The Roker Hotel, Sunderland, has recently unveiled 43 new look en-suite bedrooms, the result of a £250,000 investment, in the latest stage of a phased development programme.
The Wearside seafront venue, owned by Tavistock Hospitality, has strengthened its team as it continues to drive the hotel forward.
Heading the 96 strong work force is new general manager, Ivan Holroyd, who will oversee all operational aspects of running the seafront hotel.
In a career spanning more than 20 years, Ivan, who is originally from Bradford, has worked in hotels and golf clubs across the UK, including three and four-star hotels as far afield as Cambridgeshire, Surrey and Norfolk.
He joins the Roker Hotel following a successful stint at the 4* Borrowdale Hotel at Keswick, where he increased hotel revenue by 25 per cent and year round occupancy to 78%.
Also joining the Roker Hotel team are Lorella Movileanu – who will manage the on-site Italian Farmhouse restaurant – and Hayley Thomson, manager of the Let There Be Crumbs tearoom.
The refurbishment of the bedrooms – which reflects the hotel’s seafront location, with a nautical inspired design – marks the end of a three year programme aimed at increasing the hotel’s appeal for families and corporate and leisure visitors from the region and beyond.
“I’m delighted to be a part of the team and look forward to playing an integral part in driving the hotel forward following its latest renovations,” said Ivan.
Mark Hird, managing director of Tavistock Hospitality, which owns a portfolio of hotels, bars and restaurants, said: “All three new managers bring with them a wealth of experience in their fields.
“I have no doubt that they will make an excellent contribution to our ever-expanding business.”
