Everyone knows that what makes a hotel great is the hospitality of the people working there. This week we caught up with Helen, hotel receptionist at Washingborough Hall Hotel to ask her a few questions
Name – Helen Bates (Miss)
Hotel – The Washingborough Hall Hotel. www.washingboroughhall.com
Describe your hotel and its facilities – Country House Hotel, in the peaceful village of Washingborough only 3 miles from the centre of the historical city of Lincoln with a double AA rosette restaurant.
Describe your job in a nutshell – My title is Head Receptionist, my job is reservation, rates, OTA and budget management. I also compile the rotas for reception and the time cards for all departments.
What’s sets your hotel apart from the rest? – We have a small loyal workforce which is focused on customer service. We also have an excellent double AA rosette Head Chef whose talent is only out weighed by his friendly and positive attitude. Customers and staff members alike love him.
What’s your favourite thing to do? – I love cinema and we have an excellent independent cinema on Lincoln High Street “The Ritz” with only 200 seats. It has excellent live performances and vintage film screenings.
What are the first 3 things you do when you come to work? – Coffee! Read handover notes & check availability.
If you weren't working in the hospitality industry, what would be your dream profession? – Funeral Director
What’s been your career highlight so far? Being made Head Receptionist and having input into the day to day running of the hotel
If money were no object what would you have at your hotel? A clone of our Head Chef Mr Dan Wallis, Spa, Gym, a lift and maybe 5 more bedrooms.
What’s the most embarrassing thing you have done at work? - While delivering Room Service in the evening I have had the room door opened by some semi naked people, of both sexes. Some people seem to view Hotel workers as similar to doctors or nurses, or they just have no shame and are raging exhibitionists!
What’s your guilty pleasure? Benedict Cumberbatch…this man can do no wrong. His back catalogue of movies and theatre work is exceptional. I could watch him all day whether on TV or through the blacked out windows of an unmarked inconspicuous car!
If you could skip to the future what would you do? Take notes.
If you could describe yourself as a cocktail which one would you be and why? – Vodka, straight. It’s as clear as water, hides nothing and has a kick. Also mixes well.
What would you do if you won the lottery this weekend? Ensure my family was well looked after. Hire the Washingborough Hall for a full week and give everyone a week’s holiday.
Final say: Any special offers, insights or promotions to tempt our readers to your hotel? – We are 2 weeks into a 6 month long building program which will see Washingborough Hall’s Dining & Function capacity double. The Winston Wing will be open March 2015.
