Docklands rooms wanted for the London Olympics

By Rob Virtue on April 10, 2008 8:59 AM |

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HOMEOWNERS in Docklands – here’s your chance to cash in on the Olympics.

A website has been created which allows people with spare rooms to take advantage of the influx of tourists coming to London for 2012.

Places-to-stay-London.com was launched this week and as well as including hotels and B&Bs, it offers homeowners a slice of the Olympic pie.

But Paul Vanderhook, director of Places-to-Stay-London, said it’s not just about Docklands residents
making money. They would also be providing a major service to London.

“In 2012, millions of tourists will descend on London,” he said. “Some with bookings, some without – and it’s quite likely that the existing supply of hotels isn’t enough. We could be looking at a major accommodation shortage.

“It seems like a long time off, but the Olympics are on their way. All over London new venues are being built, roads are being created and contracts being signed, but accommodation isn’t really being considered – and the sudden increase in tourist numbers could spell disaster for this city.

“The big hotels are often booked up during the summer months in a normal year. So we started looking for a way to create extra accommodation for the Olympic dates.”

Homeowners can sign up to be a member for £9.95 to advertise one room, with 10 per cent of that money going to the British Paralympics Team.

Places-to-Stay, which is based in Welling, south-east London, begins its world-wide marketing campaign this month.

The website will see hotels and B&Bs listed alongside rooms and flats on short-term lets. It will include information on venues and transport for the Games.

It is designed as a one-stop resource for anyone in the world interested in attending London during the event.

Go to www.places-to-stay-London.co.uk for more information or email info@places-to-stay-london.co.uk or 0845 222 2012.

rob.virtue@wharf.co.uk