An experienced manager of one of Cumbria\u2019s most iconic hotels is now leading a major \u00a32 million revamp of a private hospitality group\u2019s Lake District operation.<\/p>\n
Catalin Oanea, 42, has been appointed Group Area Operations Manager for the region by the Everbright Hotel Group which owns a growing collection of seven hotels across North Wales and the Lake District.<\/p>\n
Originally from Bucovina, in north eastern Romania, Catalin arrived in Cumbria 23 years ago on a student work programme while studying Tourism and Public Administration at university in Romania and fell in love with the area.<\/p>\n
He joined Everbright after over 20 years at the Wordsworth Hotel, in Grasmere, the last ten as General Manager, and is closely involved in the project to revamp the company\u2019s two hotels in the region, Stonecross Manor, in Kendal, and the historic George Hotel, in Penrith.<\/p>\n
Everbright are currently engaged in a \u00a31.5 million makeover of Stonecross Manor which is planned to fully reopen this autumn and they also have plans for one of the region\u2019s most historic hotels, the Grade Two-listed George.<\/p>\n
The original plans for Stonecross Manor included a remodelling of the ground floor of the hotel, which currently has 32 bedrooms.<\/p>\n
The project will add 14 new executive bedrooms, including two ground-floor suites housed in a new extension, and a revamp of the leisure area. A new lift has also been installed, replacing the previous one with a latest-generation model.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat we\u2019re doing at Stonecross will be something special,\u201d said Catalin. \u201cIt has the potential to become the place in Kendal to stay, dine, and celebrate life\u2019s milestones.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis ambition is only possible through the efforts of our team. Our people make the difference, and we\u2019re proud of the environment we\u2019re building here.\u201d<\/p>\n
Everbright\u2019s other hotel in the region is The George in Penrith \u2014 one of the most historic hotels in Cumbria, dating back to 1597 and famously known for hosting Bonnie Prince Charlie during his march south with a Scottish army in 1745<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s very much a part of the local community \u2013 people have known it their whole lives and it has hosted their family milestones, christenings, weddings and celebrations of life,\u201d said Catalin.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have to be very aware of its listed building status, but after completing a lot of work behind the scenes that unfortunately isn\u2019t seen by guests, we plan to make a start on a sensitive uplift of the ground floor.\u201d<\/p>\n
Catalin said of his time at the Wordsworth: \u201cOver the years the hotel went through four different ownerships, each bringing its own structure and business direction.<\/p>\n
\u201cI was closely involved in delivering those changes, which gave me valuable experience in different leadership styles and operational and strategic developments.\u201d<\/p>\n
Catalin and his wife Ionela \u2013 who runs a small hotel in Kendal \u2013 are settled in the Lake District, where their three children go to school.<\/p>\n
He said: \u201cIt\u2019s a special place with incredible scenery, rich heritage, and outstanding hospitality. We feel proud to be part of that.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s very much like our home region in Romania with its small villages, welcoming communities and beautiful landscapes. It\u2019s a fantastic place to raise a family, and we\u2019ve built our lives here.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe hotels are an important part of their communities. And one of the most rewarding aspects of my role is supporting the professional development of our teams, helping people build careers in hospitality.<\/p>\n
\u201cWorking in hotels gives you valuable life experience and a wide range of transferable skills \u2013 from communication to leadership \u2013 that open up opportunities across many sectors.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Everbright Hotel Group owns seven hotels \u2013 five in North Wales: the Llandudno Bay, Belmont, and Queens in Llandudno, Rossett Hall near Wrexham, and the Wild Pheasant in Llangollen, along with two in Cumbria: the George in Penrith and Stonecross Manor in Kendal.<\/p>\n