We’re so excited to have South Place Hotel as the Host Hotel for Journeys United Kingdom 2025! It’s a place that blends luxury, creativity, and a great vibe - just like our event. To give you a peek behind the scenes, we sat down with the man who makes it all happen, General Manager Dean Culpan. He shared his journey, what makes South Place so special, and why he’s thrilled to be part of Journeys UK 2025.
Tell us about your role at South Place Hotel.
As General Manager, I oversee everything that keeps the hotel running smoothly - rooms, dining, events, you name it. My job is to make sure every guest has an unforgettable stay, while also keeping the business growing. I work closely with our team to make sure South Place stays at the top of London’s hospitality scene.
What’s your background in hospitality?
I’ve been in hospitality for over 20 years, working in luxury and boutique hotels across the UK and beyond. I’ve done a bit of everything - operations, food & beverage, revenue management- so I know what it takes to run a great hotel. At the end of the day, my passion is creating amazing guest experiences and leading a team that loves what they do.
What drew you to South Place Hotel? From the moment I walked in, I knew this place was different. It’s not just a hotel - it’s a lifestyle. The mix of art, food, and design makes it truly unique. I joined two years ago because I saw so much potential, and I wanted to help take it to the next level. Since then, we’ve hit record guest satisfaction scores and made South Place one of the city’s most exciting destinations.
What are some challenges you face in your role? Keeping things fresh and exciting while balancing the day-to-day running of a busy hotel. Guest expectations are higher than ever, and we’re always finding new ways to surprise and delight them. External factors like staffing and economic shifts also play a role, but at the end of the day, a great hotel is built on a great team - and I make sure ours stays motivated and inspired.
What trends are shaping the luxury travel industry?
People want more than just a nice room; they want experiences they’ll remember. There’s a growing demand for unique, personalised stays - think private dining with the chef or behind-the-scenes city tours. Sustainability is also huge, with guests looking for hotels that genuinely care about the planet. Plus, luxury is becoming more about personality - independent hotels like ours have a big advantage over big corporate brands.
What’s next for South Place Hotel?
We’ll keep building on what makes us special - amazing food, design, and a personal touch. We want to reach more luxury and lifestyle travellers while keeping our reputation as a go-to spot in London. Collaborations, brand partnerships, and curated experiences will be a big part of our future.
Why did you decide to be part of Journeys UK 2025?
Journeys is all about meaningful connections, and that’s what hospitality is, too. It’s a chance to meet industry leaders, share ideas, and showcase what makes South Place special. Plus, the Fam-Meet® format makes networking feel natural, not forced - which is exactly how we like to do business.
What’s one issue in hospitality that needs more attention? We talk a lot about recruitment, but not enough about keeping great people in the industry. Hospitality should be a long-term career, not just a stepping stone. We need to invest more in developing talent, giving people real growth opportunities, and making sure our teams feel valued. At the end of the day, happy teams make happy guests.
With Journeys United Kingdom 2025 just around the corner, South Place Hotel isn’t just a venue - it’s a key part of what will make this event special. With Dean leading the way, we’re looking forward to an event full of meaningful connections, unforgettable experiences, and the Fam-Meet® way of doing business. See you in London!
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