In the hot seat with Colm Daly – General Manager at Glen Eden Hotel

It is no secret that a hotel’s secret weapon is the team behind the scenes, the individuals that go the extra mile to satisfy the guests and leave them wanting to return. In this interview, we find out more about Colm, who went from collecting glasses at 16, to General Manager before the age of 30!

What are the top three things on your wish list for your property?

To have a successful opening year, to gain a four star status, and to set the tone for excellent customer service.

Describe your job in a nutshell –

Overseeing the whole hotel operations, planning and organising to ensure that the needs of the business are met as per the director’s requests.

What sets your hotel apart from the rest?  

The hotel sits adjacent to the World-renowned and Award Winning Belleek Pottery, elements of which can be viewed throughout our hotel. As well as this, what really set us apart is the professional, personable and exceptional service each guest will receive from the moment they arrive, whether it is a guest dining, staying, or enquiring.

What is your favourite thing to do?

Walks around the beaches in Donegal, which are on my doorstep, the perfect way to unwind.

What are the first three things you do when you come to work?

Grab a large cup of coffee, check on my team and how their day is going, ensure we are prepared for the day ahead.

If you were not working in the hospitality industry, what would be your dream profession?

This is my dream profession, I started working in Hospitality at the age of 16 collecting glasses and 14 years later, I still have the same passion and drive for the industry.

What has been your career highlight so far?

Becoming a GM before the age of 30 in the same hotel that started my hospitality career 14years ago, after many memorable hospitality experiences in Belfast, Florida and beyond.

If money were no object, what would you have at your hotel?

Award winning luxury spa and resort overlooking the Lough

What is the most embarrassing thing you have done at work?

Slipped on the dancefloor when guests were having their wedding breakfast, thankfully no glasses where dropped & I did get a large cheer!

What is your guilty pleasure?

Red Wine & charcuterie boards.

If you could skip to the future, what would you do?

What is the rush! Life is too short to be wishing time away. I intend to continue enjoying the rollercoaster ride that is my life.

If you could describe yourself as a cocktail which one would you be and why?  

Chilli Chocolate Espresso Martini – I’m fiery, wide awake, ready for what life throws at me, and I’m a little sweet when I need to be.

What would you do if you won the lottery this weekend?

Travel the world, open my own luxury resort, take care of my family and close friends.

One piece of advice for newcomers to the hospitality industry?

Be ready for tears, tantrums and seeing your co-workers more than your family, but with the right team by your side, you will enjoy going into work each morning.

Final say: Any special offers, insights or promotions to tempt our readers to your hotel?

Keep up to date with our website for our special opening offers at www.glenedenhotel.com

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