THE deputy manager of a Cotswolds hotel is off to New York after being named a ‘hotel hero’ by his employer.

James Brown was named deputy general manager of the year and hotel hero by Coaching Inn Group, which runs The White Hart Royal in Moreton-in-Marsh.

“Being made group and hotel hero came as a complete surprise, especially as it was for what I enjoy doing most and that is meeting our guests from all walks of life and making sure that they get the very most out of their stay with us in our picturesque Cotswold town,” he said. 

Now the 33-year-old will be jetting off with her for an all-expenses paid three-night break in New York courtesy of group CEO Kevin Charity.

“James is a real star as far as quality customer service is concerned and has truly shone out this year when it comes to engaging and assisting all our guests,” said Mr Charity.

Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard: James Brown outside The White Hart Royal in MoretonJames Brown outside The White Hart Royal in Moreton

After leaving school in Broadway, James went on to study engineering at Stratford College. But he was also working part- time in local hotels and restaurants and soon decided that was the career path for him.

And it was while working as a 19-year-old hotel trainee manager that he met his future wife Lucy, who was then an 18-year-old working in housekeeping.

They were first introduced by White Hart Royal general manager Bill Ramsay, who later invited Mr Brown to come and join him in running the Moreton in Marsh hotel.

Mr Ramsay said: “James puts his heart and soul into everything he does and is a truly worthy winner of our group deputy general manager and hotel hero of the year award.”