Magaly Etter appointed as hotel manager of Bath's Queensberry hotel

The three-AA-red-star, 29-bedroom Queensberry hotel in Bath has appointed Magaly Etter to the new role of hotel manager as the property completes a refurbishment of its public areas.

Laurence and Helen Beere, the hotel's owners, have brought Etter into the business to oversee the hotel's day-to-day development and lead the front of house and housekeeping teams.

Swiss-born Etter has worked in Costa Rica, Egypt and France, as well as most recently as front of house manager at Dormy House hotel in Broadway, Worcester. She previously worked in Bath at the Abbey hotel as duty manager and front of house assistant manager.

As a speaker of five languages, Etter will work with local businesses to help support the development of Bath's tourism offer.

Magaly said: "It is a real pleasure to join the Queensberry family and be back in the lovely city of Bath. I love the informal luxury here, which allows each individual to bring their own personality and helps this place stand out from the crowd. To maintain our distinctiveness and advantage is an exciting challenge."

Laurence added: "It's quite a coup to appoint Magaly, in light of her experience and accomplishments. This is an exciting time for us, with our extensive refurbishments almost completed. We felt it was crucial, at this juncture, to take the next step to ensure the professionalism and seamlessness of our team fits perfectly the building's beautifully refreshed appearance."

The recent refurbishment of the reception, drawing rooms, bar and gardens follows an upgrade of the three-AA-rosette Olive tree restaurant in 2015. By the time improvements to the bedrooms and bathrooms have been completed over the next nine months, a total of £700,000 will have been spent on updating the hotel.

Local interior designer Jane Clayton, who has overseen the improvements alongside decorating partners Clayton and Hirst, said: "The new interior reflects the hotel's history, brand and location by use of quirky detailing, furniture styles, luxurious and colourful fabrics, trims and accents of unexpected wallpapers, along with local artwork."

Finance for the refurbishment was funded by Barclays Bank.

Laurence added: "Sometimes, it's easier to think of reasons not to proceed with such major works, in view of the costs, the potential for disruption and all the uncertainty.

"The completion of this project, however, fully vindicates the boldness of our ambition. Above all, however, it is evidence not just of our vision for the hotel, but of the skills, professionalism and ingenuity shown by other independent businesses in helping us see this through to fruition."

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