A Day in the Life of a Kempinski Hotel

Every day an ensemble of dedicated individuals works tirelessly to set the scene for our discerning guests, performing time-honoured tasks and rhythms replicated around the world, across cultures and time zones. 

BEFORE BREAKFAST

As sunrise illuminates the Chao Phraya River, Florist Sittawat Nopwaritpol walks into the lobby of Siam Kempinski Hotel Bangkok to inspect a colourful masterpiece of lemon yellow and deep violet flowers. After 14 years at the hotel, Khun Bird, as he is known to colleagues, is a master of his craft, carefully removing old petals, refreshing the water and adding new blooms to each radiant bunch. In Berlin, Mario Weidner, Head Florist at Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin, is browsing the wholesale markets seeking beautiful blossoms that capture the spirit of the season.

At Kempinski Hotel Barbaros Bay Bodrum, Chief Gardener Mahir Yılmaz inspects the manicured gardens and makes a plan for the day ahead: creative enhancements, routine pruning and seasonal tasks that keep the gardens looking their best. By 7:30, Ellen Theresa Onyame, Electrical Technician at Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City Accra, begins her rounds, inspecting every light bulb, circuit breaker and electrical panel in Galleria Mall. Enrico Meyer, Painter & Varnisher at Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten Kempinski Munich, checks in with the technical department to find out which guest rooms require a fresh coat.

In Mexico, Verónica Andrea Carvajal Pech, Housekeeping Supervisor at Kempinski Hotel Cancún starts her rounds. Unseen behind closed doors, a legion of housekeepers begins the daily routine carried out at hotels around the world to make each room look Kempinski-fresh. Crisp bed linen is tucked tightly under mattresses, fluffy towels are hung in bathrooms and minibars are restocked with tempting treats, while flowers are refreshed, fruit bowls arranged and surfaces polished. Spick and span, the room is ready for another unforgettable stay.

Mario Weidner has been part of the team at Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin for over 20 years.

Sittawat Nopwaritpol (known as Khun Bird) found his passion for floristry during an internship that was part of his hotel management degree. 

Verónica Andrea Carvajal Pech supervises the housekeeping team at Kempinski Hotel Cancún.

Chief Gardener Mahir Yılmaz’s day always starts with an inspection of the hotel’s gardens. 

Learn more about Kempinski careers here. 

MORNING ROUTINES

Stephan Interthal, Area General Manager, Kempinski Hotel Corvinus Budapest, greets his colleagues and guests as he walks through the lobby. As the most senior colleague on the property, he is responsible for orchestrating the entire performance and making every guest feel welcome. No two days are alike, but having been a hotelier since 1979, very few things could rattle this experienced professional.

In Dresden, Vasyl Rudolf, Back of House Manager at Hotel Taschenbergpalais Kempinski Dresden begins to organise the day’s schedule, liaising with the food and beverage team and other departments to ensure everything is running smoothly. This is the engine shed of the entire operation: the fast-moving legs of the elegant swan that glides effortlessly across the surface of the lake.

In Berlin, Mario Weidner is assembling several large new flower arrangements destined for the Winter Garden. Later, he will prepare special bouquets for guests celebrating a wedding anniversary, going out of his way to ensure expectations are exceeded. He recalls how HRH Queen Elizabeth II loved yellow flowers and how he made sure her suite was filled with blooms on royal visits. 

At 12:00, Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea Kitchen Artist Pasan Chamudika begins his shift. From fruit and ice to chocolate and butter, this gifted individual can turn everyday items into works of art, combining different colours and textures to bring his ideas to life. Today he is putting the finishing touches to an intricate Arc de Triomphe design, demanding intense focus, patience and precision.

MID-AFTERNOON MAINTENANCE

In the early afternoon, Ellen Theresa Onyame is carrying out maintenance on a suite, assessing all the lights, sockets and other electricals to make sure they are functioning correctly. There’s always something to be done in Accra’s most prestigious address. Meanwhile, Mustafa Kocabal, Security Officer at Çırağan Palace Kempinski Istanbul is inspecting the gates and patrolling the perimeter on the banks of the Bosphorus. He anticipates a quiet day, but part of his job is to anticipate the unexpected, so he is always alert to unforeseen challenges - watchful yet unflappable.

At 15:00, Dicky Hartono, Bar Manager at Firefly in Sindhorn Kempinski Hotel Bangkok, prepares for a busy night ahead. Having checked the schedule for details of any special events, he returns calls from suppliers, checks on stock levels and places an order for extra herbs and fruit; essentials for his legendary G&Ts. 

After a busy morning applying a fresh coat of paint to several guestrooms and one of the hotel’s 150 exterior window frames, Enrico Meyer begins the painstaking process of repairing scratches on a two-metre canvas in the hotel corridor. Exercising his creative license, the artist channels Munich’s long artistic history and breathes new life into the artwork.

It took Kitchen Artist Pasan Chamudika ten days to construct this miniature version of the Arc de Triomphe. 

Ellen Theresa Onyame is an Electrical Technician who would love to see more women working in this traditionally male-dominated field. 

Mustafa Kocabal credits meticulous planning as the cornerstone of his success as an efficient and effective Security Officer. 

Working as a Back of House Manager, Vasyl Rudolf’s role supports all employees working at Hotel Taschenbergpalais Kempinski Dresden. 

Stephan Interthal, Area General Manager, has been with Kempinski since 1993 and says that his favourite part of the job is interacting with guests and team members on a daily basis. 

WHEN NIGHT FALLS

As the shadows grow long in the gardens of Bodrum, colleagues around the world begin to clean their tools and workstations. Verónica Andrea Carvajal Pech has finished her inspections and sends her report to the technical department noting a scuff in one of the suites that needs attention. For Vasyl Rudolf, the day’s tasks have been successfully completed and tomorrow’s plan finalised. For both of them teamwork, collaboration and a job well done are the source of pride and contentment.

Around 19:00, Stephan Interthal takes a call from the head of a large international delegation expected the following day. Preparations complete, he does the rounds and checks in with as many colleagues as he can: inspiring and motivating his team as a good leader should. The pleasant hum of conversation and laughter drifts from the hotel’s bars and restaurants and he heads home, confident that he leaves his beloved hotel in good hands.

Later, at 2:00, after a busy night at Firefly, Dicky Hartono sends his daily report before shutting down his computer and turning out the lights. On his way out, he bids goodnight to the Night Manager, who knows better than anyone that no matter where you are in the world, a hotel never sleeps, it only rests. In a few hours, the curtain will rise again, thanks to the tireless work of the unsung heroes of Kempinski.

If you enjoyed this, get an insight into the life of a Michelin-starred chef with this feature on Chef Ulrich Heimann from Kempinski Hotel Berchtesgaden.