Histoires d’Ambassadors de l’équipe Ambassade

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?

Kun je ons wat vertellen over je werk bij het Ambassade Hotel? Hoe lang werk je hier al en hoe ben je hier terechtgekomen? Met welke functie ben je hier begonnen en waar ben je nu?

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.

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’ve been working here for 17 years now. I started through a temporary agency, but I quickly became a permanent employee. My career began as a breakfast server and baggage handler, but from the start, I was also involved in checking guests in. It has always been a small, family-run business, truly a family business.

What makes the Ambassade Hotel unique for you? What sets it apart from other places you’ve worked?

We want to give our guests the feeling of a ‘home away from home,’ unlike other hotels where the staff often remains invisible. Here, we have the freedom to be ourselves and provide that unique, personalized service that truly makes a difference.

Can you share a moment or memory that is most memorable to you during your time here? What made it so special for you?

Once upon a time, there was a high society lady from New York who was a regular guest of ours. Her portrait, painted by Andy Warhol, hangs in the MET in New York. She always called me her “Dutch son,” and whenever she stayed here, I was her right-hand man. Since I didn’t want to accept tips, she would always give me wonderful gifts. We often dined together at Zuid Zeeland. I was scheduled to visit her at the end of June 2010, but unfortunately, she passed away in April of that year. She was an extraordinary woman. On another occasion, I even personally delivered two towels to Paris for a guest and handed them over at her home.

What motivates you to come to work every day? Are there specific aspects of your job that you really enjoy?

The guests, the diversity of guests, and the valuable connections with returning guests.

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?

The Ambassade Hotel has truly shaped me and brought me into balance, both professionally and personally. It’s where I became an adult.

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?

I’ve built strong relationships with my colleagues. Although I don’t often meet them privately, the bond is very close. Over the years, various colleagues and their families have become good acquaintances, whom I still visit occasionally during my travels.

How do you see the future of the Ambassade Hotel? Are there certain developments or changes you’re excited about?

I truly see great prospects for the hotel as long as we remain true to the Ambassade style. This unique style is what makes the hotel so special.

If you could give one piece of advice to future employees of the Ambassade Hotel, what would it be?

Embrace personal service and direct contact with guests. Seize every opportunity to engage in small conversations in a natural, informal yet respectful manner. Always maintain a U-shape, ensuring you show respect and attention to the guests.

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 about the relationships you’ve built with colleagues and guests during your time here? Are there 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 certain developments or changes you’re 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.