Penthouse stay costs Open fan a cool £15,000

Jun 20 2008 by Barry Turnbull, Liverpool Daily Post

A WEALTHY Middle-Eastern businessman has splashed out £15,000 on the penthouse at Southport’s Vincent Hotel for a stay during the Open Golf tournament.

The luxury accommodation, featuring jacuzzis and a steam room, is the most expensive hotel suite ever let on Merseyside.

It makes the newly-opened hotel a sell-out and now looks as if it will be a record-breaking year for lettings related to an Open championship event.

But, if there are winners there are also losers – Tiger Woods had rented a property, but his injury means he will not be attending and he won’t be receiving a refund.

There are indications around 300 properties will be let with the most upmarket homes around Royal Birkdale itself going for around £25,000.

The 60-room, five-star Vincent had filled all its other rooms, but was holding out for a lucrative deal on the penthouse which has three rooms, an oak floor, super king-sized bed and rainforest shower. It would normally cost £695 a night to stay there.

Owner Paul Adams said the amount secured for the suite merely reflected its quality. It is located on the top floor of the six-storey building in Lord Street.

Half the hotel’s other rooms have been block-booked by global management consultancy firm Oliver Wyman .

Ralph Jackson, of official letting agents Ball & Percival, said: “This is looking like being a record year. We have exceeded Hoylake in 2006, and there is still a lot of business to be done, there are about 50 players yet to qualify for the tournament.

“Last year, Carnoustie did around 300 properties but that was a different market. Southport has lots of large properties with a number of bedrooms so rental levels will generally be higher.”

The chief market is players and officials, the media and the corporate market. Ordinary spectators only make up a small percentage of lettings.

Mr Jackson added: “The rental period is actually for 10 days so that would appeal to a great many general spectators.”

He declined to comment on Tiger Woods, but said all agreements were watertight and fees had to be paid up-front.

Mr Jackson urged people who have yet to let their properties to remain hopeful.

“We still have a long way to go,” he said. “Many players and sponsors have yet to make a decision on their accommodation, with enquiries coming in every day.”

GOLF: PAGE 31

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