Hotel manager scoops national award

Monday 24 October 2016

A manager who's worked at a local hotel for the last 28 years has won a national award.

Pedro Bento, who manages Longueville Manor, has won the ‘General Manager of the Year Award’ at the Boutique Hotelier Personal Service Star awards.

The prestigious awards ceremony was held at the Hilton Olympia in London. The judging panel for each category consists of five top industry experts who evaluate the finalists on their initiative, hard work and achievements.

Ten categories, covering a range of job roles in the industry, made up the 2016 awards. 

Pedro Bento has been with the Manor for 28 years; starting as a Sommelier and progressing to Restaurant Manager, followed by House Manager and then General Manager. Ten years ago he was rewarded for his long service by also being made Director.

Longueville Manor’s Daniela Corasaniti is also celebrating after being announced a finalist in the Reservations / Revenue Manager of the Year Award. She was acclaimed for her passion, commitment and sales achievements.

Zoe Monk, Editor, The Boutique Hotelier Personal Service Star awards, said: "For us Pedro was a clear winner. The judges unanimously voted him into the top spot, and were extremely impressed by his achievements; having worked at Longueville Manor for 28 years, taking the property through a period of recession and tourism decline and never once letting the service and standards falter. He has done such wonderful things with the hotel and we all felt thoroughly deserved some recognition for all his hard work!"

Malcolm Lewis, Proprietor of Relais & Châteaux property Longueville Manor, said: "We are so proud of Pedro and we know all our loyal customers at Longueville will be thrilled that he has won this award. He strives for perfection in everything he touches. This impacts on everything from the way he meticulously looks after guests, to the thorough and consistent training programme he has developed for staff. He has been consistent in his efforts to improve sustainability, run educational programmes and invest in people. He is highly regarded across the industry for his achievements, which have been born out of hard work and complete dedication."

Mr Bento said: "I am very proud to bring home this award to share with the whole team at Longueville Manor. I am humbled that the owners nominated me for General Manager of the Year; I love what I do and I will never stop striving for perfection. It’s a great honour to look after all our guests and greet them as they arrive for relaxing stays and special occasions. I honestly feel very lucky to work and live here and I really appreciate the support the industry has shown me with this fantastic award."