At Ambassade Group, we highly value the experiences and growth of our employees. Our dedicated team members play a crucial role in the success of our organization, and their stories provide unique insights into what it’s like to work with us. Discover how our esteemed employees have grown, the challenges they’ve overcome, and why they choose to be part of our family business. Be inspired and see what it means to be part of Ambassade Group.
Eelco Douma
Can you tell us a bit about your work at the Ambassade Hotel? How long have you been working here and how did you come to join us? What position did you start with and where are you now?
Don’t be shocked: since March 1, 1994, I joined as a receptionist after submitting an open application to Ireen. Around the turn of the century, I was Front Office Manager for a few years, and since a reorganization in 2002, I’ve been the Reservations Manager. Additionally, since 1998, I’ve managed the hotel’s book collection part-time as a librarian.
What makes the Ambassade Hotel unique for you? What sets it apart from other places you’ve worked?
During and shortly after my studies at the University of Amsterdam, I worked for a few years in two other boutique hotels nearby: the hotel before this one was much smaller, a kind of mini-Ambassade Hotel at the time, where a total of 6 people worked. There was also unique art on the walls and staying writers. But that hotel was forced to be sold, and the larger scale of the Ambassade Hotel, and thus a more professional approach, made it more challenging for me to work here.
Can you share a moment or memory that is most memorable to you during your time here? What made it so special for you?
Managing the reservation process and then welcoming our most famous guests has always been the challenge that sticks with me the most. Feel free to ask me who I mean. Secretly, I’m a bit of a stargazer. Unfortunately, in a period of over 30 years, you also experience less pleasant things; that is inevitable.
What motivates you to come to work every day? Are there specific aspects of your job that you really enjoy?
I am very happy that I can now fully focus on reservations, but even then, it’s always a surprise to see what happens: even after all this time, we still get requests that I’ve never encountered before. Furthermore, colleague Joost and I get the most satisfaction when we see that the hotel’s occupancy and revenue are as expected or even better.
In what ways has the Ambassade Hotel shaped you personally and professionally? Are there specific skills or lessons you’ve learned during your time here?
Oh certainly, I’ve learned to become more assertive and in a calmer way than I used to. I’ve also learned to be more critical of the information others present to you.
Can you tell us about the relationships you’ve built with colleagues and guests during your time here? Are there moments that stand out to you?
Well, hahaha: first of all, I met my wife, who was a colleague at our company Koan Float, here and our daughter now works in the hotel’s restaurant, how great is that? One of my best friends was a part-time colleague from my early years at the hotel; he is now a psychiatrist: a great combination for when I want to vent. With a few regular hotel guests, I occasionally have dinner, and with one guest/writer, I have an administrative role in his literary foundation.
How do you see the future of the Ambassade Hotel? Are there certain developments or changes you’re excited about?
There are again some beautiful renovation plans, which could even add a few more rooms. I understand that these are not realized overnight, but they are very promising.
If you could give one piece of advice to future employees of the Ambassade Hotel, what would it be?
Above all, don’t rush things; get used to the company and the way of working first. See if you can feel at home here. Take your time for a possible next step within the company; you won’t regret it, because it’s truly a very beautiful and special hotel.
Joost van der Kwaak
Can you tell us a bit about your work at the Ambassade Hotel? How long have you been working here and how did you come to join us? What position did you start with and where are you now?
Currently, I am the Revenue Manager of the hotel, and I focus on optimizing room revenue. This optimization is achieved by matching supply and demand, applying stay restrictions when necessary, and carefully determining the best room rates at the right times.
Except for a two-year break, I have been working at the hotel since March 2001. I was initially hired as a night receptionist. This was a part-time job alongside my history studies, and I worked only six to seven night shifts per month. After a year as a night receptionist, at the hotel’s request, I switched to the day reception with a similar number of monthly shifts, which I did with great pleasure until August 2008. In the summer of 2008, I moved to Dublin, where I spent time finishing my studies and working as an interpreter and, once again, as a hotel receptionist.
