“Whether guests are travelling for business or leisure, they expect an immediate response to questions, requests – and even complaints,” says Mrini. “Because we use ‘cloud-based’ technology, all of our systems are linked, and Edward can check anything, from the status of a meeting room to the nearest cinema showing a particular film, within seconds. The feedback from guests has been amazing; we’ve had lots of people who didn’t realise Edward wasn’t a real person! One guest actually came to the front desk with a tip in an envelope.” The virtual host is just part of Edwardian Hotels’ plan to digitally transform the way it does business – both internally and customer-facing: “Next, we want to do away with check-in altogether,” says Mrini. “We’re working on a system where guests will be able to open their bedroom door using their mobile phone; for business travellers, this kind of innovation is really important. It all contributes to a smoother, easier stay.” As for Edward himself, Mrini says he’s learning all the time, developing new responses to unforeseen questions and constantly being added to. “Human beings are unique,” he says. “Every day there will be one or two queries that he won’t be able to answer. The most important thing is to ensure that every single query gets responded to as quickly as possible. The only response Edward is programmed never to give is ‘no’.”
CHECK IN R A D I S S O N B L U E D WA R D I A N , B LO O M S B U R Y S T R E E T
Service in seconds
While guests can check in with their mobile, they can still find the traditional reception desk
“WHETHER GUESTS ARE TRAVELLING FOR BUSINESS OR LEISURE, THEY EXPECT AN IMMEDIATE RESPONSE TO QUESTIONS, REQUESTS – AND EVEN COMPLAINTS”
OTHER EDWARDIAN HOTELS DISCOVER SOME OF THE OTHER STANDOUT PROPERTIES IN THE EDWARDIAN PORTFOLIO
The May Fair The May Fair is an elegant, five-star hotel on Stratton Street, a moment’s walk from Green Park, with 400 rooms, including 37 suites. Meetings can be held in one of the 11 private rooms, while for larger functions there are three spectacular spaces: the Atrium, the Danziger Suite, which seats up to 170, and the Crystal Room, which can host meetings for up to 280 delegates.
Radisson Blu Edwardian, Manchester Manchester’s Free Trade Hall, built in 1853, is an icon of the city, and has been through many incarnations before becoming a 263room hotel in 2004. The conversion was careful to preserve the original façade and artefacts, creating a mix of contemporary luxury and period drama in the colonnaded OpusOne bar and restaurant. Ideal for meetings and conferences, there are 18 meeting rooms and two suites, the largest of which, the Halle Suite, can host events for up to 550.
Radisson Blu Edwardian, Vanderbilt The Vanderbilt is surrounded by the elegant streets and boutiques of South Kensington, and comprises 10 19th-century townhouses, converted into one 215-room hotel, including nine family and 11 business-class rooms. There are eight meeting rooms and four function suites; the largest – the Victoria & Albert – can host 140 guests for a reception. The hotel’s proximity to Gloucester Road underground station makes it a brilliant choice for attending events at Olympia.
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Radisson Blu Edwardian New Providence Wharf A short hop from Canary Wharf, this 169-room hotel is a riverside sanctuary, and includes 17 suites and nine rooms for disabled guests. Ideally located for London City Airport, the 02 and ExCel, the hotel has six meeting rooms, which can cater for up to 70 delegates, the River Room, which can host up to 60 for a reception, and the Ontario Suite, which has space for up to 250 guests.
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