Meet Harrogates New Hotel Manager

Meet Stacey Webster: Cedar Court Harrogate’s New Hotel Manager

We’re thrilled to introduce Stacey Webster, the new Hotel Manager at Cedar Court Harrogate! With a wealth of experience and a passion for delivering exceptional guest experiences, Stacey brings a fresh perspective and an exciting vision for the future of our hotel.

In this Q&A, Stacey shares her journey in hospitality, her first impressions of Cedar Court Harrogate, and what she’s most looking forward to in her new role. Get ready to discover her inspirations, leadership philosophy, and a few fun facts that showcase the vibrant personality behind the professionalism.

Welcome to the team, Stacey!

1. What first drew you to the hospitality industry, and what has kept you passionate about it? 

Well, let’s be honest, I needed a job when I left school haha! Seriously though, it was probably the thought of meeting people, creating memorable experiences, and, let’s not forget, the occasional access to some delicious food!

What’s kept me passionate? That’s easy. Every day in hospitality is like being part of a live performance. You never know what’s coming next, and you get to play a part in creating moments that people will talk about long after they leave. Whether it’s helping to make a birthday unforgettable, calming someone’s wedding day nerves, or just turning around someone’s rough day with a smile and great service, it’s the little wins that make it so rewarding.

2. What are some of your immediate goals for Cedar Court Harrogate? Any exciting plans in the works? 

Oh, where do I start? My immediate goal is to make Cedar Court Harrogate the kind of place where guests check in and never want to check out—well, metaphorically speaking, of course!

On a more practical note, I’m focused on enhancing the guest experience, whether that’s refining service, adding those thoughtful little touches that make people go “wow,” or making sure every visit feels like a special occasion (even if it’s just a Tuesday night).

As for exciting plans— we have the amazing bedroom refurbishment starting in January, very excited for that!! ! Also making the hotel even more of a go-to spot for locals and visitors alike, there’s plenty on the horizon. Watch this space… Cedar Court Harrogate is only going to get better!

3. What have you enjoyed most about Cedar Court Harrogate since joining the team? 

Honestly, it’s like stepping into a big family where everyone’s got a shared goal: making guests feel amazing. From day one, I’ve loved the energy here, it’s a mix of hard work, laughter, and the occasional “quick, we need to find a solution in 30 seconds!” moment that keeps things exciting.

The team is full of personalities who genuinely care about what they do, and that’s contagious. Plus, seeing guests leave with a smile, knowing we have played a small part in making their day (or their weekend) special, is hands-down the best part. Oh, and let’s not forget, I’ve also discovered that the desserts here are dangerously good. I might need a separate gym membership just for those!

4. What’s something unique about Harrogate that you’re looking forward to incorporating into the guest experience? 

Harrogate has charm by the bucketload—where else can you sip on some of the UK’s finest tea, stroll through beautiful gardens, and still have time to hunt down the best Yorkshire pudding? I’m looking forward to weaving that Harrogate magic into the guest experience—maybe a little “tea and treat” welcome inspired by Betty’s, or a nod to the stunning Valley Gardens with floral-themed cocktails in the bar (who wouldn’t love sipping on a “Blooming Marvellous” martini?).

It’s all about bringing those local touches that make Harrogate special, so our guests don’t just visit the town—they feel a part of it. Plus, let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a bit of Yorkshire hospitality? It’s warm, it’s welcoming, and it’s exactly what we do best!

5. If you could host any dream event or experience at Cedar Court, what would it be and why? 

Oh, now we’re talking! Picture this: a Yorkshire Wonderland Weekend! The hotel transforms into a celebration of all things Harrogate and Yorkshire, with a playful twist. Think: an epic Yorkshire pudding cook-off judged by guests (because, let’s face it, everyone has an opinion on the perfect pud), afternoon tea in Amber’s with a live string quartet playing, and a “Gin and Tonic Trail” featuring Harrogate’s finest locally-distilled gins.

To top it all off, we would host a glamorous gala in the evening—a mix of elegance, local charm, and a whole lot of fun. There would be great food, live music, and a dance floor that no one wants to leave.

Why? Because Cedar Court is all about creating experiences that are unforgettable, with a sprinkle of local flavor and a whole lot of joy. Plus, who wouldn’t want bragging rights for winning Yorkshire’s Best Pudding?

6. How do you envision Cedar Court Harrogate growing or evolving over the next few years? 

I see Cedar Court Harrogate becoming the place where timeless Yorkshire charm meets modern flair—think Downton Abbey elegance, but with Wi-Fi strong enough to stream Netflix!

Over the next few years, I’d love to see us continue blending tradition with innovation—whether that’s through locally inspired dining experiences, or hosting events that bring the community and visitors together in style. I also envision the hotel becoming a hub for relaxation, where guests can unwind with unique experiences like curated gin tastings or Harrogate-inspired wellness weekends (because spa water deserves a glow-up!).

It’s all about enhancing what makes us special—our heritage, warm hospitality, and stunning surroundings—while sprinkling in a little something extra to surprise and delight. The goal? To make every guest think, “Wow, I can’t wait to come back.”

7. Are there any new trends in hospitality that inspire you? How would you bring them to our hotel? 

Absolutely! One trend I love is immersive, local experiences—people want to feel like they’re part of the destination, not just passing through. At Cedar Court Harrogate, we could lean into this by creating unique guest offerings like a “Yorkshire Passport”—a mini adventure guide with local gems, hidden foodie spots, and discounts for nearby attractions. It’s all about giving guests an experience they can’t Google!

Another exciting trend is sustainability with style. From locally sourced, seasonal menus to quirky upcycled decor, we could showcase how eco-friendly choices can be fun, innovative, and part of the charm.

The goal? Make every visit memorable, personal, and a little unexpected—so guests leave thinking, “Wow, that was different… and I loved it!”

8. What is one surprising skill or talent you bring to the role that others might not expect? 

I’m a karaoke champion—yes, you read that right! You wouldn’t expect it, but I’ve got a killer rendition of “Simply the Best” that could win over even the toughest crowd, hahah!  I like to think of it as my secret weapon for turning any event or team-building session into a celebration!

On a more serious/practical note, I’m also great at thinking on my feet and finding creative solutions to any curveball that gets thrown my way. Whether it’s a guest request that seems impossible or a sudden problem, I’ve got a knack for turning things around with a smile and a little creativity!

So, karaoke and quick thinking—what more could you need in hospitality? 🎤🎶

Just pray that you never have to listen to me sing haha!!

9. How would you describe the team and atmosphere here to someone who has never visited before? 

Imagine a group of superheroes, but instead of capes, we wear smiles and carry amazing customer service skills. The team here is a mix of warm, enthusiastic personalities who truly care about making every guest feel like royalty.

The atmosphere? It’s like walking into a big, welcoming hug, but with just the right balance of sophistication and fun. It’s the kind of place where you will find the perfect spot to relax, whether that’s sipping a cocktail in the lounge, enjoying a delicious meal in Amber’s, or laughing with the team as they go the extra mile to make your day special.

10. Finally, if you could only use three words to describe your approach to managing Cedar Court Harrogate, what would they be?

Energetic, approachable, memorable!

I believe in bringing a burst of energy to everything we do—whether it’s a guest experience or team collaboration. I’m always approachable because the best ideas come from listening and working together. And, of course, I want every visit to be a memorable one—because let’s face it, who wants to settle for just okay when you can make magic happen? ✨