Motivated employees are given the opportunity to grow and develop within the Group - both professionally and personally. We are proud to have many longtime employees with us who have already been able to advance several rungs on the career ladder.

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Read an interview with Lisa Lauener - one of many great success stories within Hauenstein Hotels.

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As a reception manager you are always present, attentive, and concerned about the well-being of the guests. When did you realize that customer contact suits you?

As a child, the thought of working at the post office counter thrilled me. When I later discovered the hotel industry, I saw a chance to fulfill my desire for customer interaction by becoming a reception manager. The reception desk is the heart of the hotel, and I can ensure that everyone feels well looked after.

What motivated you to apply for a job at the Belvédère Strandhotel in Spiez in 2015 after completing your hotel management apprenticeship in Adelboden?

Actually, there was no job posted at all. I simply submitted a spontaneous online application! (laughs) As a native of Frutigen, I mainly looked around for exciting businesses in the Bernese Oberland. It's important to me to identify with the style and service of the hotel of which I am the "representative face" so to speak. It made sense to try my luck at the renowned four-star superior hotel on Lake Thun - a place where I would like to spend holidays myself, especially because of the hotel's own beach... (grins). Luck surely played a part in being in the right place at the right time!

Later on there was certainly more than luck involved: What pushed you further?

Careful decisions like the one to complete the practical part of my further education at the hotel management school not in the Belvédère Strandhotel, but at the Widder Hotel in Zurich. Young as I was, I wanted to breathe some new, more urban air!

What led you to return to the Hauenstein Hotels after your "wandering years"?

I always maintained my friendships with team members of the Belvédère Strandhotel. One day, during a quick visit, the hotel directors surprised me with an offer to become the Reception Manager. As much as I liked Zurich, the distance had made me realize that something was lacking. I was quick to accept this great opportunity with gratitude!

What has contributed significantly to the fact that you are now up to a management position at only 26 years of age?

Certainly, the theoretical knowledge from my specialist training, which I could apply directly in practice. But above all, the cooperative management style focusing on good working relationships - I now adopt a similar style in my new position. My bosses always supported me when addressing areas for improvement, finding solutions, and furthering my development. I also listen to my employees and include them in processes. This is crucial to ensure we function as a well-coordinated team - and that guests thank us for our courteous service at the end of their stay.    

Your second start at the Belvédère Strandhotel on 1 March 2020 virtually coincided with the lockdown. What did you do in the months that the hotel doors remained closed?

One consolation was that the business was closed for a few weeks anyway due to extensive renovations and expansions. Among other things, we used the time to push ahead with the digitalisation of certain services, such as the online registration form or voucher orders via the online shop. There are services that we could digitize, but we don't want to because we value the personal contact. ... by the way, I really missed the irregular working hours!

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Now, nearly a year later, the moment has arrived! Life is reemerging in the newly renovated premises... What are you most excited about?

The whole team is enthusiastically back to everyday business - it happens automatically when you have hospitality in your blood... We are especially excited to see how the guests - currently mainly individual tourists from within Switzerland - like the brand new design. I look forward to seeing all the happy faces of our guests enjoying the sunset over the picturesque Spiez Bay from the new, stylish "Captain's Bar".

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