DoubleTree by Hilton Coventry Building Society Arena Welcomes New Hotel Manager as Refurbishment Nears Completion

Photo: (L-R) – Mark Smith, Manager of Doubletree by Hilton Coventry Building Society Arena and Paul Michael, Managing Director at Coventry Building Society Arena

A four-star Coventry hotel has appointed a new manager as a major multi-million-pound refurbishment enters its final stage.

Doubletree by Hilton Coventry Building Society Arena has welcomed Mark Smith to lead the team at the 121-bedroom hotel.

Mark brings neary 40 years of hospitality experience to the role, having worked for hotels across the UK, and recently led the serviced apartment portfolio for Coventry University.

He has previous experience working for hotels in the Hilton family, with nearly seven years at Hilton Warwick/Stratford-upon-Avon and two years as General Manager at Doubletree by Hilton Milton Keynes.

Doubletree by Hilton Coventry Building Society Arena has recently completed refurbishment of all its bedrooms, with public spaces and corridors also refreshed around the hotel.

The work has seen the hotel expand its room categories from seven to 13, including pitch view rooms, family rooms and more suites – with premium rooms including an in-room fitness suite for guests to keep active.

The project has also seen the creation of a new lounge for guests to relax overlooking the main atrium and enhancements to the hotel’s restaurant, Faradays.

For 2026, the refurbishment will enter its final phase with major upgrades planned for the ground floor of the hotel, including the hotel lobby and reception area.

Mark said: “I’m joining the hotel at an exciting time, with the refurbishment nearing completion and the Arena seeing major growth too.

“After a couple of years away from hotels, you really do miss the buzz. I already knew some of the team at the venue and hotel from my time with Hilton previously, so it felt like the right time and the perfect fit when the opportunity arose.

“I know the Coventry and wider West Midlands market very well and with the recent investment we have a fantastic platform to build from.

“The busy events schedule at the Arena will continue to provide the bedrock of our business, but the next stage is to grow the hotel as a destination.

“It’s a great opportunity for me. I’m looking forward to building the team, supporting its development and ensuring we continue to deliver the high standard of experience that guests expect from Hilton.”

Paul Michael, Managing Director at Coventry Building Society Arena, said: “It’s fantastic to be welcoming Mark to the team, and his extensive experience will be crucial as the hotel continues to grow and develop.

“Mark brings a strong background in the Hilton family and the wider hospitality sector, alongside the commercial insight and strategic approach required to operate the hotel within a large, multi-functional complex.

“The response to the investment has been incredibly positive so far, with the expanded room categories enabling the hotel to continue providing a premium, varied and modern experience for guests.”