International Hotelier Takes the Helm at Marriott Portsmouth

With over 15 years’ experience working in properties across Europe, Rob Snaith has arrived in Portsmouth to oversee and realise the potential of a multi-million pound investment in the only four star hotel in the city.

With extensive experience of working in Denmark, Germany and across Spain, British-born Rob Snaith has returned to the UK to become General Manager and define a new era for Portsmouth’s Marriott hotel.

It was whilst working on Marco Island in Florida as part of his studies in Hotel and Catering Management at Huddersfield University, that Rob first realised the international potential of his chosen career. It wasn’t long after taking his first role as Front Desk Manager at the Hilton hotel in Leeds, that he seized the opportunity at the start of 2001 to work as a Housekeeping Manager at the Marriot Group’s Renaissance München Hotel in Germany.

After two years in Germany, Rob moved to Mallorca Marriott Son Antem in Spain, started as the Housekeeping Manager for the property’s vacation villas, and was rapidly promoted to Director of Services for the hotel, then Spa & Leisure Manager and finally Director of Room Operations. During his ten years in Mallorca, Rob also met and married his wife and started their family.In April 2012, Rob was asked to travel across Spain and take the position of Director of Operations for the architecturally ground-breaking and highly prestigious Renaissance Barcelona Fira Hotel.
‘This was a major step up for me,’ recalls Rob. ‘The property had 269 guest rooms, 88 suites, 11 meeting rooms and over 150 employees. I learnt how to engage with construction companies, look after a completely different clientele and attract the attention of corporate business.’
Rob’s success in Barcelona saw him accept subsequent Director positions in Marriott hotels in Copenhagen and Frankfurt, the latter being a property with 587 guest rooms and 24 corporate meeting spaces. He has been responsible for increased revenues, improved efficiency, modernisation of guest service and is a Member of Continental Marriott Rooms Advisory Board.

Now Rob, 41, is bringing his experience and knowledge of refurbishment, development and positioning to Marriott Portsmouth, which this year completely transformed its eight floor exterior, and in 2018 will see the completion of the renovation of its 174 bedrooms.
‘I am delighted to be in Portsmouth because, from what I have seen and learnt, this city is really hot right now,’ says Rob. ‘From sporting events to festivals, to the arrival of HMS Queen Elizabeth and support for economic development, the future looks bright and Marriott is showing its confidence and support through its multi-million pound investment.’

‘There is a real need for a hotel that can cater for businesses, corporate events and conferences and, in addition to ensuring our guest services, wedding and events continue to deliver at the highest standards, this will be one of my top priorities for 2018. From the staff I have met and the talented management that are in place, I am sure that the Marriott Portsmouth will continue its reputation for the best quality hospitality in the area.’