Paul York's Ongoing Focus on the Cliff House

Paul York has been working for the Cliff House since 1997. For some people, the hospitality industry’s long hours and demanding pace might be too much.

But Paul York thrives on delivering top service and creating lasting memories for his historic hotel’s business and leisure guests. The California-born hotelier gained experience at The Broadmoor Hotel, and was hired to help open the restored Cliff House property during 1997.

While the theater and music studies graduate hopes to one day have more time to pursue his music interests, for now he continues to oversee the remodel and expansion of a second Cliff House property.

York took time recently to tell CSBJ about himself and his business

Organization
The Cliff House at Pikes Peak

Position
General manager

Hometown
Irvine, California

How long have you lived in Colorado Springs
Since 1980

Education
I studied theater and music at Orange Coast College.

A few words about your organization
The Cliff House is a AAA Four-Diamond luxury boutique hotel and dining establishment. It opened during 1874 and is the second oldest operating hotel in Colorado.

Recent accomplishments
We’re opening the new east addition, which includes an upgraded fitness room, the Red Mountain Bar and Grill, and exciting new function space, which will include our new wedding pavilion with a sliding glass wall facing the foothills that provides an open-air experience. We also are getting very close to approval on the Cliff House West project, which will include 79 rooms, an indoor pool and a 4,800-square-foot ballroom.

Biggest career break/accomplishment
My 15 years with The Broadmoor and my promotion to general manager here at The Cliff House.

The toughest part of your job
Reducing staff levels with the knowledge of how it will impact them and their families.

Someone you admire
Anyone who volunteers their time to serve others.

About your family
My wife, Tammy, and I have three sons (David, Ian and Tyler) and a granddaughter, Gia. My mother and my sister’s family are all here in Colorado Springs.

Something else you’d like to accomplish
If there’s time, I’d like to get into the music production and publishing business.

How your business will change during the next decade
1859 Historic Hotels is a very stable company that buys and holds its assets for the long haul. It has committed to more than $1.6 million of improvements to The Cliff House, and it is willing to commit about $20 million toward The Cliff House West expansion project. I believe the next 10 years will be laden with challenges and opportunities.

What book are you currently reading?
The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis.

What is the one thing you would change about Colorado Springs?
I would love to see a much more vibrant original music scene with plenty of support from the community.

By Staff Writer, The Colorado Springs Business Journal