Filmed on the stunning Yorkshire Moors, the movie has sparked plenty of conversation. But it’s not just been the storyline that has grabbed people’s attention. Fans are also curious about where the cast stayed during filming.
According to hospitality AI tech company Access Hospitality, demand for Simonstone Hall in Hawes, the hotel stars called home during filming, has skyrocketed by more than 142% in the past week alone.
Noticing this surge in demand, Access Hospitality has spoken exclusively with Jake Dinsdale, owner of Simonstone Hall, about the impact the star-studded stay has had on the business and his advice for other hotels hoping to attract famous guests.
Celebrity Guests drive increased footfall and bookings for hospitality businesses
When speaking with Access Hospitality, Jake revealed what impact a celebrity visit can have on business. Jake commented, “We saw a clear uplift in footfall and bookings even before the film’s release, particularly from groups, individuals and some international visitors keen to explore Yorkshire.
“Since the film came out, that momentum has continued to build. We’re now seeing more guests booking specifically to scout nearby filming locations, which are just 20 minutes away. We’ve also welcomed an increase in day visitors stopping by the hotel or coming to the local area for coffee and cake after reading about us in the press.
“The film and associated celebrity stays have given people a compelling reason to choose us when they’re in the area. Encouragingly, we’ve also seen a rise in website traffic, which is a strong indicator of further bookings to come in the months ahead.”
The experience on offer is key when looking to attract celebrities to your business
When asked about why Simonstone Hall was picked to host the stars of Wuthering Heights, Jake said, “We’ve always prided ourselves on offering very cosy, comfy, country, Yorkshire-inspired stays to our guests.
“We had lots of conversations with production in the early planning stages, and the key to having them stay with us was the experience that we offer at Simonstone Hall.
“We offer a very laid-back, casual, easy-going environment, and I think that’s exactly what they were after – a sense of exclusivity and privacy, so they could have that sense of home.
“They also wanted somewhere which is reflective of the Yorkshire Dales – a place to stay which would encapsulate that and simply immerse them in what Yorkshire is all about. At Simonstone, we have fantastic views, very yorkshire inspired food menus, and we’re dog-friendly which was perfect for Jacob, who brought his dog with him.
“The experience we offered was very much valued by the cast and crew, as they really embraced life at Simonstone. They had afternoon tea, used the hot tubs, had Sunday roasts, bar meals, private dining room meals, they had walks with the dogs (they even came with my dog and me), and Land Rover trips. It was very much like hosting a group of friends in the end.”
Respecting privacy is key to securing repeat visits from celebrities
When chatting about how hospitality venues can secure repeat or regular visits from familiar faces, Jake commented, “We’re very fortunate to welcome celebrities and members of the Royal Family to Simonstone, and we pride ourselves on hosting them in a relaxed, informal way. We don’t make a fuss, we don’t share photos on social media or hang pictures on the walls.
“When guests stay with us, they’re simply able to switch off and feel normal. It’s equally important to us that we don’t treat A-listers any differently. When Margot stayed, she embraced being treated like any other guest. She was pouring pints behind the bar, joining in at a cocktail evening and sitting around the fire pits at night. The key is simple: whoever walks through our doors, we treat them all the same.”
How hospitality businesses can deal with increased demand off the back of the ‘set jetting’ trend
After speaking with Jake from Simonstone Hall, Nicola Longfield, General Manager for Accommodation at Access Hospitality said: “We operate in an era where consumer behaviour is significantly influenced by what people see on social media, television and in cinemas.
“Rising Google search demand is often a strong indicator of increased future footfall, and with Jake’s experience reinforcing this trend, it is essential that hospitality businesses are prepared for sudden spikes in demand for their facilities and services.
“If a hotel, pub or restaurant experiences heightened interest following a visit from a well-known figure to the exact premises or even the wider area, Access Hospitality’s AI platform, Access Guestline Evo, can support business owners by identifying booking trends well in advance.
“The platform enables operators to plan effectively, helping businesses save time, reduce admin burdens, and make smarter, faster decisions to improve guests’ experience, all from a single system that thinks together.”
To learn more about how Access Evo and Access Hospitality are supporting the sector, please read further here.