THE general manager at Altrincham's Best Western Cresta Court Hotel is celebrating a special milestone.

Paul Hindley has been at the helm of the hotel for 20 years.

Joining the hotel from a role as regional director for Macdonald Hotels and Resorts in 1997, Paul has spent 40 years in the hotel industry with half of this time at the Cresta Court Hotel.

He said: “I joined the hotel for a fresh challenge and because I felt that the business had great potential to grow and develop. We have come a long way and most recently, I have overseen a £1.5M refurbishment scheme that has transformed the hotel.

“I have no regrets after 20 years here. The opportunity to develop the Cresta Court even further and see my team going from strength-to-strength are two of the many reasons that I still love my role. Every day brings with it fresh challenges, a host of different guests and a real sense of achievement.”

During his tenure, Paul has seen business grow strongly and the Cresta Court transformed with a series of recent renovations. Turnover has more than doubled, more than a million guests have been served and Paul has helped to plan catering for nearly two million festive diners and party revellers.

“The last three years have seen a completely new-look for the hotel, ensuring that we continue to meet the expectations of travellers, diners and delegates in 2017, and beyond. It has received exceptional feedback from guests and we are thrilled with the results.

“There are some real highlights of my time here, including the hotel winning the Altrincham & Sale Chamber of Commerce business award for Leisure and Tourism in 2014 and becoming the first hotel in south Manchester to have achieved the Welcome Host business accreditation for customer service. Both were because of my team’s hard work and dedication.”

he added: “I am also proud to have been able to support the wider developments in our community. Altrincham is a transformed town. Key infrastructure investment and redevelopment of the transport interchange and Altrincham hospital have enabled the town to establish itself once again.

"Plus, by using its heritage as an historic market town as the focus for a stunning new market area, where exceptional local foods, new restaurants and handmade crafts combine, we can offer visitors a unique experience. The Hotel has been at the forefront in supporting the improvements which have benefitted residents, as well as making Altrincham a more appealing destination for our guests and event delegates.”