Big interview
and tourism has – one way or another – had a greater voice through the pandemic, and I hope we manage to put it to good use and we are able to continue to develop the sense of it being a profession that is something that really has got flexibility and career options, and accelerated career paths.” There is a significant societal benefit through hospitality, Orr continues, whether it is through showcasing art and culture, the urban experience or both, the industry plays a vital part in “social fabric, economic welfare and growth for the future”. One aspect of the profession that needs focus, Orr
Above: More than just numbers, Orr believes The Resident’s properties need to inspire real
touristic experiences.
Below: Always a hit with guests, The Resident’s properties are all within the top 10% of hotels worldwide.
explains, which offers The Resident the opportunity to grow. “We are a very small business, so we are looking to grow and we’re under construction up in Edinburgh at the moment.” Due to open next year in June and another pre-application in progress for London that could hopefully be open in 2026, the growth is an exciting prospect for the brand and Orr with more plans for the hotel group’s brand as well. “The Resident Hotels as the operating company will be growing the brands it operates, but it’s not like we’re going to be to a big company anytime soon – that’s not on the agenda,” Orr clarifies.
When it comes to the industry as whole, Orr feels
it is important to regard it as a profession. “I think it’s quite important that it’s not just a process, it’s not just commoditised, it’s not just numbers – its real lives, its real experiences,” he explains. “Hospitality
emphasises, is guest and employee satisfaction. “They should be aligned,” he says. “I would love to see the employee equivalent of Tripadvisor, so that they’re taking this seriously because if you’re really a good employer then your teams should be happier and more able to enjoy the mutual respect that they should get and share with guests.” This is something that The Resident tries its best to create, as Orr highlights the brand recognition and rankings that reflect its great guest experiences – The Resident Covent Garden Hotel, for example, was shortlisted for ‘Best Team’ in 2022 Boutique Hotelier Awards and shortlisted ‘Team of the Year’ 2021. “There’s no way you get that without having a really happy team.” Gone are the days of a “hierarchical attitude” states Orr, and there is plenty of progress to be made for employers and plenty of opportunity to raise the bar for guests and employees. Reputation is the main message for Orr. “It’s the
only thing you can take with you, and the only thing that helps people have an understanding of what they’ve experienced with you.” ●
14
Hotel Management International /
www.hmi-online.com
Resident Hotel
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53
