Hotel surprises couple with live band to celebrate their 10th anniversary

Survey finds over one third of people wish hotels put on more live music

A couple were stunned when they discovered the music in their hotel room was being played by a live band in the next room.

Music fans Jon and Carly Barnes checked into the hotel to celebrate their anniversary and were told at reception they had been chosen to “road-test” a new sound system.

But when Mr Barnes switched it on – and was blown away by the “great sound” – they realised it was actually playing from the room next door.

The couple, both 33, crept out and peeked round the door of the adjoining room in the Ibis Hotel to find three-piece band Politik playing a song written especially for them.

Frank Bechemilh, general manager at Ibis Cambridge, said: “We heard it was Jon and midwife Carly’s 10th anniversary and we wanted to do something special for them.

“What better way to help a music-loving couple celebrate than with a private gig?

“Like all our guests, we wanted to give them an experience from the heart – a unique, one-off experience that will stay with them.”

Ibis set up the musical experience as part of their “From The Heart” campaign, after finding guests felt more at home when they had the music they love around them during their stay.

In a survey of 2,000 Britons by OnePoll.com, 57 per cent said hearing their favourite music made them feel more at home and one in four had a specific travelling playlist.

Forty-three per cent of those surveyed listened to music in their hotel room when they stayed to create an ambience and over a third wished hotels put on more live music.

Guitar technician Jon Barnes, who used to be in a band, said: “So often it’s quite a cold experience going into a hotel, you just go in, go out and forget about it.

“But I think if they know more personal details or go the extra mile it really makes a difference – and you remember it.”

Ms Barnes, who lives with her husband in Stevenage, Hertfordshire, added: “It makes the experience unique. When we got engaged Jon serenaded me and now ten years later we’re being serenaded again so it’s just wonderful.”

Frank Bechemilh added: “Music is universal. It connects, excites and moves people and makes them feel at home.

“We have a passion for music, as do most of our guests. Jon and Carly love music – it’s something they’ve shared since their first date.

“From small heart-felt touches to exceptional moments like this one for Jon and Carly, our staff go off-script to make a difference to our guests’ stay.”

SWNS