TGt Meets...Mike Matthews, Director of Sales at the Hilton Bournemouth

Mike Matthews is the Director of Sales at the Hilton Bournemouth and a member of TBN. He’s a very busy man but we managed to pin him down for our Spotlight feature and find out more about his role at The Hilton and his love of Dorset...

Tell us about yourself Mike...

I moved down to Dorset just over two years ago and I am delighted to be here. My background has always been in 4 and 5 star hotels in and around London for around 10 years, before making the move down to the South Coast.

Originally from Solihull in the West Midlands, I have always had a passion for hospitality and in particular hotels and the events sector, studying Events Management at University.

What is your role at The Hilton Bournemouth?

My role at the Hilton Bournemouth is Director of Sales, responsible for the total revenue of the hotel, with a particular focus on our Level One Meeting & Event floor and our local and national corporate market when it comes to their meeting and bedroom requirements.

We have a fantastic sales team in the office whose responsibilities also include our beautiful Level8ight SkyBar & Schpoons & Forx Restaurant when it comes to group requests.

Sum up The Hilton experience for our readers...

If I had to describe The Hilton Bournemouth in one word, it would be ‘Unique’. We aren’t your typical Hilton, whereby we like to think outside the box. From our stunning Level8ight SkyBar, serving fabulous afternoon teas & an array of hand-crafted cocktails, to our brand-new state of the art, R1SE Fitness & Wellbeing, which is a one of a kind fitness and wellbeing brand in Dorset, with a modern & stylish arena, gym & spa concept that rivals many gym brands in the UK.

Our meeting and event space has a unique, playful character to give you far more than you’d expect from your usual event space, with a stunning ballroom & our business spa with floor to ceiling natural daylight, perfect for any meeting or social event. Our bedrooms are Ted Baker inspired, so features dark, rich colour tones and vibrant and spacious rooms, finished with large panoramic windows overlooking the heart of Bournemouth Town Centre.

Any exciting business news to share for 2024?

We added some wonderful additions to our sales team, with the introduction of Macy joining our reactive team, focusing on our social events such as weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, baby showers, charity events and much more. Alongside Ben who has joined my proactive team focusing on our local corporate market, so expect to see him at a range of networking events next year. Hotel wise, we have an exciting restaurant concept coming in the New Year, so watch this space and also continuing where we left off with our Live Saturday Music Nights in our Level8ight SkyBar which have been a huge success recently, offering something a little bit different to the town’s nightlife offerings.

When you’re not busy working, what do you love doing in your time off in Dorset?

I have really embraced Dorset living and now part of a fantastic gym group which I go to three times a week. I like to play golf at many of the stunning clubs we have in the area, although my swing could do with a bit of practice. I enjoy long beach walks with my partner and a coffee at many of the fantastic coffee shops in and around Dorset. I have met many new faces at the brilliant networking events who have now become good friends and I enjoy going out and eating at all the amazing independent pubs and restaurants that the local area has to offer.

Tell us about your favourite restaurant

My favourite restaurant has to be 29029 in Sandford. It’s a Nepalese restaurant which is absolutely fantastic, especially the dumplings. They are opening up a new one in Parkstone which is where I live which I can’t wait for!

Find out more about Hilton Bournemouth here.