Adelphi manager says famous hotel is dear to the hearts of many customers.

Byline: LARRY NEILD

EILEEN DOWNEY, general manager of the Britannia Adelphi, last night defended the 'Grand Old Lady of Lime Street' and insisted Lime Street crime levels at the hotel were no worse than other hotels.

Ms Downey, who became an overnight celebrity with the fly-on-the-wall documentary Hotel, said managers and staff at the hotel had been left devastated.

"It seems that somebody has just got in for the Britannia Adelphi and I do not know why. I have studied the crime reports and we are no worse, and probably have a much better record than some other hotels.

"How can you compare such a large, busy hotel with a lodge hotel with 60 rooms and no restaurant? We have restaurants and bars and a health club with over 2,000 members.

"We are installing computer-controlled door entry systems and as soon as the software adjustments are made it will become operational.

"The phone has been ringing all day with customers astonished by the reports.

"We are also part of a holiday programme with American tourist organisations and we have just signed up with them for 2007. They and their clients have had absolutely no problems at all at the Adelphi.

"We have around 200 people from the US and Canada here every week.

"The owners are investing heavily and we have refurbished the sixth floor and now have moved to the fourth floor. We have also submitted a planning application for a new secure car park behind the hotel on the site which we own.

"I have a policy of reporting all crime to the police, so if somebody reports a missing handbag or missing cash we will report it. It is sad when I read reports about the Adelphi. It is dear to the hearts of many customers who come here again and again."