Category: Roomzzz

What an incredible few weeks! From 7th–27th July, our teams, guests, and partners came together for Roomzzz Charity Week 2025 – and thanks to everyone’s amazing support, we raised a record breaking £56,173 to help mental health and well-being charities across the UK – in partnership with the Parklane Foundation.

How We Did It

The highlight of this year’s event came on Saturday 19th July, when we donated all profits from one night’s stays across every Roomzzz Aparthotel. That single night made a huge difference in reaching our biggest fundraising total yet.

But it wasn’t just about stays, our guests joined in the fun too with activities including:

• Golden Ticket Raffle – one lucky winner walked away with 10 overnight stays at Roomzzz!
• Spin the Wheel Game – Guests had the chance to spin to win instant prizes like pamper packs, free late check outs, room upgrades, discounts, and even some mystery treats.

Where the Money’s Going

All funds raised will be donated via the Parklane Foundation to three incredible charities doing life-changing work:

• Young Minds – supporting children and young people’s mental health across the UK.
• Getting Clean – a Leeds-based recovery charity helping people build new lives through soap-making and life skills.
• Recovery Runners – a community running group supporting people rebuilding after addiction or major challenges.

As well as supporting other local charities through the year!

A Word from Our COO

Our COO, Shaan Ahmed, summed it up perfectly:

“We are incredibly proud of the generosity shown by our teams, guests, and partners during Charity Week 2025. Together, we’ve raised a record amount that will directly support charities making a real impact on mental health and recovery across the UK.”

A New Record

This year’s fundraising beats last year’s total of £45,000 (and £38,240 in 2023). Each year, the event gets bigger and better, showing just how much our community cares about making a positive difference.

From the bottom of our hearts – thank you to everyone who donated, stayed with us, bought raffle tickets, or simply cheered us on.

We’re already excited to see how much more we can do together next year!

We are thrilled to announce the third annual Roomzzz Charity Week, in partnership with the Parklane Foundation, running from 14th to 20th July 2025.

Join us for a week of giving back as we support this year’s incredible cause: mental health and wellbeing. Through a range of initiatives, we’ll be raising funds and awareness for three remarkable charities:

• Young Minds – supporting children, young people, and their families facing mental health challenges
• Recovery Runners – helping people use running to recover from addiction and significant life changes
• Getting Clean – a Leeds-based charity helping those in addiction recovery learn vital life and business skills

In 2024, our Charity Week raised an incredible £45,000, supporting vital work by Dementia UK, Alzheimer’s Society, and Leeds Hospitals Charity. Let’s make this year even more impactful as we rally together for mental health and recovery across our communities.

A Night of Giving: Entire Revenue Donated

As part of Charity Week, we’ll once again host a Night of Giving — where 100% of Roomzzz revenue from one special night will be donated to the Parklane Foundation and its selected ‘Charities of the Year’.

Your stays directly helps fund recovery, resilience, and mental health support across the UK.

To learn more about how Roomzzz gives back, visit: https://www.roomzzz.com/charitable-initiatives

Golden Ticket Raffle: Win Big, Give Back

Our Golden Ticket Raffle is back — and so is your chance to win an unforgettable experience:
One overnight stay at each of our 10 Roomzzz UK aparthotels, from Edinburgh to London Stratford (valued at £2500+).

How to Enter:

• Add a Golden Ticket to your reservation when booking online here on roomzzz.com.
• Donate just £2 per ticket at check-in to be in with a chance of winning.

The lucky winner will be announced at the end of Charity Week!

Want to donate directly instead? You can do so – https://gtap.uk/44MYCG

Terms & Conditions:
By entering the raffle, you agree to be bound by these Terms & Conditions. Entrants must be 18 years or older. Entries submitted after midnight on Sunday, 27th July 2025 will not be counted. All bookings are subject to availability and based on entry-level room types. Stays must be redeemed by 1st August 2026. Winners may be requested to participate in reasonable publicity as a condition of Prize Acceptance. *Revenue minus the cost of operations.

