QHotels has topped the Meetings Benchmark Tracker - operated by BDRC Continental - which looks at how well venues respond to mystery meetings and events enquiries submitted via three booking channels.

QHotels – which has 21 hotels in the UK - achieved an overall performance score of 95.2 per cent across the whole of 2011, beating De Vere Venues to the post by just 0.3 per cent. Independently owned Sundial Group finished third.

Meetings Benchmark Tracker tracks 30 hotel brands in their handling of telephone and electronic enquiries using the ‘mystery shopping’ method.

QHotels’ managing director, Michael Purtill, said: “BDRC Continental’s rigorous enquiry handling scores are fundamental to developing our meetings and events team and ensuring that we give a consistently good first impression and quick turnaround when handling all enquiries. These latest results demonstrate the talent and experience of our team in building positive relationships and adapting to the requirements of a wide range of customers however they enquire with us.”

James Bland, senior client services manager at BDRC Continental, added:  “Results are presented via an online reporting portal, allowing them to assess individual enquiries and trends over time. The overall objective is to enhance conversion rates, and to ensure that a venue gives itself the best possible chance of securing business by making a winning initial impression.”