AccorHotels roundtable showcases new UK GMs
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Three new general managers have been appointed for three new Mercure hotels; Mercure Liverpool Atlantic Tower Hotel, Mercure Dartford Brands Hatch Hotel and the Mercure Aberdeen Caledonian Hotel.
The appointments bring expertise of the Mercure brand to the new properties, all three of which joined the Mercure portfolio in October 2015 following the signing of a management contract with Amaris Hospitality Limited.
An area general manager, Andy Bellamy, has also been appointed.
Here, all four new recruits talk up their properties and their new roles.
THE NEW RECRUITS
- Chris Hull, general manager, Mercure Liverpool Atlantic Tower Hotel
- Karin Snoek, general manager, Mercure Dartford Brands Hatch Hotel
- Sebastien Brunet, general manager, Mercure Aberdeen Caledonian Hotel
GM CHAT
What are the USPs of your property?
Hull: The hotel has been architecturally designed to resemble the prow of a ship reflecting the city’s rich maritime history, which is a lovely story to tell first-time guests to Liverpool!
Snoek: The most unique aspect of the hotel is the shared entrance that we have to Brands Hatch track – quite like any other sporting venue and nearby hotel! We have embraced the racing theme throughout with a themed bar and touches of motor inspired décor. Many of the bedrooms also overlook the track.
Brunet: Mercure Aberdeen Caledonian Hotel’s most unique selling point is its rich history of star-studded guests and regal connections. Princess Alexandra made an impromptu visit to the hotel and stayed in room 119 after being unable to reach Balmoral Castle. We have also welcomed the Queen Mother, Princess Margaret, the Duke of Gloucester, HRH Queen Elizabeth II as well as Mick Jagger, Lulu and Laurel and Hardy through the door.
Who should stay there and why?
Hull: The hotel caters to all types of travellers. We have seven corporate spaces which can cater for both intimate board meetings to large theatre-style conferences. Our ‘Meet with Mercure’ package has proved popular with MICE buyers offering a simple solution to meetings and events. We also have private parking and state-of-the-art office facilities for business guests. Group and leisure guests tend to stay with us because of the convenience of our location to nearby tourist attractions. Our rooms are also very affordable from just £73 per night so we can offer a city break without breaking the bank. Group rates can be negotiated and will depend on the dates of travel.
Snoek: The hotel proves to be popular amongst business and leisure guests. The race track is hugely appealing for leisure travellers and we always reach full capacity when the races are on. But equally the sports track has the same appeal for business travellers who are looking for the perfect balance between business and leisure. We have 15 conference and event rooms which can be tailored to requirements and we also offer locally inspired experiences for team building days and company outings.
Brunet: We are in a great location and in a beautiful area so whether you are here on business or leisure there is something for you. Aberdeen can be a place where people have not visited yet so it’s a real gem in Scotland.
What attractions are nearby?
Hull: The hotel is situated on the banks of the River Mersey and is within walking distance to the Liverpool Tate, Walker Art Gallery, the Merseyside Maritime Museum and the International Slavery Museum as well as The Cavern Club – made famous by The Beatles. For something a little different, the Williamson Tunnels are a labyrinth of tunnels and chambers constructed underneath the streets of Liverpool by Joseph Williamson that visitors can explore. Neighbouring the business district, the hotel is also less than one mile away from Ernst & Young, KPMG and IBM.
Snoek: Thanks to the hotel’s location – just three miles from Junction 3 of the M25 – Mercure Dartford is within a short driving distance to Bluewater, Hever Castle, London Golf Club and the National Trust property of Ightam Mote. Business travellers can benefit from the short commute into central London – all nearby rail links offer 30 minute connections.
Brunet: There are a number of tourist attractions within easy reach of the hotel including a couple of museums – Gordon Highlanders and The Tolbooth Museum – as well as some beautiful botanical gardens for those who like being in the outdoors. Business travellers can also take advantage of the short commute from the hotel to the AECC Exhibition Centre.
What are your plans for the property as newly-appointed GM?
Hull: Mercure Liverpool Atlantic Tower Hotel is currently undergoing a full bedroom refurbishment, which will be complete by the end of the year. You’ll have to come and see it!
Snoek: Mercure Dartford Brands Hatch will also undergo a refurbishment in 2016 which will be excited. We will keep you informed!
Meet Andy Bellamy, area general manager, Mercure Hotels UK
Q: What do you bring to the role as Area GM for the Mercure brand in the UK?
A: I bring a wealth of experience to the role having served in the hospitality industry for many years and formerly worked as General Manager for Amaris Hospitality within Hilton and Jurys Inn brands. Previous to that I worked in various management positions with Louvre Hotels and Golden Tulip.
Q: What sets the Mercure brand apart from other hotel brands in its competitive set?
A: Mercure hotels are locally inspired and in harmony with people and places. Guests can expect to find locally sourced food and staff who make them feel welcome!
Q: What’s new for Mercure in the UK?
A: In addition to Mercure Liverpool, Dartford Brands Hatch and Aberdeen Caledonian, we have also welcomed Mercure Haydock, Exeter Rougemont Hotel, Walton Hall Hotel and Spa to the portfolio. These hotels have really strengthened our mid-scale offering in regional locations.
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