After a «long-standing» career in the Parisian luxury sector, the man who has been managing the newly «3-star» hotel for the past three years appreciates the atmosphere there and works hard with his teams to share it with all the guests who stay there.
From Normandy to La Rochelle: A Promise Kept
Perhaps because of his «Ch’ti» roots, Nicolas Mekil hit it off right away when he joined the B&B La Rochelle Center seven years ago. « I returned to this magnificent city, just as I had promised myself when I was studying science there », he explains right off the bat. Now, as he approaches his 50th birthday, the man who grew up in Normandy has kept his promise, bringing with him «three-star» professional experience.
A Promising Start in the Parisian Retail Market
Unable to find work in the field of marine research, Nicolas moved to Paris to begin a career in business: « I was first hired by Muji, a chain of «design» concept stores that sells bathroom items, clothing, stationery, and many other products—all of which are tasteful. »Starting as assistant manager and then becoming manager himself after a year at the store in Saint-Germain-des-Près, he devoted seven years to this company, playing a key role in the opening of the Louvre boutique. Subsequently, the executives at Monsieur De Fursac—which had since become De Fursac—approached him to help revitalize this high-end clothing brand.
The Turning Point: From Paris to the Mervant Forest, All the Way to the La Rochelle Inn
Although he thoroughly enjoyed spending more than twenty years in an artistic milieu where he met many fascinating people, this sports and shopping enthusiast grew tired of his daily life in Paris and headed for the Mervant Forest, where he managed the five guest rooms at the inn of the same name from 2013 to 2016. « That's where I got my start in the hospitality industry, and it inspired me to return to La Rochelle to look for a job in that sector. »After starting out as a receptionist and then working as a senior receptionist, Nicolas Mekil became the director of B&B La Rochelle Centre in 2023.« The COVID-19 pandemic was a particularly difficult time, but it allowed us to forge strong bonds with our fellow employees and the management team at Cosy Hotels.»
Teamwork, customer service, and moving upmarket: the keys to the «3-star» rating»
Praising the versatility of most of his employees and the’family spirit which is a hallmark of the hotel’s teams, this elegantly dressed manager also appreciates the rapport he builds with guests; « »Whether they're visiting for business or pleasure, most of the people who come to us—and keep coming back—appreciate the customer relationship we've built here." As for the upgrade from «2 stars» to «3 stars,» which took effect for the establishment on April 1, Nicolas Mekil confirms that it is a response to customer expectations and makes perfect sense given the level of services offered. « We simply made a few changes to the furniture and decor, renovated the ceiling in the lobby, and upgraded the amenity tray in the guest rooms to earn this third star. »Highlighting the hotel's location—close to both the train station and downtown—the manager sees the upgrade of certain rooms and the acquisition of the Green Key, a sign that the institution is committed to sustainable development, and promising prospects for its future growth. Stay tuned…