As part of our series of interviews with members of 101 Holidays, today we meet Matthew Collins, general manager and director of the Bell Hotel in Sandwich, Kent.
Hotels are in Matthew’s blood. “I lived in and out of hotels for most of my childhood. My mum was a waitress at a hotel in Stratford upon-Avon and her partner at the time – now her husband – was head waiter,” he says.
“As soon as I finished school I got myself a full time job cleaning guest bedrooms by day, working the restaurant in the evening whilst studying hospitality at college.”
Matthew joined The Bell in 2005 as General Manger and Director. “The hotel was in a poor state of repair, worn out wild flowery carpets, bright pink walls, woodchip paper, everywhere in desperate need of refurbishment. I saw the potential and relished the challenge and the journey began.”
When our editors visited in late 2009, we were very impressed by the stylish interiors, friendly staff and excellent locally-sourced food. See our review of the Bell Hotel, Sandwich.
* Where did you go on holiday last summer, and why? Any plans for next summer?
Dartmoor. My wife was pregnant last year and with our second baby due and with a 12-month-old at the time our options were somewhat limited. We rented two beautiful cottages on the moors and invited some of our family to stay with us who had children. We walked across the moors, cycled down country lanes and relaxed with a glass of wine. That works for me.
This year long haul is out of the question so we’re planning a number of short visits. My regular short stays are either to Tuscany where I usually meet one or two of the growers who supply some of our list, or the Eifel Mountains in Western Germany to indulge driving the finest track in the world.
* What is your favourite bolthole in the UK, and why?
I have lived in most parts of the country but I love returning to Keswick in the Lake District out of season. There’s nothing better than breathing in the mountain air and hiking on a crisp frosty morning.
* If you could spend a long weekend in any city abroad, which would you pick, and why?
Rome – I love the Italian way of life, the food is right up my street, lots of fresh pasta and seafood.
* Please tell us three items that are always found in your luggage.
The keys to my much prized Lotus; a big bag of Haribo Fizzy sweets and my iPhone.
* What one thing would most improve people’s overall holiday experience?
Perfect weather! But in all honesty, I think good unstuffy service.
* What has been your worst holiday experience?
I genuinely haven’t had a really bad experience whilst on holiday. When things haven’t quite gone right, I always raise the issue and try to move on.
* Tell us your favourite hotel: in the UK; in mainland Europe; in the rest of the world.
Alexander House (in Sussex) was possibly one of my best experiences although a few years ago. Everything was excellent.
* What is the most exciting project your company is working on right now?
We have just finished a project to increase the number of rooms by three on the ground floor, allowing easy access for those with difficulty walking, along with a disabled compliant room.
* Thank you, Matthew.
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Tags: The Bell Sandwich
