19/02/2020

INTERVIEW: Guillaume Marly, General Manager, Hotel Café Royal, London

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Since 1865, the Hotel Café Royal (The Set Hotels) has been proudly standing at the corner of Regent Street in the heart of the West End and of London cultural life. Adored haven for artists and intellectuals and emblematic venue for the British capital’s social life, it has been delighting  high gastronomy lovers for more than 150 years. Renovated in 2012, it elegantly blends chic but warm minimalism with a variety of tributes to its famous hosts. General Manager Guillaume Marly unveils his expertise on London luxury accommodation and the assets of a unique address which continues to thrill all London.

Vendom.jobs – Your career saw you working for numerous prestigious properties with a great heritage, including The Ritz, Claridge’s, The Dorchester, etc. In what way was it a  motivating experience for you?

Guillaume Marly – Working or managing such classic and prestigious hotels is first and foremost a real privilege and honour, as you follow in the footsteps of great hoteliers of the past (including César Ritz), while also allowing you to steer them in the 21st century and make them relevant to today’s travellers and luxury clients. The real motivation and challenge lies in managing the mixture of old and new and the blending of modern and grand.

V.J – What is your greatest achievement in this industry? And why?

G. M. – My best achievement in business is turning hotels around and making a difference. Every hotel I have managed so far has always improved under my leadership and I take great pride in managing successful teams and operations.

V.J – In your view, what are the main skills/values of a great manager?

G. M. – The following attributes and qualities are essential: clarity, transparency, leading by example (always!) and humanity. Additionally, the ability to inspire others is key.

V.J – Could you explain to us the main current recruitment problematics in luxury hospitality in the UK, especially in London?

G. M. – Recruitment is not so much an issue, I believe – the ability to retain people and allow them to progress and contribute to your company is the real challenge. One that I enjoy every day and actively promote in my company.

V.J –  Even the greatest luxury hotels are currently facing high competition, particularly from luxury rentals. What do your guests enjoy in Hotel Café Royal and cannot find elsewhere?

G. M. – Our hotel is located right in the middle of everywhere you want to be in London. We have the best location! The quality and design of our suite/room and spa product are superb. Our collection of food & beverage outlets is fun, diverse and exciting. And, most importantly, we look after our guests in a welcoming, warm and empathetic nature and culture, which has created an army of guests simply unable to stay anywhere else in London.

V.J – The Set Hotels is at the head of historic, even iconic, hotels/establishments. What are the particularities of Hotel Café Royal inside this young but prestigious collection?

G. M. – We all share the same particularities: we truly belong to the history and heritage of the cities we live in, and we are located in the best areas. We blend the old and the new superbly well, which appeals to travellers from all ages and nationalities. We feature superb designs by world-famous architects and designers. And again, most importantly, our teams have the culture which I described earlier: a welcoming, warm and empathetic nature – all components that, put together, create rather special and unique hotels we are very proud of. This exceptional focus enabled us to gain market share in the last two years.

V.J – What is your very own luxury? 

G. M. – Luxury for me (beyond what I do every day for the hotel and the industry) is time! We seem to run out of it every day! Also, spending time in my mother’s beach house in Le Cap-Ferret (South-West of France). A truly magical part of the world!

 

Hotel Café Royal 5*

10 Air St, Soho, London W1B 4DY, UK

+44 20 7406 3333

Website

(Photo credit: Hotel Café Royal)

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