A beginning- what is this blog ?

Prelude:

I have had several queries about my blank blog pages. Today I am motivated to write - of course fueled by guest comments.

I am writing a blog on the understanding that-

a) I am taking an enormous risk in making my views public,
b) that people who read my blog believe in free speech and understand that the views on my blog are personal and based on my expreiences, perceptions and observations ( and of course knowledge),
c) that I am a human being, as are the staff who work in my hotel capable of a whole range of emotions.That we are unwilling to follow a prescriptive formula ( excludes standards and legal issues) or be placed in a box of expected behavior.

This blog is my platform and space to explain and make public to visitors and readers, the values and philosophies that underlie the machinations of this hoteland restaurant. To all guests and readers of this blog, do remember that we are human and therefore capable of excellence and mistakes.


My beginnings:
We arrived just over a year, from London to the Isle of Wight. Cultural changes were so dramatic that I spent a great deal of my spare time supporting the children in adjusting to the people, their values and the limitations of living in the country. I struggle too, everyday. There are a handful of Indians on the island and my name and those of my childrens are percieved as wierd!!! Take that as one to contrast in London, where Nagoye is as common as Kate.

I learnt the hard way that the island was notoriously lacking in people who had the skills to work in the hospitality sector. Of course, my problem, as a new business owner was to find the most cost effective ways of running the hotel. Skilled staff are snapped up by older hotels, who obviously don't have the enormous start up costs of a new business, like us. As a newcomer, I have a limited pool to choose from. Our business rates and just running costs make the hotel seem like a white elephant. I have to reassure myself, everyday, that one day we will break even.

Yet given all these shortcomings, we have gained a reputation for being warm, effecient and hospitable hotel. The quality of the food is rigourously monitored that The Tiffin Room, my brainchild is quite successful. Last week I had an Italian family from Florence who came here just to eat and we only opened last October!!!.

As a family we have stayed in a variety of hotels all over the world, and the shape of this hotel is based on the foundation of our own experiences. So far, the people who have stayed with us have been extraordinary, vibrant and a fantastic mix. Our guests seem to range from families, single women(who find my pro-women views re- assuring I guess), TV actors, Rock bands, business folk, builders and a fascinating range of people from all over the world.

Some negative comments:
Out of all the people who have stayed over a year - we have had a few negative comments. These comments have come from people who seem not to make an effort to interact beyond 5 minutes. Instant judgements or those who expect to squeeeze every little they can get for their money. But then on an average, these kind of comments are 2 in 1000.

What I am proud of:
We are known for our courteousness and hospitable environment. I am Indian, it is in my blood. Everytime, we have guests requesting a table in an overflowing restaurant, I have to stop myself from sending up steaming bowls of food to eat in the rooms. 2 of the older staff who are from the North of England spend hours chatting to guests. We work incredibly hard and make an enormous effort to make guests comfortable.

We have Central European people who work in the restaurant . They are fluent in English, professional, educated to degree level, and are sometimes direct, not flowery or effusive. That is their culture. I believe that within a multicultural society we ought to be able to understand these differences and embrace them.

Who I am:
Working as a hotelier is a new experience for me. Working with people is not. I have been a Psychologist for over 20 years - worked as a Therapist, Manager, Officer, Director. I have been an Academic Researcher, Director of Theatrical productions, co- produced documentary films, was a stage actress and a model in India - people keep me going. I believe all these experiences shape the ethos of our small hotel.