entrepreneur Elizabeth Wells
Making the Mannin
the best place to be By Wendy Shimmin Photo by Matt Mosur
With more than 30 years’ experience in the hotel business, Elizabeth Wells, Reservations Manager at the Mannin, is passionate about providing a top quality guest experience for the Island’s visitors.
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t’s clear from the moment you meet her that Elizabeth relishes her role at the newest hotel on the Isle of Man and although it has been open for more than a year now, she is as enthusiastic about welcoming guests to it as on the very first day. “So many people just see their place of work as somewhere they go to do their job,” she says, “But I feel lucky that I am part of a team who all wanted to come and work at the Mannin so it’s somewhere we really enjoy being. “That attitude is something that’s hugely beneficial for our guests as, whether they are here on holiday or for work, the time they spend with us is never just a normal day for them. It’s important to remember that, it helps us to make sure they have a really positive experience.” Clearly this is a view shared by guests as business has surpassed all expectations in the first 18 months of opening. “From a standing start, the business has taken off far better than we could have hoped,” says Elizabeth.
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“We have already gained a lot of repeat customers, particularly in the corporate sector from businesses who accommodate their visiting staff here every week. “Most of those companies have been in business a lot longer than us so it is especially pleasing that they choose to use us over longer-established hotels.” As reservations manager Elizabeth’s responsibility is to get new business to the hotel and to look after existing custom, a job that’s made much easier by the quality and facilities of the fourstar hotel she says. “As well as being the newest and most modern hotel on the Island, we offer all the key things that our guests want, whether they’re corporate or leisure,” she explains. “From the unlimited superfast fibre optic wi-fi, to air conditioning in every room which guests can monitor themselves, on-site car parking, laptop safes, irons and ironing boards, fridges, quality teas and coffees and complimentary toiletries. “We concentrate on the key amenities our guests want and ensuring we deliver them well. So while we have flexibility to hold small meetings and events, for example, our guests aren’t subsidising empty function rooms.” Flexibility is a significant feature throughout the hotel which has been designed to accommodate a wide range of travellers’ needs. ON THE AGENDA...