EP49 Behind the Scenes of Wales' AA Hotel of the Year 2024: Success Strategies from The Parkgate Hotel’s Damien Martin

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In this episode of I chatted with Damien Martin, General Manager of award-winning The Parkgate Hotel in Cardiff.

Just a year after opening its doors in 2021, The Parkgate Hotel scooped the prestigious AA Hotel of the Year for Wales title.

Damien gives us an inside look at the hotel’s success and shares what it takes to run a standout hospitality business.

One of the hotel's big highlights is its restaurant, The Sorting Room, which has earned two AA Rosettes for its exceptional cuisine. Damien talks about how keeping things simple and consistent in everything has helped them create a dining experience that guests love.

Cardiff is a city on the rise, and Damien explains how it compares to nearby places like Bristol. With major events, like international rugby matches and concerts at the nearby Principality Stadium, The Parkgate Hotel is ideally located to take advantage of the buzz and excitement.

Damien also speaks about the power of collaboration. Being part of the larger Celtic Collection hospitality group means the Parkgate Hotel can access valuable support while staying committed to the local community. Damien is especially proud of their involvement in initiatives like Business in the Community, allowing them to give back to Cardiff meaningfully.

When it comes to recruitment, The Parkgate Hotel and the Celtic Collection work closely with local colleges and universities to bring in fresh talent and focus on building a positive culture that encourages growth. Every year, 30-40 chefs come to train from the University of Birmingham.

Finally, Damien shares his top five tips on how to build an award-winning hotel. His philosophy is one of constant improvement. His mindset? Never rest on your laurels—always aim to be better than the day before.

Find links on the businesses we mention, a summary and a transcript here.

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This episode is sponsored by Hello Starling.

Hello Starling, is an award-winning Media Planning and Buying agency that specialises in delivering advertising campaigns with great results for visitor attractions and destinations.
They've worked with brands such as Bristol Zoo Project, Visit Shropshire, Visit Conwy, Visit Herefordshire and the National Tourism Office for Poland. If you want to be the centre of attention, visit hellostarling.com today.
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