Listening to Danny Pecorelli speak about the hotel group he leads, there is no denying the passion he feels for the experience created for guests at each one of his properties.
All distinct and individual in their way, the six hotels that make up the Exclusive Collection are run with exacting standards – not least the B Corp accreditation that means they reach the highest standards for sustainability and their ethical approach to business.
“We were the first UK hotel group in the UK to be B Corp accredited and we join the likes of Waitrose, WH Smith, Abel & Cole and Ben & Jerry being recognised as an uber ethical business,” explained Danny.
His pedigree in hospitality is top-notch. Danny’s father Giuseppe was Managing Director of Trust House Forte hotel group before founding the Exclusive Collection with the purchase of Pennyhill Park in 1981.
“I have two brothers and a sister but I am the only one in the business. There’s no doubt you need to have a passion to work in hospitality so you can enjoy it and be committed,” he said.
The pandemic dealt a harsh blow for the industry as a whole but Danny believes the Exclusive Collection weathered the worst of the storm by offering both experiences and plenty of beautiful outdoor space at their properties.
Pennyhill Park is a luxury hotel and spa set in 120 acres of Surrey parkland and facilities include the official training ground for the England rugby team.
“Having experiences, space, great locations and beautiful historic buildings means we have been able to tick every box.
“We have a loyal following and 85% of FTSE 100 users have good brand recognition of the Exclusive Collection,” he said.
More than just offering meeting rooms and hospitality for corporate clients, Danny explained they have worked hard to create experience packages for business clients to enjoy.
“We can create the perfect package around meetings so you can start the day with a yoga class or forest bathing before starting the meeting or training session,” he said
Across the group, Exclusive Collection spends £20m a year on food and drink. They buy-locally and grow their own – selling more English sparkling wines than any Champagne brands.
“We are passionate about our hyperlocal producers and our first question is always can we grow it or can we locally source an item.
“We use South Downs Water, have our very own orchards and kitchen gardens, we are even planting in partnership with Ridgeview our own vineyard at South Lodge on 5.4 hectares,” he said.
