What inspired you to set up Jolyons Boutique Hotel?

It was a combination of many things. I have always worked in the hotel and tourism industry, but have always been passionate about interior design and collecting antiques. Upon visiting a friendly and striking bed and breakfast in Bath, I decided to set up a boutique hotel of my own, combining my past experience with my passion for design. Jolyons Boutique Hotel was born. Each room was individually designed around a specific item, such as an original captain’s mirror complete with its original sea salt. The basement bar, Bar Cwtch, which is Welsh for cuddle, was also created to make my guests feel relaxed and at home. Its adorned with quirky antiques, squidgy sofas and a open log fire.

What excites you most about coming to work?

The most exciting thing about coming to work each day is knowing that I am going to meet a totally new set of guests. I like my guests to arrive as a customer and leave as a friend. I also enjoy taking ideas and inspiration from the different kinds of people I am lucky enough to meet. I have even taken up fencing as a result of a customer planting the idea in my head! Even though I try not to show it, celebrity spotting excites me also. We have had various celebrity visits such as David Schwimmer, Gareth Gates, Rhys Ifans and the Doctor Who cast.

For visitors coming to Cardiff for a special event their hotel stay is often an integral part of the experience, what do you and your staff do to ensure it is memorable?

When a guest calls to make a booking, I do my utmost to assess what their needs will be before they arrive. If it is for a special occasion, I will add small touches, such as placing love hearts on pillows or fresh vase of roses in the room. I once organized a helicopter for an executive that needed to get to a meeting in a hurry and have also supplied a group of visitors from India with mobile phones so that they could call me at any time during their visit to Cardiff. Aside from such special touches, I think the overall quirkiness of the hotel, such as retro sweets in the bedrooms, coupled with high quality interiors, such as Egyptian cotton sheets, makes the whole stay memorable. I also treat people, like people, not numbers.

If you face a challenging situation in work, how do you get over it?

First and foremost, I aim to approach every situation with a smile. If that fails…a good quality coffee usually does it! Secondly, the best way to over come a challenging situation is to sit back, put it into perspective and think outside the box. Finally, having a good team behind you is also very useful when it comes to problem solving.

What are you looking for when you visit a hotel?

A warm and honest welcome is always nice. A friendly and relaxed atmosphere, with chic surroundings is also a winner. I also look out for those extra touches that set the hotel apart, and good, fresh food is vital.

What advice would you give to a young company looking for investment?

I would urge a company to be cautious when it comes to investment. There are a lot of investors around, but many want a large cut, so the trick is to maximize opportunities and contacts, think outside the box, and explore a variety of funding options, aside from investors.

Do you have any unusual approaches to business success?

The soundest advice I would give would be to ensure your basic business foundations are concrete. If you don’t have a good building, good staff and good ethics it will fall apart. In terms of unusual approaches to business success- I like to stand out. I think this draws attention to the hotel in a good way. The market is competitive in the capital so sometimes it’s good to be different. An example of this is my old ‘Bar Cwtch’ Citroen Van. It has become quite iconic in Cardiff.

What are you most proud of in your career, or life to date?

The proudest moment of my life so far was seeing the Jolyons Hotel sign being fixed above the front door. It was also a great honour when Bar Cwtch was voted City Bar of the Year in 2007. With so many great bars across the city, it was a proud moment for me. Finally, it was also a very satisfying moment when The Independent newspaper referred to Jolyons as ‘One of the five best UK Town House Hotels’.

Describe your perfect day

My perfect day would be to wake up and feed the ducks in my garden, go to the market and choose some fresh produce for a picnic, followed by a bonfire on the beach, concluded with a stay in a waterfront B&B. Sometimes the simple things can bring the most joy.

How do you unwind after work?

During the winter, nothing beats a warm bath followed by a meal slow cooked on the fire. And of course, a nice glass of red always helps.

Do you listen to music? What is on your iPod?

All sorts really. A bit of Nina Simone, Roberta Flack, Armstrong and some cheese like Jamie Cullum.

If you could give one piece of advice to someone thinking of changing their career what would it be?

Go with your gut instincts- that way you will never regret a decision!

Info about Jolyons Boutique Hotel:

Jolyons Boutique Hotel, nestled in the luxurious Cardiff Bay, opposite the landmark, Wales Millennium Centre, boasts history, class and comfort. A short walk from the city centre, and a stones throw away from the shops, restaurants, bars and cafes of Cardiff’s waterfront destination, Mermaid Quay, Jolyon Boutique Hotel is the perfect, quaint hideaway.

The hotel, an elegantly restored Georgian town house and seaman’s lodge, features six individually designed bedrooms, taking inspiration from a single item of furniture in each room. With excellent attention to detail, gems such as unique Moroccan lighting and an original Captain’s mirror, complete with its original sea salt, can be found in each room.

Jolyons Boutique Hotel also has its own, unique basement bar and pizzeria, Bar Cwtch (Welsh for cuddle). Much like the hotel, Bar Cwtch is bespoke and individual, adorned with antiques, a wood burning oven, open fire and soft leather sofas.

In the evening, Bar Cwtch, frequented by the likes of David Schwimmer, Howard Marks, Rhys Ifans, the Doctor Who cast and Dirty Sanchez, turns into a much livelier affair with guest bands and open mic events.

Jolyons Boutique Hotel and Bar Cwtch
Bute Crescent
Cardiff Bay
Wales
UK
CF10 5AN

Tel/Fax: 02920 488 775
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
www.jolyons.co.uk