Get Christmas all wrapped up and get a FREE gift too!

Get Christmas all wrapped up and get a FREE gift too! 

What’s the point in an office Christmas Party?

To enjoy down time with your colleagues?  
To build team spirit and celebrate the previous year’s successes?

An opportunity to exchange your secret Santa gifts?

Yes, Yes and Yes!  It is all of the above; but it’s also a few other things too..!

It’s a busy thing work. Especially if you think what else happens throughout the year, my life for example; children, moving house, being a good partner, dealing with guilt, cooking a healthy meal, planning a holiday, walking the dog! Living can sometimes feel like a full-time job - and that’s all without your 9-5!

Throughout the year we spend hundreds of hours at work, where we are professional and a demonstration of our companies brand and beliefs. We wear ‘appropriate’ clothing and footwear, even a uniform perhaps! We spend days on end at work, and it’s great. We get to do a good job, to make a difference and to add value – and let’s be honest; the majority of us wouldn’t have it any other way.

But Christmas is the perfect down time, to do all of those things above; build team spirit, celebrate success, show others you care and appreciate them – but its also your time to have a REALLY great party; to laugh (perhaps love!) and to get on your glad rags, don your dancing shoes and just step off the treadmill of life!

And guess what – we have it all wrapped up for you!

Not only do we have it all wrapped up, we also say thank you to you, the organiser with a very special gift. We know what it takes to herd colleagues, get deposits and menu choices; and have the influx of texts asking ‘can you just remind me of the date again’!! So, we give you the perfect gift to relax after a job well done!

Stay for free on the night of your party, no need for a taxi home. Not only that, you get our sensational breakfast the next day (Full English of course!) and full use of our leisure complex with sauna and steam room and our infamous heated indoor pool (gym’s too, but the dancing will have been enough of a workout!!)

So you know what to do, call us! Let us help you have the best Christmas ever!

View our online Brochure, or contact us for more info! We would love to hear from you.

Elinor 

PS: Fear not! I'm not going to say how many Friday's till Christmas, let's have summer first!!

Small Talk Plays A Big Role In Our Hotel Kitchen!

Throughout my career in hospitality, I have only ever been in serious trouble once, for talking - I managed to have a city centre college evacuated as pan I had on the stove caught fire because I was talking to a colleague! If I hadn't talked constantly, and sometimes to the annoyance of my colleagues, I would never have the insight into the many different lives, cultures and beliefs that surround me on a daily basis. 

Whether its from the long timers here at the New Continental Hotel who talk dearly of Mr Steve; describing  how the hotel used to be, the famous people that have stayed and how the style of food has changed so much with the times. To being in awe of the usually grumpy breakfast chefs tales of working cruise ships as a young man in the 1970's, having days off in port in New York City and spending all his wages on the latest hi-fi and records to take back to the UK to show off to friends. Or listening to a chambermaids story of how she gave up a job as an accountant to move to England to provide a better education for her son and how he has just made it all worth while by this summer being accepted to Oxford. A casual conversation about swimming the other day revealed an ex competition swimmer in our hotel staff!

So far in my career I've worked with many fascinating characters, who have the most captivating stories amongst which; the brother of famous Pop star, a chef who worked for McLaren F1, another who was friends with Ben but not Jerry (yes the ice cream founders!), I've been invited to celebrate holy festivals that I would never had any insight too, and been given delicious homemade foods that would be found in no cookbook. I am constantly surprised by the amazing stories I hear whilst chatting on a short break, between checks, or the sneaky cup of coffee taken in the break room before a busy lunch service starts; although now I always make sure I’ve taken all pans off the stove first!

In catering we often work long hours, in hot kitchens and it can be, at times quite intense, but the brief moments when I stop to chat and learn something new about a colleague are the ones I take home with me.

Lady Chef x

Welcome to the Mini-Moon!

The Mini-moons! Now they have made it into the Oxford English Dictionary, it’s time we shared these little hidden gems with the world!  For those that haven’t been on a recent wedding journey; the Mini-moon seemed to emerge from the 2008 recession; for couples who perhaps couldn’t take two weeks leave for a long honeymoon or those who already had a family and so practically couldn’t leave them for any length of time - but also those whose budgets just wouldn’t stretch to a long and exotic break away.  

The Mini-moon is now not only in vogue and on trend; it’s a bona fide term for a bona fide retreat...and we love it!

A Mini-moon is the perfect post-wedding stress buster, giving you and your newly titled Mr or Mrs the perfect ‘close to home’ retreat; where you can sit back, relax and start married life...without jet-lag! 

Plymouth makes the perfect city destination for the Mini-mooner; rich in history and culture and full to the brim with great restaurants and bars. What’s more, the amazing waterfront and never ending beauty makes Plymouth the perfect backdrop for your first photos in your newlywed album!

But what about accommodation..?

The New Continental Hotel is always a winner for the mini-mooner! Set within the heart of Plymouth it makes for the perfect platform to base yourself over your break away. 

