Park Inn by Radisson announces winner of global INNovation Room competition

A room service alternative offering healthy, locally-sourced, ready-to-eat food around the clock has won the INNovation Room student competition from Park Inn by Radisson.

A team of four from US university Cornell was crowned the winner after beating opposition from eight other entries in the competition, which got under way last September in Manchester. Over three days, the teams each pitched three ideas and a panel of judges chose one idea per team to be developed into a full concept by November.

Representing the UK was the Oxford School of Hospitality Management at Oxford Brookes University. The other teams included the School of Hospitality Administration, Boston University, USA; the School of Hotel Administration, Cornell University, USA; École hôtelière de Lausanne, Switzerland; Hotelschool The Hague, Netherlands; Hotel Management School Maastricht, Netherlands; International Hotel School, South Africa; Les Roches International School of Hotel Management, Switzerland; and the Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management, United Arab Emirates.

The contestants were whittled down to two finalists: Cornell University and Les Roches International School of Hotel Management, whose entry revolved around a vanity studio.

The entrants were judged by a panel made up of Javier Rosenberg, chief operating officer, Americas, Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group; Rose Anderson, vice-president global branding and innovation, Carlson Rezidor Hotel group; Richard Biggs, senior vice-president revenue optimisation and distribution EMEA, Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group; Edward Pinchard, vice-president sales, EMEA, Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group; Susan McIlveen, human resources manager and senior master trainer, Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group; Lionel van den Haute, general manager Park Inn by Radisson Brussels Midi; and Siri Gomnæs Børsum, industry leader at Google.

Rose Anderson, vice-president global branding and innovation, Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, said: "The enthusiasm, drive and ambition of all the students has been outstanding and they have brought some bold, inspiring ideas to the forefront. However, we were particularly impressed with the Cornell's' team concept and can see the potential for it to enhance the stay of every guest coming through the doors of our hotels."

Park Inn by Radisson launches INNovation Room Programme >>

Park Inn by Radisson in York on market for £20m >>

New regional director of Park Inn by Radisson for UK and Ireland >>

Looking for a job? See all the current hotel vacancies available with The Caterer Jobs >>

Latest video from The Caterer