We speak to Charlotte Horler, Hotel Manager at The Grand Hotel Birmingham, to find out what her working day looks like.
Hi Charlotte! Tell us about a typical day for you…
Typically, in hospitality no day is ever the same which I love! Whether it’s working alongside the conference and banqueting team to help plan an event or working with the events team to create a new themed seasonal afternoon tea, I’m involved with all departments across the whole hotel. In- between department meetings, employee training, budget planning, marketing, and sales strategy, I often like to also get involved with the wider hospitality industry, mentor colleagues and represent the hotel at awards and events.
Sounds busy! How did you get to this point in your career?
I’ve been working in hospitality since I was a teenager as my parents both worked in hospitality when I was a child. For someone who wasn’t overly academic and thrives off no two days being the same, a career in hospitality made sense. I started off my career at Walton Hall & Walton Hotel when I was a late teen as a receptionist and from then the rest is really history. I managed to work my way to Front of House Manager and then to Operations Manager and Deputy General Manager before taking on my role as Hotel Manager 18 months ago now. I have also been fortunate to be awarded both The Caterer’s Acorn Scholarship in 2016 and an Acorn Award in 2018 which really helped to accelerate my career.
Which part of your role do you most enjoy?
The versality of my role. Being at the heart of the hotel and involved with every department means I get sight of everything and everyone at the hotel. Our team is truly one of the best and I enjoy being
able to support all the teams where I can. Being based at the hotel means I meet our guests, visitors and delegates everyday and there’s nothing better than seeing people genuinely happy from the service and product that you and your team are offering.
So, what makes the venue stand out?
It’s hard to pinpoint just one thing, but if I had to, it would be The Grand Ballroom. We’re so lucky to have such a historic and large event space right in the heart of Birmingham. We can host gala dinners, residential conferences, large weddings, and most recently themed afternoon teas for families and individuals to experience the grandeur of the ballroom for themselves.
Following our major refurbishment and only reopening just three years ago, the hotel now features 185 guest rooms and suites along with our Madeleine Bar, Isaac’s restaurant and nine meeting and event spaces. The dedicated board rooms and suites combine the period character of the hotel with modern technology and a dedicated team of chefs to serve business breakfasts to working lunches. Our outside terrace can be used as an extension to our dedicated breakout spaces, and we can host workshops from morning yoga to wine tasting team building events.
We are also fortunate to have so many unique spaces combined with our award- winning F&B outlets.
For example, our award-winning Madeleine Cocktail Bar, a Parisian-chic bar with tasty cocktails and an impressive afternoon tea offering is available for smaller events. Isaac’s Restaurant is a New York meets Brum conceptual restaurant with its own graffiti-style entrance which can be rented out exclusively for team parties or intimate events.
I can’t express enough just how significant The Grand Hotel Birmingham has been in elevating the hospitality scene in the city. Our offering is truly one of its kind in Birmingham and we can’t wait to welcome you!