Vine Hotels has appointed Rob Nicholson as the new general manager for Best Western Cresta Court Hotel, Altrincham. Tasked with expanding the properties’ business and leisure bookings, taking advantage of its unique location on the outskirts of Cheshire and Greater Manchester, Nicholson brings over twenty years of senior hospitality leadership experience to the company.
Nicholson joins Vine Hotels from the role of general manager at Best Western Plus Pinewood Manchester Airport-Wilmslow Hotel where he was responsible for a significant increase in top-line revenue, driven through a clear growth strategy and nurturing young talent within the business.
The appointment marks a new era for the Cresta Court Hotel, as a reinvestment programme is rolled out at the property, aiming to underline its long-standing reputation for excellent quality, and affordable hospitality in the region. Nicholson said of his appointment and immediate plans for the role: “The Cresta Court is in an excellent position to become a go-to affordable hotel for guests travelling to the area for business and leisure. We have a wealth of visitor attractions on our doorstep, not to mention some of the UK’s most picturesque countryside. We’re also just a short tram ride away from Manchester’s busy city centre and provide a comfortable, stylish and welcoming base from which to explore the area, whatever your reason for travel.
“What makes this property special is the team, who are full of passion and commitment. I’m a firm believer that a clear strategy, enhanced communication, and a strong team that feels empowered and equipped with the tools to succeed are the cornerstones of successful hotel management. My initial focus will be to collaborate with the existing team to help them reach their full potential as we implement several planned refurbishments and outreach with the local community, who have always held the Cresta Court in such high regard. We have much to offer our guests, and I can’t wait to help our team demonstrate that in the coming months.”
A consummate professional, Rob has over two decades of experience in hotel general management roles. After initially joining the hospitality industry as a chef in the nineties, Nicholson quickly swapped his chef whites for corporate apparel and worked his way up through the ranks to catering manager and then his first general manager role at Swallow Hotels in 2006. He has since taken up various GM positions at some of the UK’s best-known hotel chains and properties including The Victoria Hotel Manchester and Park Inn by Radisson Hotels.
Best Western Cresta Court is owned and managed by Vine Hotels, a UK-based hotel and venue management and development company. Talking of the appointment, Garin Davies, CEO of Vine Hotels said: “We’re delighted to welcome Rob to the team, he brings with him a wealth of industry knowledge built over a highly successful hospitality career. Cresta Court is an important property within the Vine Hotels portfolio. It’s one of our longest-standing hotels, which has always been a magnet for visitors to the local area. We’re certain that with Rob at the helm, guests can expect the highest standards and a warm welcome from the Hotel team.”
Positioned at the heart of Altrincham, south Manchester, Cresta Court showcases a blend of contemporary design and relaxed comfort. It provides 148 bedrooms including executive and family guestrooms, extensive meeting, and event spaces, 181 parking spaces, and free high-speed WI FI, plus the Townfields restaurant, a lounge bar, and a beauty salon, which are also open to non-residents. For bookings and information, visit www.cresta-court.co.uk