Paul Clarke has accepted the position of GM of the Hallmark Hotel Bournemouth, alongside his selection as newly elected Chair of the Bournemouth Coastal BID.
After 5 years as a member of the Bournemouth Accommodation and Hotel Association (BAHA), with the past 2 years spent as one of the youngest elected Chairs of the Association, it is obvious that Paul’s knowledge of the hospitality industry and Bournemouth are an invaluable asset both to the local community and Hallmark Hotels.
Paul brings over 25 years of experience and passion built through a career in the hospitality industry to his new role at the Hallmark Hotel Bournemouth, owned by Topland Hotels. He began in the industry at 16 as a chef at the New Forest Hotel in Ashurst, followed by two tough years at the Dormy Hotel, first as a pot washer before being internally promoted at 21 to a key member of the opening team at the newly built five-star Grand Harbour Hotel at Southampton. Paul then moved on to jobs at the Royal Bath, as well as Deputy Manager with Handpicked Hotels, MacDonald Hotels and De Vere Hotels. Following this, he established himself locally in his most recent role as GM at the Bournemouth East Cliff Hotel, just a short cliff jump from his new residence.
Paul has explained that ‘The main experience that stood me in good stead, was working at the Dormy Hotel as a trainee manager for two very hard years, starting on pot wash and working in all departments until I became a Duty Manager. I have worked my way up and I think it’s important to understand how every part of a hotel works, whether that’s the basics of a kitchen or the more complex work of running an entire hotel with a dedicated team, as a General Manager.’
Paul was internally promoted to his role at Hallmark, with the aim of getting the hotel back on the map, and to grow its reputation as a hotel of choice in Bournemouth. Paul has said of his aims, he wishes ‘To re-establish the Hallmark Bournemouth as a quality four star hotel at the heart of the business community, all the while supporting charities and being a keen supporter of town events therefore making it “more eventful”.’
The 83-bedroom Hallmark Hotel Bournemouth, boasts a stylish Brasserie & Wine Bar, 5 contemporary meeting rooms catering for up to 250 delegates, whether for a business meeting or special events such as Weddings. Alongside this the Hotel has a Health Club & Spa, with 5 beauty treatment rooms, including 12m indoor pool, 3 spa pools, gym, sauna and steam room, Jacuzzi and aromatherapy cave. The Hotel offers an array of options for Business and Leisure guests alike.
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