Let’s unite for a week of generosity, wellness, and hope. Thank you for continuing to support Roomzzz and the Parklane Foundation in driving positive change.

At Roomzzz Aparthotels, our commitment to the communities we serve is at the heart of everything we do. This year, during our second annual Roomzzz Charity Week, we were once again overwhelmed by the generosity and support of our guests, staff, and partners. From the 15th to the 21st of July, we came together to make a difference, and we’re thrilled to announce that we raised an incredible £45,000 to support those affected by homelessness.

A Night to Make a Difference

The highlight of our Charity Week was a special initiative where Roomzzz Aparthotels donated an entire night’s revenue across all our locations. This contribution formed the backbone of our fundraising efforts and demonstrated our deep-rooted commitment to giving back. By simply staying with us, our guests played a crucial role in supporting this important cause.

Fun and Fundraising: The Golden Ticket Raffle & Spin the Wheel

Charity Week also saw the return of our beloved Golden Ticket raffle. The excitement was palpable as guests entered for a chance to win the ultimate prize: an overnight stay at each of our eleven city-centre locations across the UK. The Golden Ticket raffle is quickly becoming a cherished tradition, and this year it helped drive our fundraising efforts even further.

Adding to the fun with our “Spin the Wheel” game at the reception of each of our hotels. Guests loved the opportunity to spin the wheel and win everything from Mystery Prize packages to Room Upgrades. The enthusiasm and generosity displayed by everyone who took part were truly inspiring.

Supporting Vital Charities Through the Parklane Foundation

All the funds raised during Charity Week will be entrusted to the Parklane Foundation, which will distribute them to three incredible charities dedicated to combating and supporting homelessness: Simon on the Streets, St George’s Crypt, and Crisis. These organisations are on the front lines, providing essential services to those in need, and we’re honoured to support their work.

A Heartfelt Thank You

We want to extend our deepest thanks to everyone who participated in Roomzzz Charity Week 2024. Whether you stayed with us, bought a raffle ticket, spun the wheel, or simply spread the word, your contribution has made a real difference.

Our journey to support our communities doesn’t end here. We’re already looking forward to next year’s Charity Week and continuing our tradition of giving back. Together, we can create lasting change.

2019 is set to be another ambition fuelled year for The Parklane Group as building works at three developments, across the North of England, continue to progress.

Here’s how things are getting on…

Gravity, IconInc Lincoln

Work has progressed quickly throughout recent months in Lincoln. The ground beams, pile caps, bolt boxes and below ground drainage are all complete. And the steel frame on top is progressing quickly now, forming the main structure of the building.

Some external and internal walls have been retained from the former school house, and at present a new steel frame is being built up behind that. Inside the school house area joiners are also working on laying timber floors.

Internally, and when finished, this build will be the most progressive of all the IconInc developments. Features from the original buildings will add a further sophistication, there will be an emphasis on wellbeing with indoor green spaces and a wellbeing suite, and a communal mezzanine level will also include shipping container style study pods.

Roomzzz Newcastle City extension

The Cross-laminated timber structure (which acts like a skeleton for the building) is now completely installed and, as a result, attention has turned to the envelope of the building. Over the coming months, with the 525 m2 super-structure in place and windows installed, Broadley will be working on the brickwork and roof coverings.

Work has also begun on the interior of the extension, electrics are being installed, floorings are being laid, and plaster is being applied to the walls. The interior décor of each apartment will include stylish herringbone parquet flooring, mood lighting highlighting split level ceilings, and a striking graphic headboard feature wall behind the bed.

2,200 man hours have been spent on the development to date.

Roomzzz York

The Roomzzz aparthotel in York is really taking shape now. The Cross-laminated timber frame is due to be completed by the end of January. Currently there’s just the third floor of the larger wing, and the mezzanine rooms above, yet to construct. Brickwork is going up fast and 60 percent of the windows have been installed.

Inside the build things are moving quickly as the empty timber boxes of the super-structure are transformed into final room layouts. Next wooden herringbone floors will be laid, first fix electrics will be installed and walls will be skimmed with plaster.

