Pictured above: The new bedrooms at imago's The Link Hotel

The countdown continues as imago, the leading conference and events business based at Loughborough University, prepares to officially re-open the doors of The Link Hotel next month.

The Link Hotel, aptly named because of its excellent transport routes and ties with the university, now also boasts another link to Loughborough University thanks to the stunning interior designs skills of James Deakin, a former student.

Located on the New Ashby Road, near junction 23 of the M1, the hotel will be unveiling its brand new look towards the end of September, representing the culmination of 18 months work and a £1.5 million investment. The overhaul will see 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.

James Deakin graduated from Loughborough University in 2006 after studying Industrial Design and Technology. Now a brand manager for Furnotel Ltd, based in Lichfield, he has returned to his place of learning to provide imago with stunning and bespoke-designed pieces of furniture for the bedrooms and public areas. 

Furnotel, the bespoke furniture and joinery side of Lugo Group Europe, won the contract from imago earlier this year to revamp the interior of the hotel to refurbish it to be in-keeping with its new focus as an upmarket budget hotel.

James comments: "I was tasked by imago to introduce a design and colour scheme that shook up the visual impact of the previously tired-looking hotel, paying particular attention to the 40-cover bar/lounge area, 100-cover restaurant and reception areas plus also providing a fresh, modern and clean set of fitted bedroom furniture for the space available.

"Having worked for a number of other budget-chain hotels I knew what was needed to give The Link great firepower and standout against other hotels within the East Midlands area. The new-look is dramatically different from under its previous ownership, providing a welcoming, wow-factor, impact for all customers from the moment they walk through the door.

"imago's brief also wanted to concentrate on offering excellent bedroom facilities, regardless of being a budget hotel, to ensure the interior of the rooms visibly matched the standard offered at its four-star Burleigh Court accommodation. All 94-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, all of which focus on functionality as well as design and make the most of some of the very latest materials and finishes available."

Kay England, chief executive of imago, said: "imago has an outstanding reputation in the hotel and conferencing industry, both locally as well as nationally, and we are excited about the imminent opening of The Link as it will further strengthen our position within the market place and build on the existing success of Burleigh Court and Holywell Park. When we found out that James is an ex-student of Loughborough University it seemed only fitting that Furnotel worked on the interior design of the hotel, so he could put his degree to good use."

James continued: "As I learnt my trade in Loughborough, which itself is big in the design industry, it was humbling to have the opportunity to design for imago and use the skills I'd learnt just over the road, although it's strange to be designing in Loughborough without being graded."

Commenting on the focus of the new hotel, Kay England added: "The Link Hotel's location and facilities are sure to be a huge success with local people and businesses and we are now confident imago offers accommodation and facilities for every need. The hotel itself will be a 'gateway' to regional, national and international locations, with this new site opening up a different arena for imago, whilst maintaining strong links back to the campus and what Loughborough University has to offer. 

"The Link Hotel's new-look combines contemporary style and comfort with facilities where cutting-edge features every day 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."

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 the first-class international conference centre; Holywell Park the 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.