Minute on the Clock – Caroline Morey

25 June 2012 by
Minute on the Clock – Caroline Morey

Caroline Morey, hotel manager at the newly opened Edinburgh Princes Street Travelodge tells Janet Harmer how she has been joined at the budget hotel group by two of her daughters

How easy has it been for you to progress from a guest room cleaner in 2000 to a Travelodge manager?
It has been a smooth and easy transition. Travelodge has guided and encouraged me to be the best I can be. My line managers have shown an unbelievable amount of faith in my abilities. Most importantly, it has been a lot of fun.

My first taste of management was in 2003 at Edinburgh Central Travelodge as an assistant manager, and I was promoted to hotel manager in 2006. Edinburgh Princes Street is the fourth hotel I have managed, having also run Edinburgh Haymarket and then Edinburgh Airport.

Why did you encourage your daughters to join Travelodge?
My career here has accelerated at great speed and it's a company that really cares about its people. I suggested to my daughters: why not grow your career with a company that is going places? I am delighted that Debbie, 30, who is now the hotel manager of Edinburgh Central, and Christina, 20, who is the receptionist at Edinburgh West End, have followed in my footsteps.

Christina will be joining the company's management development programme soon, which provides a fast track introduction to management. After graduation you qualify to manage a small hotel or become an assistant manager at a larger property. We are one big happy family at home and at work now.

You have three more daughters - what are their career plans?
I have twin daughters who live in Majorca with their dad. One is a lawyer and the other owns her own restaurant. My youngest daughter is still at high school in Edinburgh, but I am sure I will find her a role at Travelodge when she is old enough.

What do you regard as the key criteria for being a successful Travelodge manager?
You need to be a natural people person - being able to manage and develop people is essential. As well as being prepared to work hard and be a team player, you need to have the right attitude, a strong desire and passion, and the rest you can learn on the job.

What are your own career plans for the future?
My daughter Debbie has overtaken me and manages a bigger hotel than me. As we are a competitive family, I hope to take back the title in the next couple of years!

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