eBooks at bedtime’

Service Launched by Jurys Inn promotes bedtime reading  and raises money for the National Literacy Trust

Jurys Inn has launched the first e-reader loan service for guests staying at Jurys Inn hotels in city centres across the UK.

The new trial service ‘e-Books at Bedtime’ will offer the loan of an e-reader pre-loaded with a selection of short stories to help guests relax and enable them to enjoy a popular short story rather than having to read an entire book during their hotel stay.

Jurys Inn e-readers will have, pre-loaded, The Best British Short Stories, a collection edited by highly acclaimed author, Nicholas Royle. The 2011 collection showcases authors such as David Rose (Flora), Hilary Mantel (Winter Break) and Bernie McGill (No Angel) to name a few.

In addition to the best short stories on offer, guests will also have the opportunity to download novels which they have started but neglected to bring in their luggage. Guests wanting to use the service will be requested to make a small donation to the National Literacy Trust.

National Literacy Trust Director, Jonathan Douglas said “The National Literacy Trust fully supports the Jurys Inn offer of e-reading for their guests. The University of Sussex found that reading can actually reduce stress levels by a full 68 per cent so it is a great way to unwind. It is also enjoyable, informative and develops skills. As a charity that supports literacy development in disadvantaged communities across the UK through a range of programmes and initiatives, all donations are very gratefully received and will help many more children and adults discover all the benefits of reading.”

Relaxation experts claim that, switching off the TV in favour of the written word is a better way to relax. Reading engages the brain to visualise what’s being read whereas TV provides the visualisation so the viewer is taking a passive role and the mind is being fed rather than having to work a little.

John Brennan, CEO of hotel group Jurys Inn said: “Our city centre locations naturally attract a lot of business guests who find it difficult to unwind after a busy day at work. We also find many of our guests travel light because they are often here for a short stay, which is why our new service, ‘e-Books at Bedtime’ offers a hassle-free way to unwind. We’re providing a selection of quick to read stories to make it easier for our guests to enjoy over a short stay as part of our service making us 'Exceptional Everyday City Hotels' – we hope they find it a great added extra.”

Initially e-readers will be made available in five trial hotels across the group including Newcastle, Birmingham, Liverpool, Manchester and Derby.

Valere Tjolle
Valere is editor of the Sustainable Tourism Report Suite 2011 Special Offers HERE