My journey in hospitality began at 16, working the front desk of a family-run hotel in Cornwall. Over the next 25 years, I witnessed the industry transform from purely service-focused to experience-driven, always keeping guest satisfaction at the heart of every decision.
In 2015, after years as operations director for several luxury hotel chains, I founded Cliffside Hotel Solutions to address a critical gap in the market: quality commercial equipment paired with comprehensive staff training that actually works in real hotel environments.
Today, every solution we provide is battle-tested in working hotels. We understand that excellent guest experiences come from the perfect combination of reliable equipment, well-trained staff, and sustainable operational practices that benefit both your bottom line and the environment.
"Exceptional hotel service is built on three pillars: reliable equipment that never fails your guests, staff who understand both the 'why' and the 'how' behind great hospitality, and sustainable practices that ensure long-term success."
Ria Harman founded Cliffside Hotel Solutions with a focus on commercial equipment excellence
Opened our first professional hotel staff training facility in Devon
Launched partnerships with leading commercial equipment manufacturers for exclusive training programs
Introduced comprehensive energy-efficient equipment selection and sustainable hotel operations training
Won 'Best Training Initiative' award at the Hospitality Excellence Awards for innovative staff development programs
Partnered with 200+ hotels across the UK, providing equipment and training to enhance guest experiences nationwide
Located in the heart of Devon, our state-of-the-art training facility replicates real hotel environments. From fully functional kitchen setups to complete housekeeping stations, our space allows staff to practice with the exact equipment they'll use in their hotels, ensuring confidence and competence from day one.
Our 12,000 square foot facility houses exact replicas of hotel environments, from boutique hotel lobbies to large resort kitchens. Every piece of equipment in our training center is the same commercial-grade machinery our hotel partners use, ensuring our training translates directly to real-world performance.
Ria Harman designed the facility layout based on her 25 years of hotel operations experience, creating training scenarios that mirror the challenges and pace of actual hotel service. This practical approach ensures that staff leave our programs ready to deliver exceptional guest experiences from their first day.
We believe in complete transparency about our equipment sourcing. Every piece of commercial equipment is carefully selected, tested, and documented for reliability and performance in real hotel environments.
Our commitment to quality extends beyond equipment selection to comprehensive training on proper use, maintenance, and troubleshooting. Ria Harman personally vets every supplier and equipment line to ensure they meet our rigorous standards for hotel excellence.
Our training methodology is built on respect for both hospitality professionals and guests. We work only with suppliers and partners who share our ethical standards and commitment to fair employment practices throughout the hospitality industry.
Professional training means empowering hotel staff with both technical skills and confidence. Every training program is led by experienced hospitality professionals in safe, supportive environments. We believe exceptional guest service comes from exceptional staff development.
We're committed to helping hotels reduce their environmental impact while improving profitability. Our energy-efficient equipment selections and sustainable operations training help hotels achieve both environmental and financial goals.
Sustainable operations guide every recommendation we make, from energy-efficient kitchen equipment to waste reduction programs. We partner with green-certified suppliers and help hotels implement renewable energy solutions throughout their operations.
Rigorously testing all commercial equipment before recommending to hotel partners
Conducting hands-on training sessions to ensure staff confidence and competence
Developing sustainable operations plans that reduce costs and environmental impact
Experience our comprehensive training programs and see how we prepare hotel staff for excellence
Watch Ria Harman demonstrate our hands-on training methodology and see how real hotel environments are replicated for maximum learning effectiveness
Our certifications represent more than compliance—they reflect our unwavering commitment to the highest standards of quality, ethics, and environmental responsibility.
Professional Training Standards
ISO 9001 Certified
Health & Safety Executive Approved
Carbon Neutral Certified
Discover equipment and training solutions designed with expertise, tested in real hotels, and delivered with respect for both your staff and your guests