Broadley have put a staggering, 70,000 man hours into the project so far and it’s clear to see that all of their hard work is paying off. Watch a time-lapse of the work, which began last January, below:

 

See how far the builds have come over the last few months by reading our last update, here.

Struggling to beat the bulge? Business travel could be to blame, with over a third of UK workers who travel regularly claiming healthy eating goes out of the window.

Whether it’s grabbing a pastry between morning meetings or sitting down to a three-course meal with clients, business travel spells bad news for the usual healthy eating habits of UK workers, according to new research by Roomzzz, the Parklane Group’s aparthotel brand.

The recent study of 1,000 UK workers, who regularly travel with their job, claimed that it was their diet that was worse hit when away from home. In fact 36 percent of respondents believed it was the aspect that suffered the most during time away. Disruptions to sleep patterns come in close second, with 33 percent of those questioned saying a really comfortable bed was at the top of their wish list when it comes to choosing a room for the night.

Extra snacks and blow-out meals quickly rack up the calories, 58 percent of the regular travellers questioned believed they easily consumed anywhere between 250 and a whopping 1500 extra calories each day, compared to a normal working day. That’s potentially 50 percent over the recommended daily calorie intake for men and women. Out of the 1,000 respondents questioned, it was North West workers who admitted splurging the most during business trips.

Naveen Ahmed, Managing Director at Roomzzz says:

“Travelling with work can mean a major disruption to your usual daily routine. Staying in a traditional hotel often means that you are often forced to eat out and have a lonely table for one, when all you want to do is get a take-away or prepare a healthy, home-cooked meal, put on your PJs and enjoy some down time in the comfort of your own room.

At Roomzzz we encourage our guests to use the room as they would their own home; we offer a kitchen and living area as standard, giving guests the space to spread out and relax and certainly no need to sneak food or drink into our properties! So many of our guests tell us they love the space and additional living areas, which means they don’t have to work ‘in bed’ with their laptops on their laps, which allows them to keep a bit of normality while away, whether that’s preparing their own meals, doing some yoga in the living area or simply chilling out on the sofa after a hectic day.”

Jo Cox, a frequent traveller says about her time staying in hotels:

“I used to stay away about three nights a week in hotels up and down the country and I would crave simple foods. It got so bad that one night I went down to the kitchen with a tin of beans and some bread and asked them to cook me some beans on toast! I was so fed up of eating out on my own or having the same choices from the room service menu.”

Naveen adds:

“Business travel is tiring – for the mind and body, so it’s not surprising that those questioned ranked a super comfy bed as an important feature of their room. We pride ourselves on offering the best beds in the market…so much so our guests often ask us where they can buy one for their own home!”

Roomzzz is revolutionising business travel, one city at a time. There are currently nine aparthotels within the Roomzzz portfolio and the brand has ambitious growth plans in 2019 with further developments in the pipeline for Edinburgh, Harrogate and York.

Leeds-based aparthotel brand Roomzzz, part of The Parklane Group, has picked up the coveted Serviced Apartment Marketing Award at the 2018 ASAP Serviced Apartment Industry Awards.

Judged by a panel of industry experts, Roomzzz beat off tough competition to win the award. The brand was recognised for the exciting new identity, recently launched by the team, which aimed to elevate Roomzzz from price focussed to experience focussed. The rebrand allowed Roomzzz to create a really distinctive tone of voice and brand identity which is unique, individual, memorable and evocative.

The ASAP Serviced Apartment Industry Awards

The awards are in their sixth year, 2018 being a record year with entries coming from more than 19 countries. The aim of the awards is to recognise excellence, innovation and best practice at individual, team and company level throughout the growing serviced apartment industry.

The winners were announced at a glitzy awards ceremony held at etc venues, 155 Bishopsgate London, on Thursday 6th December. Comedian and compere, Ian Irving presented the 12 awards.

