Acorn Awards 2025: Charlotte Karadag, De Vere Tortworth Court

Age 27

Position Rooms division manager, De Vere Tortworth Court

Nominator Evie Kennedy, account director, the Audience by Davies Tanner

From starting as a receptionist in 2019 to leading the rooms division by the age of 27, Charlotte Karadag is now responsible for the hotel’s 201 bedrooms – and she’s delivering record-breaking results.

Since taking over her role in 2024, Karadag has increased room revenue and average daily rate through upselling, and supported the delivery of a record-breaking year-on-year increase. In addition, she introduced cutting-edge hotel tech like Opera Cloud and Synergy, and led a £1.3m refurbishment project. Her sharp commercial instincts and people-first leadership have improved both guest satisfaction and operational efficiency.

But it’s not just about numbers; Karadag’s hands-on practical approach has ensured operations run smoothly and maintain the hotel’s high standards, such as when she stepped in to assist the housekeeping department when it was short-staffed due to by illness.

Karadag’s focus on staff development is transforming careers and shaping the culture of her 50-strong team, making it one of empowerment, recognition, and excellence. She’s mentored 11 emerging leaders through apprenticeships, with five moving into supervisory roles and two becoming assistant managers. Her efforts in talent development were recognised when she won Front of House Manager of the Year at the 2024 Hotel Cateys and a spot amongst the Master Innholders. 

Karadag’s impact stretches beyond the hotel walls. She’s a regular at local schools promoting careers in hospitality and helped raise £7,000 for Brain Tumour Support through the Emerging Leader Charity Ball. And her personal approach shines through in moments like delivering a birthday cake to a young guest’s home after their stay was cancelled. Karadag has shown innovation, empathy, and excellence – the making of a true hotelier.