What's Floating Around Cloud 9? 2 June 2014

Welcome to another week at Cloud 9. We’d just like to start by saying a big thank you to all of the Hotel Reps that have been to visit our shiny new Cloud 9 Towers. We do not take for granted all the little gifts that are brought along, and we also love a good catch-up over a cuppa’!

We are two down this week with Shannon jetting off to holiday in Tenerife, and a very excitable Rubina is off celebrating her 21st Birthday. Let’s hope it’s a jolly one, and it will be no doubt! So as you would imagine the office is going to be very quiet this week without them.

The Midlands Media Awards has been fast approaching, and here at Cloud 9 we are really looking forward to seeing the event come together on Thursday. We wish everyone luck with their entries and we’re looking forward to seeing the faces of the winners!

 

There has been a certain buzz around the office this week over the fantastic Grande Depart, which is bringing an excitable amount of business to Yorkshire, and a chance for them to show thousands the beautiful scenery and lively culture. Not to mention they will be hosting one of the most iconic sporting events!

Yorkshire couldn’t have been more buzzing with excitement when Leeds was chosen for the Grande Depart 2014, and they are beaming with pride to say the least. The route that has been set will take them through some great historic cities, including the Roman walled city of York, and the stunning cathedral city of Ripon. They will also have the chance to take in the breathtaking views of the Yorkshire Dales as they wind through the National Park in their first stage.

The Tour de France was started when Journalist, Géo Lefèvre had a brave and bold idea. Géo presented his possibly insane idea to his Editor, Henri Desgrange who was supportive and backed his idea straight away. So on the 1 July 1903 sixty cyclists set out from Montgeron, and after six intense stages only 21 cyclists reached the finish line. The boldness of the event equally shocked and excited the public into a bubble of admiration, as a result the support and crowds for the tour boomed. Le Tour de France is always changing with the times and after 100 years, it is still going strong.

The Grande Depart will be taking place on the 5/6 July 2014 and this will be Tour de France’s 101st tour. The Tour is made up of 21 exhausting stages which will be spread across a total of 23 days, covering a staggering distance of 3,656 km! The Grande Depart will start in Leeds and will finish in the picturesque Maubourguet in South France, where the cyclists will enjoy a well deserved rest.

So whether you will be jetting off when the Grand Depart starts or cheering from the sidelines, it is certain you will be needing a place to hit the hay after all of that vigorous clapping and cheering! So we have a few recommendations that will see you do so in style...

If you want to stay green like the surroundings, then these Eco friendly lodges will be perfect for you. With their luxury open plan spaces and attention to detail it really is a relaxing retreat. For Le Tour they have installed bike hooks and you will receive a complimentary route brochure on arrival. The best viewing points from this Natural Retreat is Reeth or Grinton which are both a handy 20 minutes away. 

The Blue Lion Hotel and Restaurant is an ideal getaway in the Yorkshire Dales. With 4 different style rooms to choose from, you’ll be spoilt for choice! Another positive about staying at this hotel is the Restaurant has been awarded Dining Pub of the Year three times, so expect to dine like Royals as Becky from our team did when she went to visit! Conveniently located in the village of East Witton which the cyclists will be passing through, they have planned to set up a big screen and food for everyone on the village green. Creating a brilliant atmosphere to be surrounded by whilst cheering on.

Swinton Park has the ultimate Pre-Tour de France package for you to explore the race route before all the madness starts! This Grand Hotel which is at the heart of the route offers accommodation, breakfast, dinner, afternoon tea or spa treatment, and complimentary hire of either mountain or electric bikes (We know which one we’d choose!) for two in one easy package.

So that’s all from us this weeks folks, have a great week and we'll see you at The Midlands Media Awards we hope!