VELVET HOTEL

PR Strategy • Media Relations • Marketing Consultancy • Content Production • Creative Direction • Influencer Engagement

A Boutique Destination Reimagined. Located in the heart of Manchester’s Gay Village, Velvet Hotel is a boutique hotel, bar and brasserie known for its distinctive style, atmosphere and personality. Following a significant expansion and refurbishment, Watson St supported KRO Hospitality in sharing the next evolution of Velvet Hotel, creating a communications strategy that celebrated the refreshed guest experience, new suites and design-led transformation of the space. Working alongside the in-house team, Watson St developed opportunities to build awareness around the hotel’s evolution, identifying stories, seasonal moments and campaign opportunities that would resonate with both Manchester audiences and visitors to the city.

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THE CHALLENGE

With the opening of 17 new suites and a refreshed reception space, Velvet Hotel needed to introduce its expanded offering while maintaining the character and individuality that had made it a Manchester favourite.

The focus was on:

celebrating the hotel’s distinctive design and heritage
creating awareness around the expanded accommodation offering
positioning Velvet as a destination for luxury stays and city experiences
connecting with travellers, hospitality audiences and local communities

BRINGING VELVET'S STORY TO LIFE

PR & Media Relations

Watson St developed the communications approach around Velvet’s transformation, highlighting the expansion, interiors, guest experience and story behind the refreshed hotel.

The campaign focused on:

17 new suites and expanded accommodation
the design inspiration behind the refurbishment
Velvet’s heritage within Manchester’s Gay Village
its position as a boutique hospitality destination

14 pieces of media coverage secured across national, regional and hospitality titles including:

The Independent
The Times & Sunday Times
Skyscanner
Business Traveller
Hotel Design
Boutique Hotelier
Manchester Evening News
The Manc
Manchester Wire

CREATIVE DIRECTION & CONTENT

Watson St supported Velvet’s visual storytelling through two dedicated content shoots, helping shape imagery that captured the atmosphere, design and personality of the hotel.

This included:

Developing creative direction and moodboards
Photography planning and coordination
Visual guidance across the apartments, bar and brasserie
Supporting the creation of assets for digital, press and marketing channels

The resulting imagery helped bring Velvet’s refreshed identity to life across its website, social channels and wider communications.

MARKETING CONSULTANCY

Alongside the refurbishment activity, Watson St worked closely with the in-house team to identify opportunities for ongoing visibility throughout the year.

Support included:

Campaign ideas and seasonal opportunities
Marketing planning
Brand storytelling
Identifying moments to connect Velvet with relevant audiences

CULTURAL & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

As a destination located in the heart of Manchester’s Gay Village, Velvet plays an important role within the city’s hospitality and cultural landscape. Watson St supported activity around key moments including Manchester Pride, helping position the hotel as a welcoming destination for celebrations, visitors and city experiences.

RESULT

A successful campaign that introduced Velvet Hotel’s next evolution to Manchester audiences, travellers and hospitality communities. Through a combination of PR, creative direction and strategic marketing support, Watson St helped showcase Velvet’s refreshed identity, expanded offering and distinctive sense of place.