Seaham Hotel Master Innholder

Five-star Seaham Hall’s uncompromising mover and shaker:

now both Master Innholder and Young Trailblazer

Seaham Hall’s Managing Director, Ross Grieve, is a dynamic leader, undaunted by challenge and change. Recently awarded the title of Master Innholder in recognition of upholding the highest standards of hotel management, appointed as a Non-Executive Director of the Board of Visit County Durham, and named one of the UK’s ten Young Trailblazers in Boutique Hotelier’s 2016 Power List, Ross is ‘one worth watching’. 

Having joined Seaham Hall as General Manager in 2013, Ross Grieve led the hotel to regain its five-star status only one year later, and was promoted to Managing Director in October 2015. Responsible for a quick-paced rolling £3M refurbishment programme, he has transformed a slightly jaded hotel into an eclectic contemporary gem without losing sight of its historical links.

The Georgian manor house, where the romantic poet Lord Byron married in 1815, is set in 37 acres of beautiful grounds on Durham’s glorious heritage coastline. The hotel offers elegant and luxurious interior design, 22 individually-designed suites (including two magnificent brand new suites, soon to be revealed), two restaurants (under the direction of the hotel’s acclaimed new Head Chef Ross Stovold), and an outstanding 44,000 sq ft spa for which membership is now rapidly increasing. Under Ross Grieve’s direction, The Vortex – a new and versatile meeting space to inspire creative thinking – has been added to the existing conference and events facilities.

Ross Grieve is driven by a desire to be the best and he never compromises on standards or attention to detail.  Testament to this are the 17 awards the hotel has achieved under his leadership. These accolades demonstrate ability and expertise in all areas of hospitality – leisure, spa and corporate business. Ross Grieve fundamentally believes that hotel management is about people and relationships, not simply the fabric of the property, however luxurious or well-equipped the hotel is. Grieve has inspired and motivated his team at Seaham Hall; his energy and enthusiasm are infectious.

Says Ross Grieve:  “Firstly, I am fortunate indeed in having the absolute backing of Seaham Hall’s owners; they support 100% our joint vision for the property.

“Secondly, and a vital plank behind all decision-making, is the enthusiastic support of the entire Seaham Hall team – both those behind the scenes and those who greet our guests personally.  Everyone comments on the friendly welcome they receive, and the informal but professional approach of our team.  I am hugely proud of Seaham Hall’s successes across the board in the past 18 months or so but, without those with whom I work, none of this would have been possible.”

Ross has been a member of St Julian’s Scholarship (helping rising stars with a passion for hospitality) since 2004, as well as being a member of the North East Hotels Association’s Executive Committee, British Hoteliers’ Association and Institute of Hospitality.

An overnight stay in one of Seaham hall’s 22 suites costs from £195 for two sharing, including a full English breakfast.

Seaham Hall is under three hours by train from central London, and by car is just 20 minutes from Durham, 40 minutes from Newcastle, 90 minutes from Edinburgh and less than three hours from Manchester. The hotel’s close proximity to Newcastle is also ideal for those travelling from international destinations, via Newcastle airport and/or the North East Ferry Port.

Seaham Hall is featured in Tripadvisor’s 2016 Travellers’ Choice Top 25 Small Hotels in the UK and Top 25 Luxury Hotels in the UK, and additional current accolades include Spa Manager of the Year in the Boutique Hotelier Awards, Editor’s Choice Spa in the Good Hotel Guide, Five Bubble Luxury accreditation by the Good Spa Guide, and Gold in ‘Small Hotel of the Year’ at the North East England Tourism Awards.

For more information, call Seaham Hall’s expert team on 0191 516 1400 or visit www.seaham-hall.co.uk for ideas and inspiration.