Experienced hotelier Ben Carey has taken up the reins as General Manager at the new Hilton Garden Inn Stoke-on-Trent – and is ready to resume the countdown to opening now lockdown restrictions are easing.

With two decades of industry know-how under his belt, Ben will lead a 50-strong team at the first Hilton-branded hotel in the city, which is still scheduled to open this year despite delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

He joins hotel operators RBH – the UK’s leading independent hotel management company – following managerial roles at The Village Hotel Manchester and The Royal Clifton Hotel and Spa in Southport. He also brings with him an extensive knowledge of hotel operations and leisure, following more than a decade with Marriott International.

Ben is joined by Steven Alty, appointed as Director of Sales at the brand-new hotel.

With an analytical and strategic approach to his work, Steven boasts eight years of experience in managerial sales roles and a proven track record of growing revenue and converting new business leads.

General Manager, Ben Carey, said:

"It’s fantastic to be back on track following lockdown and we cannot wait to finally open to the doors to Hilton Garden Inn Stoke-on-Trent. The hotel will offer excellent amenities to the people of Stoke and its visitors.

I’m looking forward to growing our team, as we prepare to welcome our first guests later this year. We’ve had a fantastic response to our recruitment drive, seeing in excess of 3,500 applications, so our priority is now whittling them down and finding the right candidates to fill a range of roles.”

Andrew Robb, Chief Business Development Officer at RBH, said:

"This opening represents a landmark addition to our growing portfolio. We have worked with Hilton for a number of years, but this is our first Hilton Garden Inn, and we know Ben and Steven are the ideal candidates. We look forward to seeing the hotel and its team thrive under their leadership following a challenging few months in the countdown to opening.”

The £20 million hotel is part of the landmark Smithfield development brought to Stoke-on-Trent in a partnership between developers Genr8 and Stoke-on-Trent City Council. Genr8 will retain ownership of the hotel when it opens in 2020.

Cllr Abi Brown, leader of Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said:

"Having a new Hilton Garden Inn in Smithfield is an exciting landmark for the city. It’s another sign that Stoke-on-Trent is powering up and the place to be. Securing the addition of first-class brands such as Hilton in a fantastic part of the city is exciting news for businesses, residents and visitors, particularly at this time.”

It will boast 140 bedrooms, state-of-the-art meeting and conference facilities and a fully equipped gym. A stylish bar and full service restaurant will also feature, offering locally sourced produce where possible.

Hilton Garden Inn Stoke-on-Trent will be part of RBH’s portfolio of more than 45 hotels across the UK, which includes seven properties under fellow Hilton brands, DoubleTree by Hilton and Hampton by Hilton.