FRONT OF HOUSE | HYDRO HOTEL team voted on the Chestnut Tree House as their chosen charity . The Chestnut Tree House charity approached me to see if could help with any additional activities and I was overjoyed to support their summer children ’ s party and have offered to hold this again in 2018 .
We also hosted the Grandparents Afternoon Tea event and sponsored both events to ensure costs are kept to a minimum and funds remain with the charity .
TEAM CELEBRATION
of last year our TripAdvisor rating has risen from 14th to 5th traveller-ranked hotel in Eastbourne .
The hotel recently gained four-star status , how did that come about ? In May 2016 , I started with discussions with the AA so they had a clear idea of what aspirations I had as the general manager . Undoubtedly the refurbishment programmes outlined already have had a significant impact on their decision , however our increase in the hospitality score combined with the investment made this an easy decision for them .
How does it differ from other hotels in the area ? The Hydro ’ s location means our views out to sea are unrestricted . We also offer a recently refurbished outdoor pool and terrace which is a popular choice for guests . I firmly believe in a plate-cooked breakfast and we are the only hotel in Eastbourne in excess of 50 bedrooms that offers this facility , cooked fresh by our breakfast chefs . As I am sure hoteliers and guests will agree , breakfast is the most important meal of the day .
How does it differ from other hotels you have run ? It is very different from my time at Hand Picked Hotels where you had considerable support from a central office , however decisions can be made on the day and you see immediate effect which is very useful when running a single site property . Meeting with a board of directors six times in the year as opposed to weekly with private owners , or monthly within Hand Picked Hotels has been interesting . The ability to sense check certain decisions is now very much at hotel level as opposed to board level which is positive .
What future plans do you have for the Hydro Hotel ? We have carefully invested £ 425,000 in 2017 and are looking to scale back plans for 2018 . We are committed to refurbishing a further 12 bedrooms next year as well as investing in our Hornsby suite for board level meetings . We are currently finalising plans for a wedding and hotel video to appear on our website towards the end of this year so we can showcase the hotel to perspective couples and guests .
Our main focus for development is the replacement of our conservatory in 2019 , which will see a bespoke offering including a live kitchen within the new build , providing a new restaurant concept and casual lounge area accompanied by sea views .
You recently held a Chestnut Tree House party , how did you get involved with that ? Over the past seven years I have worked with a designated charity each year . In developing our calendar of events , the
What do you think the hotel brings to the Eastbourne area ? The Hydro Hotel is regularly referred to as offering service from a bygone era . We never try to pretend we are something we are not and capitalise on our Art Deco Edwardian artchiture throughout the hotel which certainly is popular with many guests visiting from recommendation of friends and family .
What experience can guests expect when they stay there ? I believe our guests receive a quintessential English experience at the Hydro Hotel , with all the modern conveniences one would expect in the 21ST Century . Some guests may say they expect to see Poirot or Agatha Christie walking through the lounges .
What do you enjoy most about working there ? I mostly enjoy the guests and team members I meet and work with everyday . Since joining last year , the changes we have made and the journey we have all been on has been incredible . I am more often out of my office on the floor talking to guests and receiving their praise on behalf of the hard work of the team , which is very rewarding . I have also promoted many team members into key positions and to see them blossom into roles created to improve the business is very satisfying . I have also empowered them to make decisions themselves for both guests and team members without having to refer to senior managers – this is how our industry should work .
30 www . hotelowner . co . uk October 2017