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Newcastle’s newest boutique hotel has recruited a new reception team to ensure its guests receive a warm welcome.

Reception manager Wendy Kirtley, from Newcastle, has landed the top job at Jesmond Dene House after 12 years in the hotel industry. Wendy embarked upon her hotel career as a waitress in a large hotel. The 28 year-old said she wanted to spend more time building a rapport with guests and became a receptionist. Wendy, who has worked at the Holiday Inn and Malmaison, said: “I was attracted to Jesmond Dene House because it’s a small hotel, which means we pay more attention to our guests. I also like the fact we have a very close-knit team here and we all know each other really well. I truly think customers receive a better service in this sort of environment and they can sense that we all enjoy our jobs.” Wendy is responsible for the entire reception team who are Monique Walker, Freyja Thirlaway, Rebecca Tofield and Stephanie Baron. Her key duties include - ensuring the desk runs smoothly, liaising with other departments and training the reception team.

Shift leader, Freyja, comes from a retail background but she has always wanted to work in a luxury hotel and has a HND in arts and leisure management. Freyja, 27, from Byker, gained invaluable people skills working for ten years in the retail industry, when she spent some time in Australia. Receptionist

Monique, 41, from Cramlington, has nine years customer service experience and spent 11 years working for BT – where she perfected her exemplary telephone manner.

Fellow receptionist, Stephanie, worked at Newcastle’s Village Hotel for one year and studied drama at Newcastle College prior to that. Management trainee, Rebecca, has a languages degree so any Italian and Spanish guests should feel right at home. Before joining Jesmond Dene House, the 22 year-old spent three months teaching in Italy and boasts several years retail experience.

Eric Kortenbach, general manager at Jesmond Dene House added: “We need an efficient team to ensure the hotel runs as smoothly as possible - and first impressions are very important. Wendy and her team are a real asset to the hotel and help to ensure our guests enjoy their stay from the moment they step through the door.”

Set in two acres of garden in the heart of Jesmond Dene, the new hotel offers 40 en-suite bedrooms, dining rooms serving locally sourced, seasonal produce by renowned chef and hotel owner, Terry Laybourne, and state-of-the-art meeting rooms and facilities for business. Originally designed by John Dobson the opulent hotel has a remarkable history and includes some fine rooms by Norman Shaw, one of the most eminent architects of the period.