Robert Alley, Chief Operating Officer at Roomzzz, commented:

“The team has put a huge amount of effort in developing the brand story and brand identity of Roomzzz, so it’s fantastic for this to be recognised by industry figures. It’s been an exciting year for Roomzzz, with the launch of two new aparthotels in Manchester’s iconic Corn Exchange and London Stratford; we’re very much looking forward to moving into 2019 with this prestigious award under our belt.”

 

Andy Durma, General Manager at Roomzzz Newcastle City was also recognised at the awards, winning Highly Commended in the Rising Star Award category. Anyone who has stayed at the Newcastle aparthotel will wholeheartedly agree that this recognition is well deserved, Andy goes above and beyond.

Andy said, “I’m humbled by the award and very proud to be part of such an amazing team. I’ll continue to lead my team to deliver the greatest guest experience around.”

2019 is set to be another exciting year for the Roomzzz brand with a new development opening in York and an expansion at the Newcastle City aparthotel. Find out more, here.

The Parklane Group are due to open three new developments during 2019. Luxury student accommodation brand, IconInc, will continue to expand with a new location in Lincoln, Roomzzz Newcastle City will benefit from an extension, and the group are set to open their tenth Roomzzz aparthotel, in the historic city of York.

With work now well underway at all three sites, read on for an update about how the builds are progressing.

IconInc Lincoln

A team of 16, from Broadley, have been working tirelessly since January to demolish three existing structures which once stood on the site – that of an old school, a parish hall and a coffee warehouse. The deconstruction was especially challenging as three important facades of these old buildings, are to be maintained and incorporated into the new structure.

Following the clearing of the site, a reduced level dig for archaeology was completed, before work on the foundations commenced. The building will sit on pile foundations (these foundations are deeper than usual and are used for extra strength) so a pile mat platform was then created for the huge piling rigs to travel around the site on.

The piling works are now complete and sub-structure works are beginning with pile caps (thick concrete mats) and concrete ground beams being cast. A vast 900m3 of concrete will be used for the foundations in total – that’s 82 concrete mixers full. Below ground drainage has also been installed.

Roomzzz Newcastle City

Works began in November 2017 to extend the aparthotel in Newcastle city centre. And Broadley are currently working to erect the Cross-laminated timber structure, having completed two of the six floors now. This method makes for a quick build and is more environmentally-friendly than other building methods due to the use of the renewable materials.

The city centre location has created challenges for the team of sixteen so far as space is tight on the site. There is also only one road which allows access to the site so it’s been difficult delivering materials and manoeuvring machinery.

Prior to the timber works, piling works have been completed using a 32m jib, and 200 tonnes of concrete foundations have been laid. 80,000 bricks have been ordered to complete the exterior of the building. The extension will create 74 new apartments, and facilities such as a lounge and coffee zone, which the aparthotel currently lacks.

Roomzzz York

It’s no secret that York is prone to flooding so care has been taken to minimise the risk every step of the way at the newest Roomzzz development. The main areas of the aparthotel are being built four meters above ground level and the existing flood defences on the site have now been reinforced with concrete too. The reinforcement proved difficult for the Broadley team as they worked around the current defences, to avoid disturbance.

All ground works and the concrete structure are now finished, and the Cross-laminated timber frame is in progress. The frame for the smaller wing of the building is all in place at this point so, for the first time, we can see the apartments taking shape. Not only is this non-traditional timber construction technique quick, it’s also considered a safer way to build with wood.

Roomzzz York will consist of 97 apartments, a gym and a café/deli. The build promises to be the most picturesque Roomzzz location yet.

 

Are you intrigued? Take a look at the IconInc and Roomzzz websites to find out more about our current locations.

Roomzzz is launching its first London-based development on 1st July. The new £20 million aparthotel is just a six-minute train journey from St Pancras International station.

Responding to the desire for flexible accommodation, Roomzzz London Stratford will feature 98 fully serviced luxury apartments offering room to be yourself. Whether visiting for adventure, business or celebration, the fully equipped kitchens, spacious living areas, comfy king-size beds, super-fast Wi-Fi and an on-site gym, means every Roomzzz stay will feel like a home away from home.

