Anuj has more than 15 years of senior hotel management experience having worked in properties across the UK, the Middle East and Asia. He joins the team from Novotel Milton Keynes in Buckinghamshire where he spent two years as General Manager. Before that, he spent two years as General Manager of Ibis London Elstree Borehamwood.
Anuj outlined his plans to cement the boutique venue as a must-visit destination in Oxford.
“When the opportunity arose to take on the role of General Manager I jumped at the chance because of its unique character and charm and its exciting potential.
“The brilliant location means we are close to all of Oxford’s biggest attractions, but guests can still escape the hustle and bustle of the city centre while enjoying first-class amenities.
“One of the key things that attracted me to the hotel was the home away from home feel. Our regular guests love the relaxed, friendly atmosphere and personal level of service – we aim to truly get to know the preferences of our guests and deliver memorable experiences.”
Working closely with Director of Sales and Marketing Isabela Dumbrava, Anuj has devised a strategy to put the hotel on the map in Oxford, with a focus on engaging the local community to use the venue and continuing to enhance its guests’ experience.
Anuj explained: “The hotel has strong occupancy rates and we will work hard to maintain that, but a key part of our growth strategy is actively working on building relationships with locals and the business community.
“We have an experienced team who are all devoted to making sure our guests enjoy their stays with or visit to us and everyone is treated to a warm welcome and exceptional customer service.
“There are plenty of popular hotels in Oxford, but Hawkwell House offers something different and unique. We’re just a stone’s throw away from Iffley Lock and sit within three acres of beautifully landscaped gardens. This creates a relaxed countryside ambience while being only ten minutes from the city centre.
“It’s a perfect location to meet up, host conferences and events for corporate functions or family celebrations including weddings and parties.”
The hotel’s signature restaurant Frank’s is open to day guests and Anuj and his team are focused on welcoming more locals to enjoy it.
“Our plans on the catering side are exciting and, over time, we want to take our dining experience to the next level and make Frank’s a known dining destination in the city. Over the coming year, we will be launching several contemporary new dining options which we hope will become firm favourites.”
Anuj added: “My ambition is to return the hotel to being a great destination hotel in Oxfordshire once again. We are confident that with the talented team we have in place and our commitment to creating great guest experiences people will want to try it out for themselves.”
Hawkwell House offers all day dining to guests and visitors to the hotel in its main restaurant and lounge as well as alfresco dining on the terrace all year round. It also has three versatile event spaces that can be booked for weddings, events, meetings and parties.
It is located in Iffley, Oxfordshire, is three miles from Oxford rail station and is close to Oxford’s southern bypass road.
Hotel stays and dining reservations can be made through the website: https://mercureoxfordhawkwellhouse.com/