With over 30 years in hospitality, David Croucher brings depth, drive, and a people-first ethos to his role as Hotel Manager at The Relais Cooden Beach—a standout beachfront destination on the South Coast.
His journey began in the kitchen, sparked by a love of home economics at Seaford Head School and formal training at ECAT. A two-year apprenticeship with Concorde Hotels laid the foundation for a career that evolved from chef to senior hotel leadership.
David’s path has been shaped by hands-on experience, strategic growth, and a belief in empowering teams. Today, he leads with clarity, consistency, and a passion for creating memorable guest experiences.
What inspired you to pursue a career in hotel management?
I started out wanting to be a chef—the energy of the kitchen, the teamwork, the discipline all drew me in. But I became curious about how hotels worked as a whole. That curiosity turned into a passion for shaping guest experiences and building strong, empowered teams. Hotel management was the natural next step.
How do you balance emerging trends and evolving guests’ preferences?
It’s about listening and adapting. Guests today are informed and experience-driven, so we balance innovation—like tech and wellness—with the timeless fundamentals of great service. Feedback is key, and I trust my team to bring ideas forward. Trends only matter if they’re executed well, and that starts with the people closest to the guest.
Looking back, is there anything you would have done differently?
No. The journey hasn’t always been smooth, but every challenge has taught me something. I’ve learned more from setbacks than successes—they’ve shaped me into a more reflective and empathetic leader.
What defines your management style?
Balanced leadership. I believe in vision and motivation, but also in structure and accountability. I empower decision-making at all levels and lead by example. Trust and consistency are the cornerstones of how I manage.
What are your strategic goals and vision for the hotel?
To establish The Relais Cooden Beach as the South Coast’s go-to beachfront destination. We’re elevating every touchpoint—from F&B to leisure—and aligning with group goals around sustainability, digital innovation, and community engagement. It’s about building loyalty, reputation, and long-term value.
What advice would you give to someone starting out?
Stay curious and open. Hospitality is demanding but deeply rewarding—you can rise from pot wash to Hotel Manager with grit, humility, and a willingness to learn. Listen more than you speak, and treat feedback as a gift. Say yes to opportunities, even when they push you out of your comfort zone. Above all, remember this is a people-first business. How you treat others—guests, colleagues, suppliers—will define your reputation more than anything else.
Two quotes guide my approach: Vince Lombardi’s “Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection, we can catch excellence,” and Gandhi’s “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” Both remind me to lead by example, aim high, and create the culture I want others to follow.