Crowne Plaza Doha — The Business Park’s director of engineering, Jamey Ford, gives Hotelier Middle East an insight into the challenges of pre-opening and the embarrassment of blowing up a Bentley engine
The hotel opened in August; how was pre-opening?
The engineering experience has been a steep learning curve for me as this hotel was my first pre-opening property. My previous property was InterContinental, Mauritius, which was a resort hotel set on a kilometre of beach on the Indian Ocean, so it was a very different engineering challenge.
Were there any particular challenges with this property?
There are, as always on preopening, many challenges. The biggest challenge I would say is settling in my team and taking charge and control of all the MEP systems. This cannot be rushed due to all the fine details that need to be learned in order to operate successfully.
| Advertisement |
What piece of engineering in the hotel are you most proud of?
For me the event centre is my particular favourite. It is not only very unique architecturally, but is packed full of all the latest AV equipment and systems. It is truly a beautiful space.
What innovative strategies have you employed to reduce waste?
Our kitchens and stewarding departments have tin can compactors and we flatten and segregate cardboard waste. We are currently trialling an oil recycling initiative where employees receive a bonus to encourage them to get involved.
What is your most essential tool?
The correct skill sets, as without this in each area of the hotel we will very quickly encounter issues that cannot be resolved.
How closely do you work with the hotel management?
Very closely indeed. Constant communications through meetings and discussions are key to ensure the management team understands all engineering challenges.
What are your plans for the next 12 months at Crowne Plaza Doha?
To ensure the hotel runs as smoothly as possible by maintaining and managing the property effectively, with a focus on achieving a high level of quality in all front of house areas.
Article continues on next page ...
Search our database of more than 2,700 industry companies
