14th September 2010 - hedgehog lab books itself into luxury hotel

Software developer hedgehog lab has finished creating its first high-tech booking system for the North East’s newest five star hotel, golf and spa resort.

The Newcastle software company, which was set up by Sarat Pediredla and Mark Forster three years ago, has just launched the new booking engine and website for Rockliffe Hall, Darlington.

Rockliffe Hall says the software will help revolutionise the way its business functions by allowing multiple bookings across hotel rooms, spa treatments and golf tee times.

During the three month project, Hoults Yard based hedgehog lab worked closely with the resort’s development team to ensure a robust and intuitive booking system was produced.

The e-commerce solution saw the creation of a system which was compatible with the current property management software and linked to a third party secure payment partner.

hedgehog lab co founder Mark Forster said: “Working with a premium hotel like Rockliffe Hall is another great addition to our portfolio of work.

“Other than being the first booking system we have created, the real challenge was ensuring the booking system was intelligent and had a great user experience that matched the excellent service provided by Rockliffe Hall.

“What we have created is a bespoke web-based booking engine that can hook into any leisure management system used by hotels.

“This type of innovative software systems is what hedgehog lab was set up to do; it’s what we do best.”

The new booking system allows customers to search for hotel rooms, look for golf tee times and view available spa treatments. All bookings, or even bundle packages across all three facilities, can now be made online reducing administration time.

Rockliffe Hall chairman Warwick Brindle said: “Even during the competitive tender process for this project we were very impressed with hedgehog lab’s approach to the task and grasp of the brief.

“What hedgehog lab created completely met the brief, with a cost effective engine that works in real time, interfacing with the resort’s property management system, within budget.

“We are very pleased with the results; we now have an integrated website and booking engine solution in line with the style standards of Rockliffe Hall’s development team.”

Rockliffe Hall opened its doors in 2009 following a £50 million development to the site which included work on the 19th century hall.

Rockliffe Hall is one of the region’s most luxurious hotels set in Hurworth on Tees, County Durham. It boasts 61 guest bedrooms, 375 acre golf course and a 50,000 sq ft spa area.