Here at Guestline, we love getting to know our clients and finding out more about the fantastic properties that use Guestline software. This month we have interviewed Mark Tobin, General Manager at BEST WESTERN PLUS Swan Hotel.
Describe your hotel and its facilities –
The BEST WESTERN PLUS Swan
hotel is an historic, listed building. The main part of the hotel dates back to
at least 1422 - the entrance to our car park is through an archway used by stagecoach
drivers before the age of the steam train! Today, the hotel has 46 bedrooms, a
luxurious suite and 5 self-contained apartments. Our Garden Room is licensed to
hold civil wedding ceremonies and we also have a conference centre and health
suite.
Describe your job in a nutshell – As General Manager, I am ultimately responsible for running the hotel. I
feel privileged to be in charge of this incredible building and I am fortunate
to have such an experienced team around me. I have also worked in every
department within the hotel, so I know how much hard work is involved in each
role.
What’s sets your hotel apart from the rest? –
Our location. Wells is a
beautiful city in the heart of Somerset
and the hotel faces the magnificent West Front of the cathedral. It’s a view
our guests always enjoy.
What’s your favourite thing to do in [your local area]? –
Wells is full of historic
buildings, great architecture and independent shops. If I had to pick a couple
of things it would be a visit to the cathedral, a walk in the Bishop’s Palace and a stroll
around the award-winning farmers’ market.
What are the first 3 things you do when you come to work? –
If you weren’t working in the hospitality industry, what would be your dream profession? - At the risk of sounding corny, I’ve been in the hospitality industry all my working life and I really can’t think of anything else that I would rather be doing.
1, Walk around and say
good-morning to the team and ensure that there are no major issues
2, Make my morning coffee
3, Turn on my computer and
check my emails.
What’s been your career highlight so far? - Over the years the hotel has attracted many famous people. These have
included Winston Churchill, King Henry VII and Queen Anne of Denmark. Last year,
I was fortunate to welcome David Cameron to the hotel
If money were no object what would you have at your hotel? -
A spa with steam rooms (and not
just for my use…)
What’s the most embarrassing thing you have done at work?
The owner (and my team) is
likely to read this so I’ll say nothing springs to mind…
What’s your guilty pleasure? Haribos!
If you could describe yourself as a cocktail which one would you be and why? –
I’m a Wells man through and
through and passionate about promoting the area, so I’d design my own Somerset
Special to reflect this. My cocktail would contain William Chase gin (which
uses cider apples and is available on our extensive gin menu…) Somerset apple juice and perhaps water it down
a touch with some Wells spring water (it’s how the city got its name).
What would you do if you won the lottery this weekend? -
Look after the family and go on
holiday to the USA.
Buy a family bag of Haribos and perhaps help the hotel to build that spa!
Final say: Any special offers, insights or promotions to tempt our readers to your hotel? -
We have three great wedding
offers running;
Sunday
to Thursday bookings enjoy a 10% discount on room hire and food
Winter
weddings (held between October and February) can save up to £200 on room hire
Our
award-winning Cathedral Suite is complimentary to the bride and groom on their
wedding night if the value of the booking is £5,000 or over
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