Run by the Hajiyianni family for over 30 years, you can be assured of the warmest welcome and attention to detail - which ensures your mini-moon is an extension of your special day;  making memories which will be the               foundations to grow the rest of your life together.

Set in a Grade II listed building the New Continental Hotel is the perfect fusion of old meeting new. Over 150 years of rich history combined with modern facilities such as Club Continental, the leisure complex; complete with an indoor pool, sauna, steam room and gyms.

After all those months, maybe even years of planning, you deserve a Mini-moon! 

Book your Mini-moon now, just call 01752  220782!

Experiencing work, during work experience in a hotel kitchen!

Experiencing work, during work experience in a hotel kitchen!

The landscape has shifted dramatically for schools over recent years; educational settings are facing very real challenges, challenges which show no signs of unfolding. Fusing what is learnt in the classroom with real and purposeful learning is essential if we are to grow a generation that can apply their skills to benefit themselves and the social and economic economy.  

The future of our young people will be full of competition for careers, especially if we look locally and specifically at the Leisure and Hospitality sector in the lead up to 2020. Our young people will need a competitive advantage; as a hotel we know first-hand that opportunities which raise their aspirations and inspire them,  will give them just those chances. Paul Doidge, Head Chef explains:  

"Work experience is a vital element within our practice; although the classroom lessons are vital, there is nothing like getting in a kitchen and living your dream of being a chef. These are the next generation that will create new and exciting ways of chefing and I for one am keen to inspire, enable and empower that transformation in a young person. Once you see in them that they now see their value - there is nothing quite like it. Being in a position where we can see that we have played a small role in connecting them to their future is a position I am proud to be in." 

The South West is home to some inspirational small businesses. These small businesses provide the perfect platform to turn passions into professions. The New Continental Hotel feel that we are really well placed to support schools and educational settings to create and grow young people's ability to truly unlock their potential and see their value. Upon doing this, the young people see the importance of what they learn in the classroom, but more that this they can see how it can be applied in their future. 

"Not so many years ago, we had a work experience student in our kitchen, much like those that we have this week and next. He was hungry to make a career for himself as a chef and his talent was clear to see. Today you can find him at the Treby Arms as their Junior Sous Chef. Who knows where the pupils over the next two weeks will be in years to come, but I hope doing something that they love, somewhere that appreciates their skill." 

We have loved having this weeks pupils in the Hotel. Thank you to Coombe Dean and Torbridge for the opportunity. 

Fitness Friday - Today's Top Tip from Club Continental

Fitness Friday: Today's Top Tip...

By Adam Domyslawski, Gym Manager at Club Continental and Personal Trainer

Your weekly shop swap...

Summer is just a around the corner and we want to support you to be your best. To feel fit and make those tiny tweaks that will make the biggest differences. 

So, today's top tip is this; when you are doing your 'food shop' this week, why not swap your normal cooking oil for coconut oil? It tastes great, reduces hunger and aids weight loss. 

What's more...

Coconut Oil is also known to be really effective if you apply directly to your hair and skin, it acts as a deep conditioning moisturiser, with mild sun protection too! 

So, it's simple. Make this one swap and you will look and feel fabulous! You'd be coco-cuckoo not to! 

To get your weekly Friday Fitness Top Tips, just like our Facebook page; where you can be connected, inspired and informed!! Happy Friday!

JOIN US...

Wednesday 1st July 2015 

From vacation to staycation, business to pleasure and lavish celebration to romantic dinner for two - welcome to the New Continental Hotel, where for over 30 years we have been combining heritage and traditional values in a modern, contemporary and high class setting. Our guests can be assured of the warmest and most professional of welcomes at a family owned hotel, where only the best customer service will do.

The busy season has arrived and our family run hotel is currently recruiting for people to come and join our merry team. Don’t miss out! Our staff receive many benefits such as free use of Club Continental, our in-house leisure complex complete with gym, pool, sauna and steam room!

Waiting Staff:

Full and part-time waiting staff with experience...

If you are friendly, hardworking and an energetic team player with passion for customer service and good communication skills and would like to be part of an expanding, exciting business – we want to hear from you! We love people who believe in being honest, brilliant and have confidence in themselves.

Our waiters and waitresses ooze personality, enthusiasm and a genuine desire to ensure every customer experiences exceptional service, so if you thrive in a busy environment and can start immediately then email us – we can’t wait to hear from you!

CV’s to: simonh@newcontinental.co.uk

Rates of pay will depend on experience.

Chambermaid:

4 month temporary contract...

We are looking to expand our Housekeeping team during our busiest time. The New Continental Hotel has 99 en-suit bedrooms, located in the heart of Plymouth. The hotel boasts a Brasserie, four bars, six function spaces and Club Continental - our in-house leisure complex; all providing a friendly and welcoming atmosphere with a genuine and warm personality.

We are looking for chambermaids, previous experience of working in a hotel preferable. The desirable candidate will have a passion for hospitality and a desire to deliver a top quality service to ensure our guests leave having had the best hotel experience of their lives.

