In this episode of Hotelier’s Voice, I’m in the heart of the New Forest at New Park Manor, part of the Luxury Family Hotels collection. As I walk through the grounds with hotel manager Byron Fiddler, I get a real sense of what it means to create a family-focused luxury experience - one where children, parents, and even dogs are part of the stay in equal measure.

Together, we explore the property inside and out: from the spa overlooking roaming deer to the den and cinema room, the family dining experience that adapts to fussy eaters, and the design choices that stand up to the joy (and chaos) of little guests. As Byron and I sit fireside, we dig into the realities behind the scenes - staffing challenges, training and development, keeping families engaged during rainy days, and how sustainability and heritage influence the character of this historic hotel.

What We Discover Together

- Family Luxury, Without Compromise: How New Park Manor balances design, service and experiences so parents relax, kids explore and dogs feel right at home.

- Training People, Not Just Skills: Why Byron prioritises personality-led hiring, strong development programmes, and leadership growth to support a busy, evolving hotel.

- Hospitality as a Career of Possibility: We reflect on how diverse backgrounds from reception to carpentry can lead to management roles and exciting opportunities across the world.

Being here at New Park Manor reminded me that great family hospitality isn’t just about amenities - it’s about creating a place where everyone, in every age or shape of family life, feels welcomed, known, and looked after.

Hoteliers’ Voice is one of FeedSpot's top Hospitality Podcasts and is produced by Urban Podcasts.