Ramada announces plans to expand Encore chain

Ramada International is to open a further four Encore hotels, its new budget chain, in the UK by the end of next year.

The group, a subsidiary of Marriott International, opened its first Encore in June in York, which is run by Stannifer Hotels under a franchise agreement.

It has set up agreements for its new hotels to open in Swansea, Swindon, Gypsy Corner in London and is in negotiations for a fourth site in Cornwall.

Although Encore is being labelled a budget brand, room rates are about 20% higher than Express by Holiday Inn.

Encores have bars and serve breakfast. Ramada International also claims that Encore's bathrooms are a little more luxurious than at most budget hotels.

The group is also expanding the chain overseas with plans to open an Encore in Geneva, Switzerland, next year and further hotels in Australia and China by 2006.

Source: Caterer & Hotelkeeper magazine, 12-18 September 2002