The QHotels Collection has appointed Paul Bayliss MBE as general manager at Oulton Hall Hotel, Spa and Golf Resort.Bayliss brings over 30 years of hospitality leadership experience, with a “track record of delivering success within the UK hospitality landscape”.
His senior leadership experience includes Southampton Harbour Hotel and Spa, Hotel Brooklyn brand, Carden Park Hotel Golf Resort and Spa, The Midland Hotel Manchester, and Macdonald Hotels Edinburgh, Manchester, and The Highlands.
Bayliss began his career in hospitality at 15 as a chef in the British Army, where he then served as an officer across deployments around the globe. He served as personal chef to senior military personnel, including members of the Royal Family.
His commitment to training and mentoring young hospitality professionals has also earned him an MBE.
Bayliss said: “Oulton Hall Hotel, Spa and Golf Resort is an iconic property with everything it needs to be the very best. My vision is clear: to turn this into the best hotel in the UK.
“Over the next five to 10 years, I will focus on developing our teams, delivering world-class service, and creating unforgettable guest experiences. From fine dining and spa offerings to golf, events, and weddings, we want every element to deliver the ultimate ‘wow factor’ and position Oulton Hall as a must-visit destination locally and nationally.”
He added: “The biggest thing I get out of this role is developing people. I hire on the basics: getting to work on time, presenting smartly, and having the right energy. Delivering five-star service is an attitude, and it’s possible we can achieve anything we set our minds to.
“My time in the army taught me the value of teaching and helping others, and it’s incredibly rewarding to see individuals grow and excel. By motivating our teams, improving the guest experience and increasing profitability, we can reinvest and continue to raise the standard, creating a hotel that’s the best it can possibly be.”
Set within a historic estate near Leeds, Oulton Hall Hotel, Spa and Golf Resort offers 18th Century architecture, modern leisure facilities and event spaces.
