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This summer, the Clermont Hotel Group is taking the hospitality experience in London to new heights by introducing the innovative ‘Summer Skills Fest’ in collaboration with RADA Business, the esteemed commercial division of The Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. This groundbreaking initiative aims to enhance the guest experience at its 16 luxury hotels across London. As part of the program, approximately 1,700 staff members will undergo intensive, performance-based training focused on fostering genuine connections with guests. By transforming every aspect of guest interaction, from check-ins to cocktail service, Clermont aimed to ensure that stays are enriched with the warmth and vibrancy similar to the city itself.
As part of the Summer Skills Fest, RADA Business has launched three specialized workshops crafted to enhance presentation skills by utilizing fundamental acting techniques. These sessions are designed for both individuals and teams, concentrating on building confidence, presence, and a commitment to authenticity. Staff will learn to harness RADA’s “body, breath, and voice” framework to enhance their awareness of physical and verbal communication. This crucial training fundamentally shifts how hotel personnel engage with guests, ensuring every interaction is not just friendly but also leaves a lasting impression, whether through a heartfelt welcome at the reception or seamless service at the hotel’s dining venues.
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Clermont Hotel Group stands as a leader in people-centered hospitality, tirelessly working to make each stay memorable for guests. Their collaboration with RADA Business extends this commitment, demonstrating a strong investment in learning and development. This mirrors the growing importance of soft skills in enhancing the guest journey, thereby adding a human touch to the technological and architectural aspects of modern hospitality.
The strategic partnership aims to shift the perception of hospitality away from mere transactions toward authentic, immersive experiences. Amanda Hall, Head of Talent and Organisational Development at Clermont Hotel Group, emphasized the intent to empower staff to create interactions that tell a broader story, allowing guests to feel genuinely integrated into the hotel experience rather than just observers. This narrative-driven approach resonates with modern travelers, who seek more than just a place to sleep but a connection to the local culture during their London visits.
Storytelling forms an integral part of the guest experience at Clermont Hotels, whether it’s how a receptionist introduces a historical property or how a bartender shares the inspiration behind a local cocktail. By applying theatre-inspired skills such as clarity, timing, and audience engagement, Clermont aims to make each hotel feel like a vibrant venue where guests actively participate in their own unique narratives.
Beyond focusing on individual excellence, the Summer Skills Fest also cultivates team cohesion among staff across Clermont Hotel Group’s expansive London network. Participants from various properties come together to train, establishing common standards for exceptional service, whether in a riverside retreat or a bustling West End location. Given the group’s scale, boasting 16 hotels and over 4,000 rooms across pivotal areas, this cross-property initiative proves essential in delivering consistently high service standards.
Additionally, RADA Business’s training has played a crucial role in preparing teams for notable openings, including the anticipated Gordon Ramsay Hell’s Kitchen at The Cumberland Hotel, which debuted in April. The training ensures that every guest experience, from initial greetings to farewells, resonates with the same dynamic energy found in the kitchen, all while retaining the trademark warmth and professionalism associated with the Clermont brand.
According to Helen Slater, Managing Director of RADA Business, the essence of this training is to empower employees to present their best selves at work, making use of theatre-based principles such as effective communication and interactive storytelling. In the context of travel and hospitality, these skills allow staff to respond to a guest’s needs warmly, adapting to their emotional states and enhancing the overall experience. For travelers, especially those exploring London for the first time or rediscovering its charm, these nuances can make their stay not just comfortable but truly memorable.
Headquartered in London and operated by the Guoco Group, Clermont Hotel Group prides itself on nurturing its teams to provide extraordinary guest experiences. The partnership with RADA Business not only reinforces this commitment to staff development but also assures guests that every interaction—from smiles to personalized recommendations—is backed by a significant investment in hospitality expertise. For anyone deciding where to stay in London, whether for business or leisure, Clermont promises a unique experience filled with trained professionals ready to make every moment of your trip stand out.
Image Credit: Clermont Hotel Group
Source: The post Clermont Hotel Group and RADA Business Spotlight the Human Connection at the Heart of London Hotel Stays first appeared on www.travelandtourworld.com.
