A hospitality group has appointed a new operations manager to lead £2 million revamp plans of two of its Cumbrian hotels.
The Everbright Hotel Group, which owns seven hotels in Cumbria and Wales, is currently undertaking a £1.5m renovation of Stonecross Manor in Kendal and will also overhaul its George Hotel in Penrith.
Catalin Oanea, 42, has been appointed group area operations manager for the region by the group.
Originally from Bucovina in Romania, Catalin arrived in Cumbria 23 years ago on a student work programme while studying tourism and public administration at university in Romania and fell in love with the area.
He joined Everbright after over 20 years at the Wordsworth Hotel in Grasmere, the last 10 year as general manager, and is closely involved in the project to revamp the Stonecross Manor and the George Hotel.
Stonecross Manor is planned to fully reopen this autumn.
The original plans for Stonecross Manor included a remodelling of the ground floor of the hotel, which currently has 32 bedrooms.
The project will add 14 new executive bedrooms, including two ground-floor suites housed in a new extension, and a revamp of the leisure area. A new lift has also been installed, replacing the previous one with a latest-generation model.
“What we’re doing at Stonecross will be something special,” said Catalin. “It has the potential to become the place in Kendal to stay, dine, and celebrate life’s milestones.
The group also has plans for the Grade II-listed George.
It dates back to 1597 and famously known for hosting Bonnie Prince Charlie during his march south with a Scottish army in 1745.
“It’s very much a part of the local community – people have known it their whole lives and it has hosted their family milestones, Christenings, weddings and celebrations of life,” said Catalin.
“We have to be very aware of its listed building status, but after completing a lot of work behind the scenes that unfortunately isn’t seen by guests, we plan to make a start on a sensitive uplift of the ground floor.”
Catalin said of his time at the Wordsworth: “Over the years the hotel went through four different ownerships, each bringing its own structure and business direction.
“I was closely involved in delivering those changes, which gave me valuable experience in different leadership styles and operational and strategic developments.”
Catalin and his wife Ionela – who runs a small hotel in Kendal – are settled in the Lake District, where their three children go to school.
He said: “It’s a special place with incredible scenery, rich heritage, and outstanding hospitality. We feel proud to be part of that.
“It’s very much like our home region in Romania with its small villages, welcoming communities and beautiful landscapes. It’s a fantastic place to raise a family, and we’ve built our lives here.
“The hotels are an important part of their communities. And one of the most rewarding aspects of my role is supporting the professional development of our teams, helping people build careers in hospitality.
“Working in hotels gives you valuable life experience and a wide range of transferable skills – from communication to leadership – that open up opportunities across many sectors.”