In August 2010, I returned to Amsterdam and the hotel, initially working full-time as Assistant Front Office Manager, and a year later as Front Office Manager. Since December 2012, I have worked as Guest Relations Manager, and in the following years, in addition to daily operations, I have focused more on reservations and room pricing. I am now the Revenue Manager.
What makes the Ambassade Hotel unique for you? What sets it apart from other places you’ve worked?
The hotel is located in several canal houses in a very beautiful spot in Amsterdam, which is quite special. I am a reader and also enjoy the fact that the hotel is a ‘Writers’ Hotel,’ often hosting (international) authors.
Can you share a moment or memory that is most memorable to you during your time here? What made it so special for you?
I have plenty of memories, and over the years, I’ve had a lot of fun and laughter with both guests and colleagues. It’s also nice when an author (or film director) whose work I admire checks in.
What motivates you to come to work every day? Are there specific aspects of your job that you really enjoy?
I enjoy that you always have to be ‘on’ at a hotel, as the work never really stops. It’s challenging to ensure that operations run as smoothly as possible every day and that our high (online) ratings remain at the same high level. Enjoying might be a big word, but as a ‘seller,’ I can appreciate a reservation that brings us significant revenue. It’s also satisfying when the hotel is fully booked (and the restaurant too), the organization is running smoothly, and the guests are happy.
How would you describe the company culture at the Ambassade Hotel? Are there certain values that are really emphasized?
Although there is, of course, a certain hierarchy, the company culture is quite horizontal, and everyone’s door is open for consultation or a friendly chat. It’s informal but professional, and at times, pleasantly hectic. There is also a clear shared goal regarding the hotel’s occupancy rate and the way we treat guests (and each other).
In what ways has the Ambassade Hotel shaped you personally and professionally? Are there specific skills or lessons you’ve learned during your time here?
I have learned to work well with others in this hotel, to plan effectively, and have maintained my foreign language skills (since we mainly communicate with guests in English, French, and German). I’ve also become proficient in various reservation systems and programs focused on yield management.
Can you tell us about the relationships you’ve built with colleagues and guests during your time here? Are there moments that stand out to you?
Some colleagues I now consider almost family, as I see them almost as often as my own family, and we have worked together intensively over the years. Colleagues I met as young teenagers are now fathers or mothers, and it’s nice to see those changes.
How do you see the future of the Ambassade Hotel? Are there certain developments or changes you’re excited about?
I am content with my current role, and it is certainly still challenging enough. I can get excited about upcoming renovations in the hotel, which will indirectly impact my work. I also hope that staff turnover will decrease in the future, but maybe that is just inherent to the industry we work in.
If you could give one piece of advice to future employees of the Ambassade Hotel, what would it be?
Do your best, be on time, be kind to your colleagues and guests, so you quickly become a valued colleague in a warm work environment.
Wim Breden
Can you tell us a bit about your work at the Ambassade Hotel? How long have you been working here and how did you come to join us? What position did you start with and where are you now?
What makes the Ambassade Hotel unique for you? What sets it apart from other places you’ve worked?
Can you share a moment or memory that is most memorable to you during your time here? What made it so special for you?
What motivates you to come to work every day? Are there specific aspects of your job that you really enjoy?
How would you describe the company culture at the Ambassade Hotel? Are there certain values that are really emphasized?
Classically familial, without rigid hierarchies. Everyone gets along well, regardless of their position. The social norms are informal, and it truly feels like a family hotel.
In what ways has the Ambassade Hotel shaped you personally and professionally? Are there specific skills or lessons you’ve learned during your time here?
Can you tell us about the relationships you’ve built with colleagues and guests during your time here? Are there moments that stand out to you?
How do you see the future of the Ambassade Hotel? Are there certain developments or changes you’re excited about?
If you could give one piece of advice to future employees of the Ambassade Hotel, what would it be?
Peter Veenstra
Can you tell us a bit about your work at the Ambassade Hotel? How long have you been working here and how did you get here? What position did you start with and where are you now?
I have been working at the Ambassade Hotel for over 13 years. I came through the employment agency Technicum as an interim head of the Technical Department. After six months, they asked me to take on the position permanently.
What makes the Ambassade Hotel unique for you? What sets it apart from other workplaces where you have worked?
