Three of the city's top hotels are all managed by Frenchmen. Jon Perks spoke to the Gallic trio for their special take on the second city that has become their second home.
 Philippe Roux-Dessarps - General Manager, Hyatt Regency Birmingham What did you know about Birmingham before you first came here to work? I had been to Birmingham in August 2001, for a few days on business, but wasn't that familiar with the city. When I learnt I was moving here, I found out a lot of information on the various city websites which was a great help in planning things. What were your first impressions when you arrived? I arrived via Birmingham International Airport and was surprised about how busy and big it is. I got lost driving and could not find my way to the hotel! An hour later, I was buying a navigation system! My first impressions of the city were just how much it had changed since my last visit, just in the space of five years. There's a real energy and air of confidence that's particularly evident. How are you settling in? I must say that everyone has been very welcoming, not only in the hotel, but also outside. I can feel that people in Birmingham are proud of their city and want to make sure that I see the same qualities in their city as they do. What are your favourite things to do/places to see? I have only been here for three months and my time has been spent mostly at work or house-hunting, so I have not yet had a chance to see much since I arrived. I do think the hotel location is fantastic, being halfway between The Mailbox and Brindleyplace, and just a close walk from the city centre and with great views of Centenary Square and the Birmingham Wheel. I have had some very enjoyable meals out at Simpsons and at The Oriental at The Mailbox and I look forward to exploring the city much more in months to come. Do hotel guests in Birmingham differ from other cities you have worked? My last three positions - in Tokyo, London and Paris - have been in hotels with an equal share of business and leisure guests. In Birmingham, the market mix is predominantly business, although weekend leisure business has increased as the city's shopping and cultural scene has developed. This is a real growth sector which offers fantastic potential for all city hotels. What about the locals... how you do find Brummies? Very welcoming and very proud to be from Birmingham. It is interesting to see that local people stay in Birmingham to work, while in other countries, such as France, there is always an attraction to go and work in the capital. If it's to be a true top international city, what does Birmingham lack/need? More major landmark buildings or symbols that people will always associate with Birmingham internationally - in the way that the Guggenheim is linked with Bilbao. I know that Symphony Hall has gained an international reputation in classical music circles and Selfridges Birmingham has put the city on the map in architectural terms, so it is beginning to happen. ...but what does it have that other cities do not? A very strong community of people genuinely interested in making this city progress. How do you describe Birmingham to friends 'back home'? People seem to have a distorted image of Birmingham which is about 15 years out of date.To describe Birmingham, I first have to explain what it is not! If you've had friends/family come visit what have been their comments? How big, busy, attractive the centre is and the fact that it has a heart, a personality. What plans do you have for the hotel in the near future? To build on the successful launch of our new spa, amala, to ensure it becomes a spa destination in its own right both for Birmingham people and visitors. And to develop our weekend leisure business by linking in with other city leisure sectors such as the arts and retail. If you were marketing Birmingham, how would you sell the city to the world? A transformed city with huge potential.
 Olivier Delaunoy - Operations Manager, Nitenite Cityrooms What were your first impressions when you arrived? My first job in Birmingham was in Brindleyplace - this made my first impression a great one. How are you settling in? Having worked in Birmingham for the last two years I really feel that it is a home from home. What are your favourite things to do/places to see? Nitenite is located a stone's throw away from The Mailbox, with its shops, bars and restaurants; when possible I love socialising. The Bullring and the Jewellery Quarter are also great places of interest. Do hotel guests in Birmingham differ from other cities you have worked? No, not really, the hotel business in Birmingham is business driven during week days and leisure at weekends like in most large cities. What about the locals... how you do find Brummies? They are great people to work and socialise with! If it's to be a true top international city, what does Birmingham lack/need? Birmingham's a city on the up, growing consistently in many ways, this will in the near future make it a truly international city...But what does it have that other cities do not? Birmingham has it all. How do you describe Birmingham to friends 'back home'? Miles away from what it was ten years ago, a great city to work and socialise in. If you've had friends/family come visit what have been their comments? 'Boy it has changed, we had such a great time - can we do it again'. What plans do you have for the hotel in the near future? Having proved itself as a great and viable concept we now will grow nitenite to all major cities in the UK. If you were marketing Birmingham, how would you sell the city to the world... sum the city up in a phrase. A great young vibrant business city.
 Pascal Demarchi - General Manager, Birmingham Marriott What did you know about Birmingham before you first came here to work? Not a lot really, in fact I'm not sure I had heard anything positive before... I remember going through the M6 to Manchester or Scotland and getting stuck on the road with the "view" of Birmingham, aka the M6 J6. At least now with the toll road we are not projecting so often this negative image. I always thought that Aston Villa was a club from London!!! What were your first impressions when you arrived? Four years ago when I arrived my first impression was rather positive. From a business point of view it was moving quite fast, people wanted to do things, to improve all round.The business community was welcoming. How are you settling in? Obviously after four years I am pretty much settled. Birmingham is a great place to do business, the future is looking bright as well with new developments, new companies and new opportunities. What are your favourite things to do/places to see? Living in Sutton Coldfield the park is great for walking or biking. In Birmingham the Symphony Hall is a must. It is very nice and relaxing to go for a stroll from Brindleyplace to The Mailbox. The Bullring has been very well done and it is clearly managed professionally as well. I think the city centre itself is in good shape and it remind me of some areas of Lyon for the shopping district. Do hotel guests in Birmingham differ from other cities you have worked? Overall not really. The trend is quite similar of other cities proving that we are not behind any of them!! What about the locals... how you do find Brummies? I really think that the locals are great. It is a little bit like my hotel, the best asset is the people working there! In the meantime I would like our region to be more self-confident. If it's to be a true top international city, what does Birmingham lack/need? We are still not an international destination as such, we do not have recognised icons like La Tour Eiffel, Big Ben or Golden Gate (bridge).We know that so we must turn on something else; Marketing Birmingham is working hard and with success to create a new image and a destination. First we should become a national destination and only after we will move to the next stage. I am sure Neil Rami (CE Marketing Birmingham) with his team and the support of all locals authorities will take us there. ...but what does it have that other cities do not? We do have the future!, We are building and prepare it now. Everyone must participate to the effort! Again the main asset is the people and its diversity. We have so much to offer, other cities have already their cards on the table... ours are still in our hands.... How do you describe Birmingham to friends 'back home'? A great and surprising city, come, taste and let me know - you will be surprised! If you've had friends/family come visit what have been their comments? Obviously everything's is in English... cleanliness of some areas needs attention - not so much in public areas, but in some of the places of interest visited. What plans do you have for the hotel in the near future? We strongly believe in Birmingham's potential. On the actual hotel although the bedrooms have been refurbished three years ago, we will spend around £10K per room next year to upgrade our product, and upgrading will be done in the bar and restaurant as well. We have a big brand new Jacuzzi in our leisure club. We are working on a project of 100 new bedrooms with a ballroom for 250 people. See - still on the move to improve... If you were marketing Birmingham, how would you sell the city to the world... sum up the city in a phrase... Birmingham - the city of a thousand surprises! You will know only if you come and see yourself.... Do not listen to old stories.... Make your own!
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