HSA June 21

H O T E L M A N A G E R Q & A
industry insight
Kingsley Smith
YANKALILLA HOTEL
WHAT IS THE TITLE OF YOUR POSITION?
My title is Venue Manager.
WHAT HOTEL/S DO YOU MANAGE?
I manage the Yankalilla Hotel and previously the
Colonnades Tavern for the RD Jones Group.
HOW DID YOU ENTER THE HOTEL INDUSTRY
AND WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR CAREER PATH?
I entered the industry via the Hotel Adelaide as a
maintenance lad changing light bulbs, pool cleaner
and general yard duties. My career path started when
I met the late Mr Richard Jones at the Hotel Adelaide
when he was involved with the venue in the late 80’s/
early 90’s. I was promoted to store person/purchasing
officer for the Hotel Adelaide and then was given a
full time position closer to home (Morphett Vale) at
the Colonnades Tavern in the bottle shop. From there
I worked my way up to become Venue Manager in
2006 and then transferred to the Yankalilla Hotel in
June 2012.
DO YOU HAVE ANY FAMILY CONNECTIONS IN
THE HOTEL TRADE?
My aunty and uncle – Judy and Colin Rowe - had the
Lobethal Hotel and then the Duke of Brunswick in
Gilbert street.
WHAT DOES YOUR POSITION ENTAIL?
My position entails managing every aspect of the
hotel, growing the Hotel, managing staff and keeping
the hotel in tip top shape.
WHAT ASPECT OF THIS POSITION IS YOUR
FAVOURITE?
I love being involved in the community and love
the locals.
WHAT IS YOUR LEAST FAVOURITE PART/S OF
THIS ROLE?
Least favourite is the COVID-19 issue, a bad time for all,
people getting angry about being asked to scan the QR
Code or write in a register. Some people just don’t get it
and can be a bit silly.
APPROXIMATELY HOW MANY STAFF DO YOU
MANAGE?
We have 23 staff.
WHO HAVE YOUR MENTORS BEEN OVER
THE YEARS?
My mentor – the late Mr Richard Jones.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO THOSE
LOOKING TO WORK THEIR WAY UP THE HOTEL
BUSINESS LADDER?
My advice is to never knock back extra shifts when
offered, stay committed and show that you want to
learn and are interested in various roles within the
business.
WHAT DOES YOUR FUTURE LOOK LIKE? WHERE
DO YOU SEE YOURSELF IN FIVE YEARS?
The future looks pretty good. The industry is flying
with the travel restrictions keeping everyone at home
for the next few years, I see myself at the Yankalilla
Hotel in the future.
WHAT MAKES YOUR HOSPITALITY OFFERING
DIFFERENT FROM OTHER VENUES?
Our difference is that we are in the beautiful Fleurieu
Peninsula and offer warm and friendly hospitality
within a historic country hotel.
DO YOU HAVE RENOVATION PLANS FOR THE
HOTEL/S IN YOUR GROUP?
Yes, the Group is currently working on plans for the
hotel which will involve a few areas.
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