International Women’s Day
Unique Places To Stay
Prem Hospitality Blog
Table of Contents

International Women’s Day

On this International Women’s Day 2022 we, at PREM Group, would like to take a moment to spotlight some of our incredibly talented female leaders within the Group.

We have a super team of General Managers across all our regions. With the day that’s in it let’s find out a little more about some of our highly successful Women General Managers!

From Belgium

meet Lindsey and Maya

 

Lindsey Van Laere, Hotel Manager

Hotel Indigo Antwerp

I joined PREM Hospitality in 2009 as a front office trainee at a 4-star hotel in the coolest capital ‘Antwerp’.

When I finished school I had the opportunity to work as a receptionist and front office manager at this property.

After a couple of years, in 2016 I was privileged to be part of the opening team of the funky boutique Hotel Indigo Antwerp – City Centre as Operations Manager,
and in 2021 I had the chance to become hotel manager. I love the variety in my job and working with colleagues is the cherry on top of the cake.

On a personal note, the biggest highlight in my life is my son Stan.

 

Maya Adriaensens, Hotel Manager

Holiday Inn Express Mechelen City Centre

When did you join PREM Group?
I started with Prem Group in 2010 as a receptionist in Holiday Inn Express Antwerp. With hard work and passion for the job, I was able to become Front Office Manager and afterwards Assistant General Manager. In 2017 I became General Manager at PREMIER SUITES PLUS Antwerp. Where I fully renovated and rebranded the hotel. In 2021 I decided to go back to my “roots” and changed to Holiday Inn Express Mechelen as General Manager, where I am currently working. A lovely hotel with a fantastic all female team!

What you love best about your job
I love all facets of it, the contact with the guests, the financial part but mainly inspiring and motivating a team to think outside the box and go the extra mile for our guests. Getting a great review, smiling faces and thankful guests is really the icing on the cake. Plus, every day is different you go into the hotel never knowing how your day will be, which challenges you will get.

A highlight of your career to date
The highlight of my career was when I started as a General Manager in PREMIER SUITES PLUS Antwerp. It was a big task fully renovating and rebranding a hotel and this on my own as a manager. The start of my journey as a manager and being able to figure out how I want to lead a hotel.

A life highlight outside of work
Very typical maybe, but the highlight for me is the birth of my son. Feeling unconditional love from my son and husband, is the best feeling ever. I am proud of myself that I can be a mom and a General Manager at the same time. It is not easy but with the support of my family and my team I feel I can have the best of both worlds.

 

From Ireland

meet Pauline, Karen & Emer

 

Pauline Ray, Area Manager

PREMIER SUITES Dublin

When did you join PREM Group?
I joined PREM in 2003 as a Receptionist at PREMIER SUITES Leeson Street (Stephens Hall Hotel back then) – I left briefly in 2005 and eagerly returned early 2006 – since than I have worked with Premier Business Centre’s, Groups and Tours, PREMIER SUITES Sandyford, PREMIER SUITES Leeson Street (again!) and settled into my current Area Manager role in 2014

What you love best about your job
I love the variety of challenges that my role brings – I have gathered insight about a variety of things that I never thought I would need to know about! I also love the engaged culture and team spirit in the company.

A highlight of your career to date
One of the best highlights has been attending the ASAP industry awards in 2016. It was especially nice to be part of the wider PREMIER SUITES team. We won 2 awards – Corporate Business of the year and Best Guest Experience. As a brand we had recently opened PREMIER SUITES Dublin Ballsbridge and PREMIER SUITES Glasgow. We were especially proud of the Best Guest Experience award.

A life highlight outside of work
Becoming a mother to two beautiful boys. Balancing being a mother and working has been one of the greatest challenges I have experienced. Being a mother is the most rewarding experience.

 

Karen Dollery, General Manager

Viking Hotel Waterford

When did you join PREM Group?
I joined PREM as General Manager of the Waterford Viking Hotel at the end of July 2020, in the middle of the Pandemic….

What you love best about your job
I have a great team here in the hotel who really helped me settle in quickly and the support from PREM head office is super, I held my previous position for nearly 16 years but the transition was seamless thanks to the team around me.

