UK: Luxury hotel The Grand Hotel Eastbourne, part of independent group Elite Hotels, has named James Perry as general manager.
Perry brings more than 30 years of experience to the role, joining The Grand Hotel Eastbourne from Alexander Hotels, where he spent the past 12 years working as general manager of Rowhill Grange Hotel & Utopia Spa.
Prior to this, Perry served as general manager of Canterbury Cathedral Lodge in Kent, as well as other hotel management roles across Nottinghamshire, the Midlands, Northamptonshire and Warwickshire.
He said: “It’s a privilege to be taking on the role of general manager at such a locally renowned hotel. I hope to continue the progress of my predecessor, building on the hotel’s excellent reputation and working alongside the team, to achieve our strategic goals and give guests the best possible experience.”
Elite Hotels’ managing director, Graeme Bateman, added: “It is my pleasure to welcome James to the Elite Hotels collection. With his extensive knowledge and experience, we are excited to see the innovative contributions he will bring to The Grand Hotel. As we remain dedicated to delivering exceptional service, we are confident that, under James’s leadership, The Grand Hotel will continue to excel. This appointment is particularly significant, representing the first change of general manager at The Grand in over 30 years, a notable rarity in today’s hospitality industry.”
The Grand Hotel Eastbourne features 152 bedrooms and suites, two restaurants, a cocktail bar, lounge areas for Afternoon Tea, and a Health Suite Club with indoor and outdoor pool (open May – September) along with treatment rooms.
In addition to The Grand Hotel Eastbourne, the Elite Hotels’ portfolio includes Tylney Hall Hotel (Hampshire) and Ashdown Park Hotel & Country Club (East Sussex). All three hotels are members of Small Luxury Hotels.