A new Executive Director has been appointed at the Hythe Imperial as the hotel nears the end of its multi-million pound, four-year refurbishment.
Nick Gauntlett has been in the hotel business for more than 30 years, most recently as Managing Director of Galleon Hotels and Emina Estates where he had responsibility for six hotels with a combined turnover of £16.2m.
He started out in the hospitality industry as Food & Beverage Cost Controller at the Copthorne Hotel, Gatwick, in the 1980s and his career has seen him manage and oversee the development of hotels and leisure attractions around the country.
Nick, 51, from Addlestone in Surrey and who joined the Hythe Imperial on November 1, said he was looking forward to the job of driving the four star hotel forward and ensuring it provided the highest level of service to guests.
He said: “I am really looking forward to this new challenge and taking the Hythe Imperial to the next stage of its continued development.
“I have a great team of people in place to help me do this and to continue to grow the business with exceptional service and customer care.”
Nick joins the Hythe Imperial with the hotel in its final stages of a major refurbishment programme. Work has started on upgrading the final floor of rooms and with that floor closed, all guests now stay in fully refurbished rooms.
The substantial investment in the hotel saw it retain its AA 4* status with an improved rating earlier this year, while its Coast restaurant holds a coveted AA rosette.
“Nick’s track record in the hospitality industry is impressive and he brings with him a wealth of ideas and experience which will prove invaluable as we work to continually improve on our offer for our guests,” said Darrell Healey, Chairman of GSE Group, owners of the Hythe Imperial.
“Not only have we invested a substantial amount in restoring the fabric of the building to the standard befitting a four star hotel, we are also committed to investing in the best people to deliver exceptional service to our guests.
“I am sure Nick will push the team at the Hythe Imperial to ever higher standards as we move forward.”
