Chelsea Hall is currently the General Manager of Be Our Guest by Bayleys, a short-term holiday home management company based in Queenstown. After graduating from QRC with a Diploma in Hospitality Management in 2016, she started her career in Queenstown at Eichardt’s Private Hotel before heading to Canada, where she worked her way up to a Hotel Operations Manager position.
When Chelsea returned to Queenstown, she shifted from hotels into property management and joined the team at Bayleys to help launch and grow their new holiday home management division.
Chelsea loves the mix of hospitality and business in her role, no two days are ever the same, and there’s always a new challenge (or guest story) to keep things interesting.
Why did you choose to study Hospitality Management?
- My passion for hospitality began when I was 14, working at the clubhouse restaurant of the local golf course. I’ve always enjoyed the fast-paced energy of the industry and engaging with people. I also always loved travelling and staying in/exploring new parts of the world, and felt that this industry would allow me to work and live in incredible destinations around the world.
What was the most memorable part of your time at QRC?
- Living in the QRC lodge for the first six months was a highlight. The lodge experience meant I was able to settle into a new town quickly and made lifelong friendships, which was important for me coming from Australia.
Where did you complete your internship?
- I interned at Eichardt’s Private Hotel in Queenstown as a Guest Services Agent, an opportunity that followed after some unpaid industry placement shifts arranged by QRC. After the internship I continued working at the hotel. A key takeaway from my internship was learning how to manage the expectations of high-profile guests.
Tell us about your journey post QRC – Where have you worked, travelled, studied? What have you been doing since QRC?
- After finishing my studies, I continued at Eichardt’s before heading to Canada for the classic overseas experience. During my time in the hotel industry, I advanced from Guest Services Agent to Hotel Operations Manager, before deciding I wanted a change of pace. I then transitioned into property management with Bayleys, starting as a Viewing Agent and quickly moving into a Property Manager role, overseeing a portfolio of 110+ properties.
Where are you working now?
- I’m currently with Bayleys, as the General Manager for Be Our Guest by Bayleys, a division focused on holiday home management.
Can you share a proud moment or significant achievement from your career?
- My proudest achievement is launching the Holiday Home Management division for Bayleys. Being part of it from inception, building the business and team, and growing to nearly 50 properties managed within the first year has been incredibly rewarding.
How did QRC prepare you for the challenges of your career?
- QRC provided practical experience with real industry exposure. Through my placement at Eichardt’s, I learned how to navigate high-pressure situations, think on my feet, and work confidently, all of which gave me a strong foundation and network to build on.
What do you love most about working in the Hospitality industry?
- I love that no two days are ever the same. There’s always a new challenge to solve, new people to meet, and new opportunities to learn. The dynamic nature of the industry keeps things exciting and constantly pushes you to grow.
What excites you about the future of Hospitality?
- The short-term rental industry is evolving fast, from how we market and price properties to the ways guests discover and book stays. I’m excited by the constant innovation, especially when it comes to technology allowing us to understand traveller behaviours, personalise experiences, and operate far more efficiently.
Do you have any advice for prospective students considering studying at QRC?
- Do it. How often do you get to study something fun, while living in one of the most beautiful parts of New Zealand?
What advice would you give current QRC students?
- Get involved and make the most of every opportunity, you never know where a single connection or placement might lead. Treat every work experience as a chance to showcase your initiative and keep in touch with the people you meet along the way. Those relationships often open unexpected doors later on.
Any exciting plans for the future?
- Right now, my focus is on growing Be Our Guest by Bayleys, expanding our property portfolio, developing our team, and continuing to elevate the standard of holiday home management in the region.
Learn more about our Adventure Tourism Management and Hospitality Management Diplomas.
