New Manager for The Dairy Guesthouse
New Manager for The Dairy Guesthouse
The Dairy Guesthouse in Queenstown has new owners and a new manager.
Andrew and Clare Brinsley and John Martin took possession of the property on September 12 and have named experienced hotelier Elspeth Zemla as manager.
Originally a 1920's general store, the Brecon Street building was restored and established as The Dairy Guesthouse in 1997. An upmarket guesthouse with 11 rooms (each with en-suite) The Dairy Guesthouse is renowned for character, comfort and superb gourmet breakfasts.
Manager Ms Zemla, who has spent the last 17 years with 4 and 5 star hotel and timeshare properties in both the UK and New Zealand, says she's delighted to be moving out of the corporate hotel business and into the hands on role of manager of an intimate guesthouse.
"It's lovely to have more contact with guests and to get away from running huge teams of staff. We have a beautiful position here and the opportunity to offer guests a really nice experience. The Dairy Guesthouse is a perfect ski lodge in winter and offers a quiet and peaceful haven just 150 metres from the centre of town at any time of year.
"Our philosophy is to ensure everyone is really comfortable, well fed and given everything they need to enjoy their stay. Our service is unobtrusive but of a very high standard and the breakfasts and snacks served are all home cooked and absolutely delicious."
Mrs Brinsley says there are plans to further develop the property.
"We are already working to add value to the guest experience with a variety of small changes and personal touches. There's fresh baking everyday available to the guests at anytime, bed and bath linen is being upgraded as are room amenities.
"We plan to make a stay at The Dairy memorable and unique. Over the next six months we aim to collect as much feedback as possible from our guests. Next year we plan to refurbish based on that feedback. First we want to listen to our guests and find out what they really want."
The three partners are well known Queenstown businesspeople, Andrew Brinsley and Mr Martin and are also partners in the world's first commercial jetboating operation, Kawarau Jet and Mr Brinsley is a director of Southern Alpine Recreation, the company that owns nzski.com.
ENDS