This month, Nicholas Davies is in our hotelier hot seat…
What first attracted you to your hotel?
Marylebone Village is just the most gorgeous location in London. The area has so much to offer, from its beautiful surroundings to the charming boutique shops. The location truly is unbeatable! Secondly, The Doyle Collection stands out as a family-owned brand, known for great service standards and authentic warm hospitality.
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
There have been a few key moments. Definitely becoming a St Julian Scholar early on in my career and continuing that journey to eventually become chairman of the St Julian Scholars. I also recently became a Master Innholder.
I believe it’s so important to be a voice for the industry and represent the hospitality sector. Organisations like these are crucial in attracting new talent and showcasing the amazing role we play in hospitality, as well as the diverse training it offers.
If you could have a superpower, what would it be?
I would love to know the future, so I could solve problems before they even arise. I’d be a professional problem-solver with a built-in advantage!
What was the last hotel you stayed at and what did you think of it?
Cotswolds House Hotel in Chipping Campden – I thought it was the most magical place, especially because we had our 30-year Bath Spa Reunion there. I caught up with some of my long lost friends in a beautiful setting, nestled in the chocolate-box village.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
‘Only worry about things that are truly in your control’ – courtesy of Bob van den Oord, CEO of Langham Hospitality Group.
Who are your three dream dinner guests (dead or alive) and why?
My grandmother, Marjorie, never got to see me in hotels, but she was always proud of me going into hospitality. I would dearly love to have her at the dining table to share my journey with her, and I know how proud she would be of me if she could see it today.
Stuart Johnson, a great friend and mentor, really supported me in my career. If he were around today, we would definitely be raising a glass or two to me becoming a hotel general manager. I cannot thank him enough for everything he did. I don’t think a day goes by where I don’t think about or do something that he taught me along the way.
Professor Brian Cox: I’ve met him a number of times at some of the hotels I’ve worked in and just listening to him talk would be a fascinating and inspirational topic for the dinner table.
What’s the first thing you do when you get to work in the morning?
I start with a walk through both the front of house and back of house areas at 6am, then go and say good morning to my Night’s team and check on how the evening went, before heading over to conduct my training session at the wonderful Third Space Marylebone, which is attached to our hotel.
Which other company in or outside the industry do you admire the most and why?
Rocco Forte Hotels – Having had the pleasure of working with them twice in my career, I’ve always been amazed at how each hotel is so distinct, yet, the service, hospitality and thoughtful touches immediately make it clear that you are in an RF hotel. It is old-school hospitality at its very best.
What was your first job and what did it teach you?
Working at the 3 Horseshoes Little Cowen, near Bromyard in Herefordshire. I started off as a waiter, working a couple of days a week while I was still at college. Slowly but surely, I worked my way into the kitchen, doing shifts over the weekends. Janet, the pub landlady, taught me how to really focus and deliver the very best.
If the standard wasn’t right, you simply did not serve it… it had to be perfect every time. She definitely taught me the value of consistency and showed me how to use common sense.
What is the biggest challenge your hotel is facing right now?
I think there are several external factors that affect and put pressure on the hospitality industry. It is becoming increasingly difficult for owners and hotels to get the balance right. We must also be more agile than ever to adapt to changing demands.
What is the biggest opportunity for your hotel right now?
I feel The Marylebone is a true focal point in the heart of Marylebone Village. A vibrant residential area that offers us a fantastic opportunity to become a destination, not only for domestic and international visitors, but also for our local community who frequent our elegant cocktail lounge and all-day brasserie with its beautiful outdoor seating.
As Marylebone becomes increasingly desirable, people—whether from near or far—are eager to be here. It’s a sought-after location and call me biased, but I truly believe we are the best regarded hotel in the area!
What do you find most rewarding about your job?
Seeing how the team pulls together and the fact that we continue to welcome back so many returning guests is incredibly rewarding. They consistently give us amazing feedback and it all comes down to the team and how they deliver fun, genuine hospitality to our guests.
If you weren’t working in hotels, what would you be doing?
I think I would have become a tennis coach as I nearly became a full time pro player at the tender age of 15.
