Experiencing Glenapp Castle with John Orr, Guest Relations Manager
15 January 2024
Immersive experiences await behind the Victorian elegance of Glenapp Castle
From on-site archery and mountain biking to their very-own private boat and luxury glamping, this fairytale Scottish Baronial castle offers so many incredible ways to make the most of your stay - and it is John Orr's task to make those memories happen as Guest Relations Manager and Butler to The Endeavour Suite. After 22 years working at Glenapp Castle, John knows the hotel and the surrounding estate like the back of his hand...
You have been at Glenapp Castle for 22 years; please can you tell us what you love most about the Castle?
I love the atmosphere of the Castle, the feeling of warm hospitality and comfort. I like that it never feels stuffy or overly formal. It maintains the correct balance to allow the guests to relax knowing everything will be done correctly. My favourite time is late afternoon especially in winter when the lights are low, guests have returned for the day, the drawing room fire is lit, and guests are relaxing and chatting over a drink at the fireside. I love the people we get to meet. Especially when they choose to return. Our guests have the world to choose from, yet many choose to return to castle, how lucky are we? Many take a great interest in the castle and invest their time to get to know the staff. Many guests have been with us from the beginning of the Glenapp journey, when they return you can pick up where you left off. Guests have their own frequency when they return, some monthly, others yearly, but there is a resonance, if you are here long enough to see it. It’s a pleasure to welcome them back.
Can you tell us about some of the most unique or interesting Endeavour requests you have had the pleasure of dealing with or experiencing?
I have great help from Chris our Reservation Manager who interacts with the guest and tailors a stay to their preference prior to arrival. We then have a detailed handover to me. We ask guest to tell us if they have any special requests, and we will do whatever is necessary to deliver! I had Middle Eastern guest last year who wanted to try the winter sport of Curling. We arranged a private visit to a curling rink, and they spent the day and were taught by a team of wonderful curlers. The guests had a great day and were quite emotional at the end when the coach placed her precious Olympic gold medal around the child’s neck.
Have you seen any changes over the years in guest requests and demands of luxury travellers?
More and more, guests are requesting certain brands of products not commonly available in the UK, if they are coming from abroad for example - that is always fun sourcing items from overseas. We like a challenge! Guests like personalised and bespoke experiences and we enjoy making the stay completely unique for each Endeavour guest depending on their wishes and requirements.
What do you think entices guests to book The Endeavour – what is its key USP?
The apartment gives the guest the space of a stately home, yet this is located on top of an amazing castle hotel It’s the best of both worlds! I want my guests to relax into the space, my relationship with the guests changes with who we meet, I judge it each time and sense the level of interaction they are looking for.
What is your most frequent, regular type of guest?
Our guests often stay for special celebrations, it’s a pleasure to help them celebrate life’s milestone. Other guests are here for family time, we see grandparents hosting their whole family, and breakfasts around the large oak table in the Endeavour kitchen is a highlight for many folks. We have a lot of multigenerational stays at The Endeavour.
If you were a guest in The Endeavour, where is the best or hidden spot to spend time?
The Endeavour provides space for guest to find a quiet spot to rest and recharge. Many guests lead high profile lives and sometimes home does not offer the break that we often need. I believe that time is our most precious commodity. I want to ensure guests leave the castle having re connected with loved ones, renewed, and restored. That’s time well spent! When guests stay for a period of time, they sometimes choose to go off piste with the menu. Pizza and film night in the apartment cinema room can be fun for everyone. The cinema room also has all the streaming channels and the latest games console. My favourite space is the Apartment library were I often see a slow game of Chess or Monopoly occurring. These games can last for days.
What must a guest do at Glenapp Castle before they leave?
Enjoy one of our 75+ activities and experiences, archery is great fun or spend some time with nature walking through the Glen. The Castle has so many quiet spots to just spend time looking out to Ailsa Craig with a cup of coffee or even a whisky – it is a very peaceful place where you can just escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and breathe in that fresh sea air!
Find out more about Glenapp Castle, or plan your Scottish escape using our interactive map.
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