Stock Exchange blog – Get to know Alison

Get to know Alison Rainier, General Manager at the soon-to-open Stock Exchange in Woodstock

The opening of our newest property, Stock Exchange, is imminent. As of 01 March 2019, guests will be able to embrace a culturally rich and artistically engaging stay at this hip hotel, in the heart of Woodstock. The vibrant neighbourhood is home to a host of galleries, studios, boutique shops, artisan’s creative spaces, trendy restaurants and more. It boasts an urban atmosphere and is conveniently located just moments away from Cape Town’s CBD, allowing guests to explore the city’s variety of offerings with great ease and convenience.

Stock Exchange has embraced Woodstock’s creative culture, showcasing art and design in a seamless hospitality experience for which Newmark is well known. Guests will be welcomed to apartment-style rooms that have been designed and curated by Tracy Lee Lynch in three unique expressions namely, Urban Art, Urban Pattern and Urban Jungle. These hotel units will feature furniture, art and décor items which have been crafted by local, Woodstock-based artisans and artists. Each of the contributing creative’s contact details and addresses will be pinpointed on a “design map” in the hotel rooms giving you direct access to the designers, creators and their pieces. This tangible link between the hotel and the community will allow guests to explore the suburb with authentic insight into the neighbourhood. It also allows guests the opportunity to support local artists.

Of course, no hotel is complete without its dedicated staff members that bring the guest experience to life. As mentioned in our most recent newsletter, we’re thrilled to introduce you to Stock Exchange’s General Manager, Alison Rainier. Get to know a bit about Alison even before you book your stay at Stock Exchange – read what she has to say here:

Have you always worked in hospitality?

I studied my degree in Hospitality Management at DIT in Dublin, Ireland. During my studies I was very lucky to do the training portion of my degree at a high-end property in Johannesburg, which was a great starting point for my career. My first job in hospitality was as a Housekeeper in a boutique hotel in the bustling area of Temple Bar in Dublin and my final job in Dublin was as a Duty Manager for a new hotel in Dublin.

I moved back to South Africa in 2006 where I worked for two beautiful properties in Johannesburg. In fact, I first met one of my fellow Newmark GMs there! I was part of the Reservations team at the first property and at the second property, I was the Assistant Operations Manager.

Needing to spread my wings, I left the hospitality industry for a short period of time and stepped into fashion.

However, my passion for hospitality brought me back and, with my then fiancé (now husband), I joined the lodge industry which cemented my passion for hospitality.

I enjoyed wonderful roles thereafter, most notably as the Lodge Manager at a lovely reserve for a year, and then as a GM at another amazing bush property. I spent five glorious years there. I had both of my children during this time but as they grew, they needed a little bit more access to “children’s stuff” like pre-school. As a result, we moved back to the previous reserve where I spent another few years as the GM at two properties, separately.

I moved to Cape Town in December 2017 and took a job outside of the hospitality industry but ultimately, like before, my passion for hospitality drew me back, and I have now proudly joined the Newmark team as the GM of Stock Exchange.

What do you look forward to most about working at Stock Exchange?

I’m really happy to be working with a company (Newmark) and its people who have amazing ideals and thoughts for their employees, and aspirations for their properties. I’m excited to be based in the heart of Woodstock – there is going to be such an energetic vibe and so much excitement at Stock Exchange. I’m also very excited to be working in such a beautiful “artsy” environment. Lastly, but not the least, I can’t wait to officially start working with the Stock Exchange team on a daily basis – I really do believe we have chosen a great team!

What do you believe guests will enjoy most at this property?

I’m absolutely sure that guests are going to love being based in Woodstock, and know that they will enjoy being surrounded by local décor and signature pieces in the units and public areas of the hotel. With our goal of creating a relaxed and friendly environment, while maintaining standards to be proud of, I am confident that guests are further going to enjoy this atmosphere and the opportunities to interact with the Stock Exchange team.

From all of us at Newmark and Stock Exchange, we can’t wait to welcome you to the hotel and let the exploring begin…

Follow Newmark and Stock Exchange on Facebook and Instagram for more exciting news and updates on special offers! You might even be lucky enough to win a stay at Stock Exchange!

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