Paul Hindley, general manager at the Best Western Cresta Court Hotel, Altrincham, is celebrating a hospitality business milestone this month, as he marks his 20th year at helm of one of south Manchester’s most established and well-known hotels.
Joining the Hotel from role as regional director for Macdonald Hotels and Resorts in 1997, Paul has spent 40 years in the hotel industry with half of this time at the Cresta Court Hotel, and of course, has been a part of many changes both at the Hotel and in the wider north-west hotel sector.
“I joined the Hotel for a fresh challenge and because I felt that the business had great potential to grow and develop. We have come a long way and most recently, I have overseen a £1.5M refurbishment scheme that has transformed the Hotel.”
“I have no regrets after 20 years here. The opportunity to develop the Cresta Court even further and see my team going from strength-to-strength are two of the many reasons that I still love my role. Every day brings with it fresh challenges, a host of different guests and a real sense of achievement.”
During his tenure in charge at the Hotel, Paul has seen business grow strongly and the Hotel transformed with a series of recent renovations. Turnover has more than doubled, over a million guests have been served and Paul has helped to plan catering for nearly two million festive diners and party revellers.
“The last three years have seen a completely new-look for the Hotel, ensuring that we continue to meet the expectations of travellers, diners and delegates in 2017, and beyond. It has received exceptional feedback from guests and we are thrilled with the results. “
“There are some real highlights of my time here, including the Hotel winning the Altrincham & Sale Chamber of Commerce business award for Leisure and Tourism in 2014 and becoming the first hotel in south Manchester to have achieved the Welcome Host business accreditation for customer service. Both were because of my team’s hard work and dedication.” said Paul
“I am also proud to have been able to support the wider developments in our community. Altrincham is a transformed town. Key infrastructure investment and redevelopment of the transport interchange and Altrincham hospital have enabled the town to establish itself once again. Plus, by using its heritage as an historic market town as the focus for a stunning new market area, where exceptional local foods, new restaurants and handmade crafts combine, we can offer visitors a unique experience. The Hotel has been at the forefront in supporting the improvements which have benefitted residents, as well as making Altrincham a more appealing destination for our guests and event delegates.”
Paul cites on of the most challenging times in his career as the Manchester Bomb in 1996. “It was a time when the whole region reflected on ‘what ifs’, but it also created a feeling of unity amongst businesses and the communities of Greater Manchester. I think it prompted me to look at my career with greater clarity and a new sense of urgency. I soon after made the choice to leave Macdonald Hotels to join the Cresta Court.”
The Hotel’s recent upgrades has included a full bedroom, bar, reception and corridor refurbishment, the new Townfields restaurant, renovated meeting rooms, the addition of a beauty salon and business centre, and this year has already seen the launch of eight new executive bedrooms.
The Best Western Cresta Court is ideally located for travellers visiting both Manchester and Cheshire. It is just 15 minutes from Manchester International Airport and only 10 minutes to the Cheshire countryside, Tatton Park and the main motorway networks linking Manchester with the North and Birmingham. A short walk from the Hotel is the Metrolink service connecting delegates staying at the Hotel with MediaCity, The Point and Lancashire Cricket Club, Manchester United and Manchester city centre in under 20 minutes. The Hotel offers 200 free parking spaces and free high-speed WI FI.
