The QHotels Collection has announced the appointment of Paul Bayliss MBE as General Manager at Oulton Hall Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort, one of the group’s flagship properties and an iconic destination in the North of England.
Paul brings over 30 years of world-class hospitality leadership, is widely respected across the sector, and holds a unique track record of delivering success within the UK hospitality landscape.
Paul’s senior leadership experience includes Southampton Harbour Hotel and Spa, Hotel Brooklyn brand, Carden Park Hotel Golf Resort and Spa, The Midland Hotel Manchester, and Macdonald Hotels Edinburgh, Manchester, and The Highlands, all of which he’s consistently driven award-winning operations and exceptional guest experiences.
Paul began his career in hospitality at 15 as a chef in the British Army, where he then served as an officer across deployments around the globe. He was part of a team recognised as the Best Chefs in the World and served as personal chef to senior military personnel, including members of the Royal Family. His passion for training and development has led him to mentor young chefs and hospitality professionals, earning him an MBE.
His strategy for excellence combines a people-focused approach with traditional, high-quality service and innovative enhancements to create a new vision for the hotel resort.
Speaking on his new role, Paul said: “Oulton Hall Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort is an iconic property with everything it needs to be the very best. My vision is clear: to turn this into the best hotel in the UK.
Over the next five to ten years, I will focus on developing our teams, delivering world-class service, and creating unforgettable guest experiences. From fine dining and spa offerings to golf, events, and weddings, we want every element to deliver the ultimate ‘wow factor’ and position Oulton Hall as a must-visit destination locally and nationally.”
By refining experiences such as afternoon tea, elevating the spa, maximising golf and event opportunities, and investing in staff development, he aims to cement Oulton Hall Hotel & Spa’s reputation as one of the UK’s premier luxury hotels.
On his approach to leadership, Paul added: “The biggest thing I get out of this role is developing people. I hire on the basics: getting to work on time, presenting smartly, and having the right energy. Delivering five-star service is an attitude, and it’s possible we can achieve anything we set our minds to. My time in the army taught me the value of teaching and helping others, and it’s incredibly rewarding to see individuals grow and excel. By motivating our teams, improving the guest experience and increasing profitability, we can reinvest and continue to raise the standard, creating a hotel that’s the best it can possibly be.”
Commenting on his return to The QHotels Collection, Paul said: “I’m hugely excited to come on this journey with The QHotels Collection. The company is in really great shape, from board level all the way down, and there’s bags of ambition to develop our people and be the best in the industry.”
Nestled in the heart of West Yorkshire, Oulton Hall Hotel & Spa is set within a stunning historic estate. The hotel combines timeless elegance with modern amenities, offering guests a truly memorable experience. The property features luxurious bedrooms, impressive suites, award-winning dining, spa, and exceptional facilities for golf, weddings, and events.
Under Paul Bayliss’ leadership, the hotel will continue to evolve, enhancing every aspect of the guest journey while remaining a benchmark for luxury and excellence in the region.
