Strand Palace hotel names Jill van Rest as general manager

Jill van Rest has been appointed general manager of Iconic Hotels and Resorts’ Strand Palace in London’s Covent Garden, succeeding managing director Matthew Beard.

Van Rest has been with the property for six years as operations manager and latterly hotel manager.

During this time she led the transition of the hotel for use as accommodation for military key workers during the pandemic, and afterwards drove “a strong uplift in performance”.

Van Rest said: “It’s a privilege to step into the role of general manager at Strand Palace, and I’m proud to build on everything the team has already achieved.

“Having been part of the team for several years, this role means a great deal to me, moving from daily operational management to overseeing all areas of the business.

“I look forward to continuing to elevate every part of the guest journey. My focus over the next months will be to re-establish Strand Palace as a key location for meetings and events in central London and working with the fantastic colleagues at Iconic Hotel and Resorts to make this beautiful hotel even more successful.”

Strand Palace has recently undergone a two-phase £57m refurbishment, including the full redesign of all 788 bedrooms and the addition of a newly refurbished gym.

In November, the hotel also expanded its meetings and events offering with 12 new spaces, bringing the total to 16 versatile venues for up to 250 guests.