Pictured above: The main reception

imago, the leading conference and events business based at Loughborough University, officially opened the doors of its brand new hotel called The Link on Wednesday 29th September 2010.

Aptly named because of its excellent transport routes and ties with the university, The Link boasts excellent accommodation and top of the range facilities which create the perfect business hub, all on a budget. With this new gem added to its portfolio, The Link marks a new phase in the successful growth of imago's popular hotel and conferencing brand.  

The total revamp of the former Quality Hotel follows six months of hard work and a £1.5 million refurbishment investment. The transformation has seen all 94 bedrooms and all front of house areas including the reception, lounge, gym and restaurant brought up to date to be in keeping with imago's modern and stylish standard.

Each of the bedrooms now boast individual 'feature furniture' pieces that have been purpose built to high specifications, including illuminated headboards and hanging units rather than standard wardrobes. Focusing on functionality as well as design, it makes the most of some of the very latest materials and finishes available to bring the rooms up to date as the hotel was last refurbished over 17 years ago.

Kay England, chief executive of imago, said: "We wanted to freshen up the whole hotel and bring it up to standard, whilst adding a wow-effect that differentiates it from other hotels in the area. We wanted the new look to be as unique as our service with the personality of our staff and the warmth of our welcome reflected in the bright colours and materials used. 

"The refurbishment of The Link combines contemporary style and comfort with affordability. The hotel will be perfect for those looking for an up market budget hotel that concentrates on excellent bedrooms and customer service in a modern and focused environment. It will also be ideal for business people who want to use the hotel as a 'hub' for meetings and the accommodation for short term stays."

Pictured above:(l-r)  Kay England, Chief Executive of imago, Malcolm Brown, Director of imago Services and CEO of imago and Loughborough Ltd, Keith Barber, Operations Manager of The Link with Deputy Mayor Councillor Roy Brown and Deputy Mayoress Gill Brown

Keith Barber, Operations Manager at The Link, added: "Since imago took over The Link and I became Manager in January, there have been drastic changes to improve the facilities and the service offered. It's been incredibly exciting and satisfying to reveal the new look to customers who remember how it was before imago took over - namely tired and very dated! It's also a very special day for staff who've been with the hotel for many years and stayed with us, becoming an integral part of the refurbishment and the future of The Link. Not only is this launch a great thing for customers using it for short stays or as a business hub, but for local people who can see the investment we have put into Loughborough and the improvements that have been made. 

"As well as the rooms, there have been big changes to our restaurant and bar area. These provide a great destination for casual business meetings or quick lunches with the restaurant able to cater for 100 people and the bar 85 people. With the high quality food on offer, we also hope that Loughborough residents and people from the University will enjoy joining us for Sunday lunches and other special occasions." 

The Link Hotel (formerly the Quality Hotel) was acquired by imago in January 2010, joining the other venues within imago's portfolio including Burleigh Court, a first-class international conference centre, Holywell Park, a versatile day conference centre; plus the extensive conference and sports facilities at Loughborough University. The Link Hotel boasts excellent transport links, located on the main dual carriageway into Loughborough from junction 23 of the M1 motorway, with an intercity rail link direct to London and the international East Midlands Airport close by.