2012-09-04 — /travelprnews.com/ — There is a special place at The Atlantic Hotel for Reservations Manager Hayley Brockwell, who is celebrating 30 years of dedicated service and the honour of being this Small Luxury Hotel of the World’s longest standing member of staff.
Commenting on the anniversary Hayley said: “I am so proud to be part of the team at The Atlantic Hotel and to have seen the business grow and become what it is today; one of the UK’s finest establishments with four AA Red Stars, four AA Rosettes and a Michelin-starred restaurant, whilst maintaining such a family-friendly atmosphere.”
Born and educated in Jersey, Hayley spent a year at Highlands College on a telephonist course before joining The Atlantic Hotel at the tender age of 17 as a Trainee Receptionist for Henry Burke, founder of the hotel and father of current Owner and Managing Director Patrick Burke. For a long time, she worked under the management of Mario and Pam Dugini, who are now both retired but still living in the island.
During her career to date Hayley has undergone in-house training in a variety of skills and was promoted to the position of Reservations Manager ten years ago.
Hayley said she has seen plenty of change at the hotel, in particular over the Millennium when many of the rooms were increased in size. She has observed the hotel meet many challenges as Jersey and the hospitality industry have evolved over the years.
Hayley’s favourite room at the hotel is Room 316, the Executive Suite, which she says she has been lucky enough to stay in twice, most recently to celebrate her husband Dave’s 50th birthday this year. Her wedding day also had a memorable connection to the hotel when Mr and Mrs Dalziel, regular guests from Wales, who owned their own bakery insisted on making her wedding cake. Having tried and failed to send the creation by post, they travelled to the island a few days before Hayley’s big day to personally hand deliver it to the lucky bride.
Even Hayley’s son’s name has a connection to the hotel. Tony Hadley from Spandau Ballet was staying at The Atlantic Hotel on holiday with his family and his little boy Thomas, who was a toddler at the time, would regularly wander into Hayley’s office. He made quite an impression and Hayley named her own son, Thomas, after him.
Patrick Burke commented: “Hayley is a very special member of staff and it is quite something to think that she has been part of our team for three decades. Any hotel, no matter how luxurious, is nothing without a strong and dedicated team of staff and it is people like Hayley who have helped to make The Atlantic Hotel the success that it is today.”
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