'The Gresham is my baby'

Dominique Haines, Front Office & Hotel Reservations Manager at The Gresham Aparthotel, provides her insight into what being part of The Gresham Aparthotel from day one means to her.

Within the space of one week in May 2023, The Gresham Aparthotel scooped two prestigious awards. The first was a Serviced Apartment Award for Best Operator for its size (an award 'known as an Oscar within the industry'), and the aparthotel was also recognised by TripAdvisor as a 2023 'Travelers’ Choice award' winner.

The reviews and the success story of The Gresham to date has a very common thread - the staff. Guests refer to their friendly service, helpfulness, and personalised approach during their stays. Even name checking staff on TripAdvisor for their exemplary service.

The Gresham is unique – it is boutique, independent and situated in one of the city’s most iconic buildings. The redevelopment of this former department store - Fenwick’s - has been hailed as a catalyst for regeneration of the local area and is regularly used as a good practice example.

With high-end, tastefully decorated apartments and studios, there is a home from home feeling with the bonus of hotel service and care. Each of the 121 stylish and unique serviced rooms contains a kitchenette, ensuite facilities, shower room, dining area and lounge area with a smart TV.

The flexibility of the rooms means guests stay for a short or longer amount of time whether that is for business or leisure including festivals, events, a city break, meetings, seminars or graduations.

Dominique Haines has worked at The Gresham since it opened in November 2021. Leicester is her hometown and she is incredibly proud of being a part of the award-winning aparthotel which was once an iconic department store she herself visited.

Dominique explains: “The Gresham Aparthotel is my baby. I am genuinely happy to come into work on every single shift. This is not only down to the amazing architecture, its historic features, and legacy but also because of the amazing team of people I work with.

“I remember the Fenwick’s days so to see this amazing building blossom into a popular place to stay means a lot to me professionally and personally.

“As the popularity of The Gresham has grown so has my own confidence. I have been promoted, given opportunities to take forward my ideas and I have a regular sense of achievement for many reasons including when local people pop in and see the transformation for themselves.

“My job is varied. I can be showing around former Fenwick’s employees, welcoming VIPs, preparing for corporate bookings, or helping a new visitor to the city feel settled and a part of the city during their stay with us.

“Winning the Serviced Apartment Award was incredible as it cements all of our successes to date. To then have received a ‘Traveler’s Choice award’ from TripAdvisor was the icing on the cake. But the real testament is when people return to stay with us time and time again. We, as a team, do what we can to deliver the best for our guests.

“I am so proud to work at The Gresham Aparthotel.”

Looking through the TripAdvisor reviews, clearly staff have a positive impact on people. Here is a recent review (June 2023) which shows how Dominique’s passion for the job is clearly translated into her service:

Dominique Haines: Most amazing hotel manager I’ve met, and I stay in a lot of hotels, a real asset to this hotel and establishment.

If you would like to have a show around at the aparthotel please email: reservations@thegreshamaparthotel.com or call 0116 243 7666.