New Year 2019

90 WR180086 Hotel Gotham wears its decadence proudly on its sleeve. A five-star hotel by every definition, Gotham offers an experience that few can compete with. Whether it’s the eclectic art deco décor or the decidedly gothic Lutyens architecture, Hotel Gotham is sure to make a lasting impression on any guest that steps over its threshold. Earlier this year, the hotel was recognised in LUXlife Magazine’s 2018 Winners’ Review programme as Manchester’s ‘Most Sophisticated Dining Venue’. We spoke with Cluster General Manager, Mario Ovsenjak, to find out more. More than anything, Hotel Gotham is a product of its history. It is a romanticised vision combining English design and architectural heritage with our cultural love of decadence. In other ways it is exactly the opposite, finding inspiration in 1920’s New York, with its monochromatic, timeless atmosphere. In Mario’s words, Hotel Gotham is “glamorous, opulent and cheeky”. It is theatre made life, every detail meticulously considered and selected for the guest’s enjoyment. In each room there are props that allude to the building’s banking roots: moneybag laundry sacks, vault doors, and heavy steel finishes. Between its sixty bedrooms, exclusive rooftop member’s club and two AA Rosette restaurant, Hotel Gotham is something special indeed, and – by all regards - one of the finest hotels in the Northwest of England. To kick off the interview, Mario offers more insight into the hotel’s stylistic choices and background: “The hotel is set in the former Midlands Bank on King Street, with stunning Lutyens architecture combined with a superb location in the city. Ultimately, we offer world-class service, an outstanding bar and restaurant experience, as well as Manchester’s best beds!” “Our aim is always to deliver a unique five-star experience from the moment a guest’s reservation is placed. Whether it’s our Bentley Retreat Hotel Gotham :A Five-Star Experience at the Heights of Hospitality concierge service and award-winning greetings team, our outstanding panoramic destination restaurant, or our renowned rooftop member’s club and bar.” The conversation soon turns to the future of Hotel Gotham. Despite the uncertainty of Brexit, the hotel remains confident in its reputation and ability to weather any challenges that might come its way. “While the hospitality trade in the North West, particularly Manchester, has seen a significant volume of investment and interest in recent years, the overall UK industry is decidedly more uncertain. Brexit may have significant ramifications on the hospitality industry, particularly with regards to recruitment, so we have seen a degree of slowdown in the market over the past 12 months as people await clarification on the country’s future.” “In response to this, members of our Operations Team have recently begun touring and speaking to sixth form colleges and catering schools across the North West, with the aim of inspiring the next generation of industry workers and shining a spotlight on the enormous opportunity that will arise once the UK’s political situation is clarified.” The future of Hotel Gotham itself is defined by growth, as the brand looks to expand across the UK. “The Hotel Gotham brand will be expanding to a number of sites across the UK in the coming years. We are looking at various locations in England and Scotland, with a view to finding an address that is as architecturally striking and glamorous as our home on Manchester’s King Street.” Finally, Mario discusses the hotel’s award win: “It is always a tremendous honour to be recognised for our work, especially when recognised by fellow industry professionals. Alongside the exceptional hard work and passion of the team at Hotel Gotham, I believe our success is down to the clarity of our vision for the hotel, as well as the attention to detail we apply to all aspects of service.” Company: Hotel Gotham Address: 100 King Street, Manchester, M2 4WU, UK Website: www.hotelgotham.co.uk Telephone: +44 (0) 161 413 0000