The suites range from the modern open-plan Neo, through to the spacious superior Liberty suite, which comes as one, two or three bedroom, making them ideal for both families, groups and long-stays. The jewel in the crown are the Dezign penthouses, which boast spectacular views of London’s iconic sights from the sweeping rooftop balcony.

The new development will be the first in a new generation of Roomzzz, offering a vibrant area on the ground floor to create a sense of community. There will be a guest lounge offering a range of spaces to relax with a book, catch up on work or eat the complimentary Grab & Go light breakfast, plus a deli, serving exceptional barista coffee, fresh sandwiches and salads.

The aparthotel is also home to a brand-new co-working environment, workinc, which boasts hotdesks, dedicated work spaces, a meeting room and breakout areas, creating a thriving business community.

Roomzzz London Stratford is in the heart of East London’s primary retail, cultural and leisure facilities, including the London Stadium, Westfield Shopping Centre and the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Situated on West Ham Lane, Roomzzz is within easy reach of both Stratford International Station and Stratford Tube with easy access to the city centre, Canary Wharf, City Airport and the O2. Basement parking with electric charging points is also available for those travelling by car.

Naveen Ahmed, CEO of Roomzzz, commented: “We’re delighted to be launching our first London Roomzzz aparthotel in Stratford, an area booming in terms of regeneration and growth. There are exciting plans for the area over the next five years, and we are proud to be a part of it. Flexibility is key for the Roomzzz brand – our guests choose us as we combine the benefits of a conveniently located apartment with the security and convenience of a 24-hour concierge, it’s the best of city living.”

The Roomzzz brand already has eight aparthotels across the country, including Manchester, Leeds, Chester and Nottingham. The brand has ambitious growth plans with further developments in the pipeline for Edinburgh, Harrogate and York, as well as an extension to the existing Newcastle property.

Roomzzz Aparthotels has been built around the concept that it’s a home away from home for any of their guests. Whether people are travelling as a family, a couple, on their own, or with business, Roomzzz offer the flexibility and space of a city centre apartment but with the comfort and service of a hotel.

It’s in the corporate world though where we’re really challenging concepts, and meeting the changing demands of the working world.

Aparthotels are growing in popularity with the UK aparthotel marketing accounting for 6% of all hotel investment in 2017. With 49% of Airbnb travellers moving away from traditional hotels and operating costs which run at only 40% of total revenue (compared to nearly 60% for full service hotels), this popularity, both for corporate customers and investors, is only set to grow.

For a start, there are no boxy rooms at Roomzzz aparthotels. We appreciate that business travellers want space to relax after a long day at work so that’s why our rooms are more like an apartment and have plenty of room to swing a cat. The locations of Roomzzz Aparthotels are extremely central and have the cities on their doorstep. This means our business guests are in a convenient place for any meetings they may have to attend. We also have a 24-hour concierge service to match that of top-end hotels. This provides the service and security that our guests can rely on day and night. Grab and Go breakfasts mean that you can dine in the morning at the convenience of our business guests. Fresh pastries, yoghurts, and fruit, are available to grab and take out the door – either on the way to a meeting or back up to the room. It’s small things like this that make a huge different to the working world and we’re here to make things easier.

We’re also aware that business guests, whether they’re staying for 1 night or 30, need to be able to continue their lifestyle away from home. That’s why in all our locations we provide fully fitted kitchens so guests can cook up a storm, and a comfortable 2000 pocket sprung mattress so even if the business world isn’t sleeping, our guests are. In our newest locations, Roomzzz Manchester Corn Exchange and Roomzzz London Stratford, we’ve even included gyms so that fitness routines don’t suffer when working on business.

Our free WiFi also allows corporate travellers to stay well connected and there are even meeting areas by Roomzzz Aparthotel receptions so that an important business deal can be closed or you can catch up with a colleague over a coffee.

We know how comfort, convenience and service are important to our business guests, now more than ever, and that’s why we’re here to provide for the changing demands of the working world.