The Evolution of the Travel Destinations’ Flexotel Village

Posted by Richard | Filed under Le Mans 24 Hours

Following a trial during the 2010 Le Mans 24 Hours the Travel Destinations Flexotel Village was introduced for the Le Mans 24 Hours 2011. After much planning and discussion it was great to finally get down on the ground and get started.

Flexotel Village Arrival

The rooms arrive at the Flexotel Village

The new location that we selected for the Flexotel Village was at Antares-Sud. This location, near the tram terminus, is in the centre of the Le Mans Circuit and provides the ideal place from which to explore all that is Le Mans.

The start of the Flexotel Village

From small beginnings; The start of the Flexotel Village at Le Mans 2011

Heavy machinery required to build the Flexotel Village

Heavy machinery required to build the Travel Destinations' Flexotel Village

In our private fenced area we built 80 rooms for Tavel Destinations guests attending the Le Mans 24 Hours. The cabins arrived by lorry and trailer at the beginning of the week. Progress was slow early on as late changes and additions were made, but soon the rooms were rising all around the village.

The Flexotel Village Entrance

First sight of the Travel Destinations Flexotel Village

As well as the private lockable rooms the Flexotel Village would also benefit from 24 Hours security, fully serviced showers and toilets as well as a social area under our marquee (just in case!) with our bar, big screen tv and barbecue area. Of course we also had the love Radio Le Mans commentary on so everyone could keep up with the action on the circuit.

The Travel Destinations Flexotel Village

The Travel Destinations' Flexotel Village at Le Mans 2011

Guests watching the TV in the Travel Destinations Marquee

Guests watching the TV in the Travel Destinations Marquee

Our friendly bar staff worked through the night

Our friendly bar staff worked through the night

Enjoying the Flexotel Village

Guests enjoying the Travel Destinations' Flexotel Village

We had a really good crowd staying with us in our Flexotel Village throughout the Le Mans weekend. The breakfasts including freshly squeezed orange juice and bacon grilled to order were particularly popular. Of course the beer went down quite well too!

Guests at the Flexotel Village

Desperate to be in a photo at the Flexotel Village?

So from just a car park on the Monday before the race to just a car park on the Tuesday following the race, you wouldn’t believe quite what had been there inbetween. 80 rooms and 160 guests enjoying themselves together at the Travel Destinations’ Flexotel Village. All the feedback has been really positive and we already have bookings for next year so if you want to be part of the Flexotel Evolution at Le Mans 2012 call us on 0844 873 0203.

Individuals, couples, groups, media, race teams and staff are all welcome.

Its that time of year again

Posted by Richard | Filed under Le Mans 24 Hours

It is hard to believe that it is that time of year again. It is June and that can only mean one thing; The Le Mans 24 Hours.
Of course we have been working hard back in the UK since we packed up from Le Mans 2010 and now we are back and stronger than ever. We must offer a big thank you to all our customers coming with us to Le Mans 2011. It is great to have more than 4,000 people with us again this year.

Travel Destinations Private Campsite

You can't miss our private campsite

Once all of the tickets have been sent out, which is never an easy job (well done Helen) our thoughts turn to the practicalities of what we are doing at the circuit. This year, we loaded the Travel Destinations lorry with everything you can think of including the kitchen sink (literally!) and the advance party was at Le Mans a whole week before the race begins.
Arriving at Le Mans with not many people around is always daunting and the feeling of “where do we start?” sets in.  For Le Mans 2011 we are running 2 private areas as well as having the thousands of customers who still prefer the public campsites. Our 2 private areas are the ever popular Travel Destinations campsite at Porsche Curves (which we run in association with Radio Le Mans) and our new Travel Destinations Flexotel Village.

Travel Destinations private trackside campsite

The team have been busy putting up flags

The Travel Destinations at Porsche Curves campsite was very popular this year with most of the pitches sold out before Christmas. There have been lots of repeat customers which shows we must be doing something right there.  Our campsite is the only one that is actually trackside at the Porsche Curves so you can’t really miss it (others may claim to be trackside but they’re not really!).  As well as the 24 hour security and a friendly welcome on the gate, we have found that guests really appreciate the serviced showers and toilets that are kept clean all weekend and our large marquee which houses our big screen tv with Radio Le Mans commentary (of course!) and our bar. As always the bar is well stocked serving beer and food at reasonable prices. The beer and food are so good that the Radio Le Mans crew even leave their booth to come for a swift pint on Friday lunchtime!

Travel Destinations private trackside campsite at Le Mans

Inside the marquee at our private trackside campsite

The Travel Destinations Flexotel Village is our new area located at Antares-Sud. Located just around the corner from the tram terminus it makes it an ideal location and within walking distance of everything. Those that have been following will remember we trialled the Flexotel cabins at Le Mans 2010 and they were so successful we have brought them back this year with 80 rooms! Of course we are laying on all the facilities for Flexotel residents too, with showers and toilets, security, and another marquee with a  well stocked bar serving snacks and some very tasty breakfasts. We are very excited about the Travel Destinations Flexotel Village and we are sure it is going to popular with all our guests!

Travel Destinations Flexotel village at Antares Sud

The Flexotel rooms are waiting for guests to arrive

So as you can see from the few photos here the team have been working hard down at the circuit preparing everything and getting it ready for all our customers to arrive. The engines have just started in the pit lane for the 1st practice of the Le Mans 24 Hours so we know for sure that we are at Le Mans and it is that time of year again!

Travel Destinations Flexotel Village at Le Mans

A welcome awaits guests at the Travel Destinations Flexotel Village

The Rise of Flexotels

Posted by Richard | Filed under Le Mans 24 Hours

New at the Le Mans 24 Hours 2010 are our new mobile trackside rooms :- Flexotels.
These rooms can be erected anywhere on flat ground and provide a real alternative to sleeping under canvas.
So how do they work exactly? …let me show you.

1. The Flexotels units arrive at our trackside campsite on the back of a flat back lorry.

2. The Flexotel units are removed from the lorry by forklift or “manitou”

3. The Flexotels are manouvered in to the desired position by the forklift.

4. Once in position the roof can be lifted on the Flexotel.

5. The Flexotel building starts to take shape as the walls unfold.

6. Once upright all the walls fix in to position and structure locks in to place.

7. Windows and lockable doors are added to form the upright Flexotel

8. Inside the Flexotels contains 2 beds, pillows, linen, towels and storage space.

9. Repeat the first 8 steps to create your Travel Destinations Flexotel village

This year the Flexotel village is hosting BMW Motorsport at the Travel Destinations Trackside campsite at the Porsche Curves.

If you would like your own Flexotel room for Le Mans 2011 please let us know. Call us now on (0844) 873 0203.