guests are within walking distance from Edinburgh Castle and the National Museum of Scotland which, interestingly, also opened its new building in 1998.
Gillian Duthie, added: “Edinburgh is a popular city-break destination and Jurys Inn Edinburgh makes for a perfect base to Edinburgh’s greatest sights, with great entertainment just on its doorstep for those who want to experience the best of Scotland’s capital.”
The way we were: Jurys Inn 1998
For more information or to make a booking, please visit here: https://www.jurysinns.com/hotels/edinburgh
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