Over the past 100 years, many members of the Seymour family have worked for, or contributed towards the business. From George & Ada who began our journey back in 1920, to Matthew our Group Operations Executive, who is the fifth generation to work in the business, here are just some of the family members who have shaped Seymour Hotels over the past century.
First generation
Watching George and Ada’s guesthouse (Merton House) grow inspired George Andrew and Mary Ann (George’s parents) to retire to Jersey & purchase Kalimna Hall in 1920 (soon to become Portelet Hotel). George Andrew & George Frederick came together to establish Seymour Hotels (Jersey) Ltd in 1928.
Second generation
George & Ada honeymooned in Jersey in 1919 and fell in love with the island and their guesthouse experience. They packed up their London life and made the move to Jersey in 1920 to establish Merton House.
Their accomplishments include relocating and extending The Merton Hotel, establishing Mascot Motors, acquiring L’Etacq Hotel, Plemont Developments, Greve De Lecq Pavillion, Pomme d’Or Hotel, La Plage Hotel… not to mention having to 'rise from the ashes' in 1945 after the German occupation!
Second generation
This love story started with a Seymour hotel reservation! Stan Mason wrote a letter to George Andrew to request a room at the Merton Hotel in the first two weeks of July 1928. Stan obviously had a great stay, and ended up marrying George Andrew & Mary Ann's daughter, Gladys, in 1930 at The Portelet Hotel. Stan Mason became General Manager at The Merton Hotel in 1931 – it was under his leadership that the Hotel really grew and flourished in the pre-war, post-war and honeymoon years.
Third generation
Pat was the Manager at Tams in St Brelade's Bay. Tams was popular with honeymooners staying at both the Merton Hotel & La Plage Hotel, as the base for picnics, beach games & cabaret shows - all included within the Seymour Hotels’ entertainment itinerary. Many happy memories were made!
Pictured: Pat as a child with her sister Joan and parents George Frederick & Ada Seymour.
Third generation
Although Duncan didn’t officially work for Seymour Hotels, he did offer significant assistance gathering all of the furniture & equipment which had been spread across the island by the Germans during the occupation. This was a huge help in enabling Seymour Hotels to re-build the business after the devastating damage.
Pictured: Duncan as a baby.
Third generation
A former Director of Seymours Limited, Derek started working for Seymour Hotels as Manager at La Plage Hotel. He was then appointed Manager of the Pomme d'Or Hotel, before going on to become the Director responsible for Mascot Motors. Derek had a great interest for boating and was a former serving member of RNLI Jersey.
Third generation
Robin started working for Seymour Hotels in 1952 aged 22, having studied at Lausanne Hotel School. He began as Junior Manager at the Merton Hotel, then moved to The Pavilion at Greve de Lecq Bay. He returned to the Merton as Deputy Manager, before becoming joint Managing Director of the company with his father (George Frederick).
He established Seymour Services Laundry, Le Coie Hotel, Seymour Hotels & Holidays, Seymour Travel Shop, and developed much of the Seymour portfolio to maintain pace with changing tourism trends.
Current role: Chairman
Third generation
Robin and Rita married in 1954. Rita started working for Seymour Hotels the same year as a receptionist at La Plage Hotel, prior to joining Robin to run The Pavilion, Greve de Lecq. Rita was appointed General Manager La Plage Hotel in 1958 and, along with Robin, was responsible for the complete redevelopment of the hotel which re-opened as Jersey’s finest 4 star Hotel in 1963 as Hotel de la Plage.
Rita went on to become Group Housekeeping Director Seymour Hotels & remains to this day as Director of Seymours Limited.
Current role: Director
Third generation
Lawrence started working for Seymour Hotels at the Pomme d’Or Hotel as a Junior Manager. He then moved, with his wife Gillian whom he had met at Lausanne Hotel School, to manage The Pavilion at Greve de Lecq, before becoming General Manager at Hotel De La Plage – a position which Lawrence and Gillian’s son, Timothy, would also eventually hold.
Upon the acquisition of Le Coie Hotel, Lawrence then took on responsibility for both hotels. Lawrence sadly passed away in South Africa on 26 July 2021.
Fourth generation
As a highly respected HR professional, Sue joined the company in 1997 as the Human Resources Director, and remains to this day as Director of Seymour Hotels Ltd. Her artwork can be seen around the Belvedere in the Merton Hotel.
Current role: Director
Fourth generation
David started working for Seymour Hotels in 1981 after studying Hotel, Catering & Tourism Administration at Surrey University, following many early years' work experience in the hotels. He was appointed Managing Director in 1996. As MD, David established the Merton Aquadome, acquired the Watersplash and Greenhills Hotel, developed the Merton Suites & Residence De La Plage, and continues to develop the existing Seymour portfolio.
Current role: Managing Director
Fourth generation
Another Seymour love story! David’s childhood sweetheart, Tina, joined the group before David as Rita Seymour’s assistant. It was working for the Seymour Group that allowed David and Tina to reconnect as friends before Tina officially joined the Seymour family. Tina remains actively involved day-to-day as Housekeeping Director.
Current role: Group Housekeeping Director
Fifth generation
David & Tina's son, Matthew started working for Seymour Hotels in 2017 and is currently our Group Operations Executive. Matthew and his wife Ashleigh have a son Noah & (very recently) a daughter Ophelia. Welcome to the family!
Current role: Group Operations Executive