A highlight of your career to date
Multiple highlights come from the wonderful people I have met both guests and colleagues during my years in this industry, our Guest Relations & Front office team where I worked in Dublin won an Industry Nominated Award for Guest Service, we were up amongst very prestigious 4/5 star hotels so to win it was fabulous also another highlight came when a regular guest from Dublin presented me with a gorgeous crochet shawl she had made for my daughter as a thanks for looking after her and her family down through the years.

A life highlight outside of work
My life revolves around my family and all occasions celebrated with them is a highlight.

 

Emer Corridan, General Manager

Cahernane House Hotel

When did you join PREM Group?
4th July 2016 (Independence Day)

What you love best about your job
I love the variety of the job, when they say no two days are the same, its very true. At the start of the day, you might expect your day to go one way but could end up totally different ! You never know what interesting guests you will meet or what will land on your desk. But it makes for an exciting job that I absolutely love.

A highlight of your career to date
Seeing the transformation of Cahernane House from when I started in 2016, not only from the investment that has been put in but also we have kept the same core team of staff since then. In these times where staff turnover can be an issue, to have kept so many staff year on year is a definite highlight for me.

A life highlight outside of work:
Apart from marrying the most wonderful man, (Denis)!! – I have amazing family & friends, most for over 20 years who I love spending time with. Also, cycling the Ring of Kerry 4 years in a row is another memorable highlight.

 

 

From the UK

meet Flori, Samantha & Annette

 

 

Flori Carp, General Manager

Premier Suites Reading and Birmingham

 

I am originally from Romania and International Women’s Day is a big event there and is to celebrate women’s achievements. On that day, all women are celebrated at home and at work, they receive flowers and presents from loved ones and from work colleagues, and go out to women’s only parties to enjoy themselves.

Wishing you a day filled with goodness and warmth, wishing you happiness today and forever.

It is a perfect day for a man to say: “ I am so lucky to have you in my life”.

 

Samantha McDermott, General Manager

Premier Suites Liverpool

 

When did you join PREM Group?
October 2020

What you love best about your job
The team here in Liverpool – their positive and vibrant personality stand out from the crowd

A highlight of your career to date:
Winning IHG star colleague of the year at the IHG awards in 2019.

A life highlight outside of work
The arrival of my little Miracle Son Daniel after a long 7 years waiting for that day.

 

Annette Dodds, General Manager

Premier Suites Newcastle

My career in the hospitality industry started 37 years ago with Swallow Hotels while training to become a chef. Once qualified, I soon realised my passion was front of house. I changed direction and moved into the restaurant, I just loved meeting people and providing a great service. I swiftly moved into a supervisory role covering both bar and restaurant. I was offered a new role in reception and after 6 weeks, became a shift leader, and then reservation’s coordinator.

After having my first child, I developed further as an assistant financial controller for my final 10 years with what was then Choice Hotels Europe.

On the 4th of June 2007, I was excited about my new role with PREM GROUP UK Ltd, I was the new operations executive for PREMIER SUITES Newcastle, after 13 years in the role I eventually received my crowning glory and was offered the position of General Manager.

As well as my busy work life, I am a proud mum and grandmother. I have 2 sons and 3 grandchildren ranging from age 4 to 1 and I am only too happy to step up when Grandma’s services are needed.

 

Thank you so much to Annette, Samantha, Flori, Maya, Lindsey, Pauline, Karen and Emer for sharing your stories with us on International Women’s Day – you are inspirational leaders and we thank you for all you bring to your roles as General Managers of our properties.

Edel Hall

Edel Hall

Edel studied hospitality in university and has worked in the hospitality industry since – both operationally and behind the scenes. Before joining PREM Hospitality, Edel focused on hotel compliance, ensuring that brand standards and brand identity are adhered to.

All Posts

Related posts

Book Now
Arrival
Sat
07
Sep 2019
Departure
Sun
08
Sep 2019
4 Great Reasons to Book Direct
  • Best Price Per Night
  • Welcome Gift
  • No Deposit Needed
  • Free Cancellation
English (UK)

Join Our Mailing List

Gain access to exclusive offers before anyone else.

Make memories to last a lifetime!