You must be a team player as well as being self-motivated to be the best that you can be.

We are offering a competitive salary and hotel benefits package as well as the opportunity to make your mark in our family hotel.

CV’s to: nikkif@newcontinental.co.uk

Immediate start required. 

New Continental Hotels Top Tips for Business Travellers....

Business travel can be especially wearing when you are trying to combine early starts and motorways, whilst performing your regular daily work tasks. In today’s corporate culture, when we think work; nine times out of ten we think motorways - not desks!!  

This doesn’t appear to be seeing any signs of change from the latest report written by PWC in their Growth Beds in UK Hotels Forecast 2015. In this report it states that there is an ever growing business travel outlook, with a 6.5% growth in spending expected in 2015. In support of this, one-third of UK travel managers also expect business trip numbers to increase, according to the 2014 International Travel Management Study.

The New Continental Hotel follow conversations in their sector with great interest and were recently engaged by not only the PWC report, but also a debate on current trends and change management; held at the Hilton Tower Bridge in London. Top designers and experts from all over the world focused on the future of hotel design and why "lifestyle" is transforming the places we stay.

Bobbie Hajiyianni, the Managing Director of the New Continental Hotel, comments on how she feels ‘lifestyle’ has certainly impacted her business; but how it’s mainly due to the fact that ‘business’ has indeed impacted lifestyle!

“Today in the world of business, having to travel for work is essential.  Business is done on the road as much as it is in the office; and with a growing workforce who aren’t office based, times have definitely changed for my industry”

Bobbie goes on to say that growingly, what was once an assistant or PA making the booking, business men and women are more likely to choose their hotel themselves - rather than trust the decision of others. 

“ We have seen a definite shift in booking patterns over recent years, people are now making their own choices and for good reason – the market for business hotels has vastly diversified in recent years, and today’s business travellers can expect far more than just a  desk in their bedroom!”

Although the New Continental Hotel is not a specific ‘Business Hotel’, Bobbie explains that in her 30 years of experience she has noticed more recently, that people aren’t as set on staying in a corporate hotel as they once were. So, when asked ‘what can you do to get more from your trip?’ she shared her experiences:   

Choose the right hotel...

There is definitely more business travel, but companies have tighter budgets so are having to do more with less.  As a business traveller make sure your pound goes further; look at what added value you can receive. 

In a world that is hinged on technology, make sure your hotel can offer stable, reliable Wi-Fi. It sounds crazy in 2015, but you need to have confidence that you can access crucial business data securely. If this is a top requirement and having access to your company network via phone, tablet or laptop is essential, it really is always worth confirming their technical ability to provide you with the service you require. By checking with the hotel it ensures you aren’t left disappointed or unable to work on arrival.  

We know that business travel can be a lonely and soulless affair, by choosing an independent or family run hotel you can be sure to receive a warm and hospitable welcome, yet still have the resources and facilities you need as a business traveller. Making sure your hotel has ample parking, breakout rooms for impromptu meetings, a lively restaurant or bar on-site for the evening or quiet spaces to work, we always find these things are essential from is essential. Also, if you are staying in a hotel that is not purely for the business traveller, do always check the breakfast times. More often than not they begin at 7am, but remember, you can always put in a request for an earlier start at the time of booking.

Pack smart...

Living out of a suitcase isn’t pleasant, especially if you’re lugging around items you don’t really need! Many hotels offer a wrap around service and can provide you with many of your creature comforts. Don’t be fooled, it’s not only big hotel brands and chains that can offer you bath sheets, hair dryers, dry-cleaning, irons and spare chargers; many independent hotels can also offer you all you need too!

Stay fit...

One of the hardest things about travelling frequently is sticking to a healthy diet and exercising frequently. Exercise is a powerful way to keep motivated and increase productivity; if you are an active gym goer then a business trip can get in the way of your schedule, but don’t let it! Many hotels now offer great leisure complexes, with pools, saunas and steam rooms - as well as weights and cardio equipment. Always make sure that if you are choosing a hotel that is not a Business Hotel, you check their opening times. Opening at 7am and closing at 9pm, we have learnt that for business travellers, these timings are crucial to suite their schedules.

Enjoy your trip!

Travel can be one of the most enjoyable but also time-consuming aspects of business life. Whilst continuing economic uncertainty around the world has rattled business confidence, it has not stopped companies from needing to send their staff out on the road. So rather than fight it – embrace it! People often focus on the negatives about travelling for work; leaving family, the never-ending days on the road, check-ins and that’s without including your 9-5! The thing is, it can also broaden the mind, enhance creativity and improve self-knowledge - make sure you allow yourself time to enjoy even just an hour’s stroll each day – because that alone really will transform how you look at business travel.  

The New Continental Hotel welcomes business travellers and we would like to thank all of the companies and organisations who have chosen us as their preferred hotel in Plymouth over the last 30 years.