The history of the surroundings, the beautiful buildings which are all national monuments, and taking the best possible care of them. The family business and the good relationship with colleagues.
Can you share a moment or memory that is most memorable to you during your time here? What made it so special for you?
I have fond memories of the many literary salons, where the technical department provided the sound, and the musical salons. The first COVID-19 period was also very special. The hotel was empty and I was doing maintenance work on the roof of room 18. The city was completely silent, no airplanes were flying over, and when the clock struck 11, I could hear the carillons of several towers. I found that very special.
What motivates you to come to work every day? Are there specific aspects of your job that you really enjoy?
I am always motivated to come; it feels like my company. I am responsible for all the technology and buildings, and I cannot let that go.
How would you describe the company culture at the Ambassade Hotel? Are there certain values that are really emphasized?
Warm, correct, polite, and respectful.
In what ways has the Ambassade Hotel shaped you personally and professionally? Are there specific skills or lessons you have learned during your time here?
I have been exposed to many types of art and have learned to appreciate them.
Can you tell us something about the relationships you have built with colleagues and guests during your time here? Are there any moments that stand out to you?
I have a special relationship with a number of colleagues; some feel like family.
How do you see the future of the Ambassade Hotel? Are there any developments or changes that you are excited about?
Very positive. I hope all the renovation plans go through, then the hotel will be completely ready for the next 25 years. Due to the hotel’s location, the future is very bright. Although I am nearing the end of my career, I can hardly wait to experience that.
If you could give one piece of advice to future employees of the Ambassade Hotel, what would it be?
This is a wonderful place to work. The Ambassade Group is an excellent employer. I don’t think it will be better anywhere else. If there is something you don’t like, talk about it. You will always find a listening ear.
Kepi Prasad Sapkota
Can you tell us a bit about your work at the Ambassade Hotel? How long have you been working here and how did you come to join us? What position did you start with and where are you now?
I have been working at the Ambassade Hotel for six years now. I started as a Reception Assistant and then moved to the Brasserie. Since 2021, I have transitioned to the Accounting department.
What makes the Ambassade Hotel unique for you? What sets it apart from other places you’ve worked?
The genuine service provided by all our employees to our guests makes our company truly unique. We take care of both our guests and each other, and this message is clearly noticeable throughout the workplace.
Can you share a moment or memory that is most memorable to you during your time here? What made it so special for you?
One of the most memorable moments during my time here is the small conversations you can have with guests in the hallway or tackling a group dinner with your close-knit colleagues. These interactions are special enough to keep me energized every day.
What motivates you to come to work every day? Are there specific aspects of your job that you really enjoy?
The ability to use my talents where they are needed.
How would you describe the company culture at the Ambassade Hotel? Are there certain values that are really emphasized?
As a family business with a strong passion and philosophy, we constantly strive to provide our guests with a unique experience. These core values of hospitality are intertwined with an ambiance of art and literature.
In what ways has the Ambassade Hotel shaped you personally and professionally? Are there specific skills or lessons you’ve learned during your time here?
Over the past years, I have learned a lot both personally and professionally. In the restaurant, I gained extensive knowledge about cocktails, wines, and recipes. In the Accounting department, I have learned a lot about the administrative workings of the company and the relationships that make the hotel’s existence possible.
Can you tell us about the relationships you’ve built with colleagues and guests during your time here? Are there moments that stand out to you?
Absolutely. The smiles and little jokes behind the scenes in the pantry are indispensable and make the work enjoyable. The different personalities of colleagues and guests create unique connections based on companionship and respect. These interactions are special and valuable.
How do you see the future of the Ambassade Hotel? Are there certain developments or changes you’re excited about?
I see a bright future for the hotel and the entire Ambassade Group. I believe that a proactive and positive attitude in dealing with changes and challenges will ensure that everything eventually falls into place.
If you could give one piece of advice to future employees of the Ambassade Hotel, what would it be?
Always put the guest first. It is the core of everything we do here. Work with joy and passion, as this will make you feel good within the company. There are plenty of opportunities to grow, so seize every chance to learn and develop.
