The Fitzpatrick Hotel Group has ended the practice of adding a service charge to its products and services. It claims to be the first major hotel group to end the practice of adding an additional charge to restaurant bills, room hire and banqueting facilities.

In the coming months, the group will implement a number of new marketing initiatives proposed by the group's staff. Corporate customers will be provided with access to mobile phone chargers, free fax facilities, free daily newspapers and printing facilities for laptop computers and personal organisers.

Customers on leisure breaks will be offered extra services such as complimentary return tickets to shopping areas and guided walks.

The group's second US property, the $27 million (£19.3 million) Fitzpatrick Grand Central Hotel in New York, is due to open in early August. The hotel comprises 156 bedrooms including 13 suites.