The Untold Secrets of the Hotelier

When you have a chance to talk to leading hoteliers, you quickly learn one thing: the personality of a hotelier is probably the biggest single factor that will affect the overall hotel experience of the guests. Some hoteliers are light-hearted while others are earnest and serious. Some are strict and insist that their hotel runs like clockwork, while others are relaxed and flexible, and always ready to deal with whatever the working day throws at them. All, however, have a passion for hospitality and a story to tell.

When we interview hoteliers, the questions don’t always bring out those all-important personalities, so this time we’d like to present a series of Untold Secrets of the Hotelier by Centara Hotels & Resorts, where our hoteliers have a chance to respond to some of the stereotypical ideas people have about hospitality professionals, and show whether or not there’s any truth behind the statements.

Let’s start by getting to know Mr. Chaiphun Thongsuthum, General Manager of Centra by Centara Maris Jomtien Beach Resort, Pattaya.

You need a hospitality management degree to become a hotelier

Negative! There are many people, like myself, who do not necessarily know what they want to do when they first go to study at university. My studies had nothing to do with hospitality management at all. I got a job at a hotel when I was 21 years of age when Centara Grand at Central Lad Prao was still a Hyatt Hotel. At that time, I was offered many amazing opportunities but I wasn’t sure whether I’d be able to do it or not. Therefore, I just said yes to all offers and learned how to actually do the job later on.

Of course, I made a lot of mistakes but I enjoyed working in the hotel industry where I could meet so many different people, and 35 years later I’m still enjoying it as much as ever!

Hoteliers work around the clock 24/7 and 7 days a week

It’s true that hotels operate on a business cycle of 24 hours a day and 7 days a week – but for a hotel to be successful it takes 24/7 teamwork rather than a single individual working all hours 7 days a week. If I had to do it all myself, I think I would have to find another career to protect my long-term health, but with a great team, anything is possible!

To be a good hotelier you must be a people person

Every hotelier has a style. Mine is people-oriented. I want people to respect me and eventually like me. Also, I would always want to know how I could be a better hotelier to them.

Guests are always right

It depends case by case. Generally, we do love to please our guests of course, but at the same time, we place trust in our employees. Whenever something happens, we need to listen to both sides of the story, whether from guests or from team members. There must be a good balance between the interests of the guests and the people who work for you to serve those guests.

Every hotelier knows how to cook

This is very funny!

(We’ll interpret that as a ‘no’)

At Centra by Centara Maris Jomtien Beach Resort Pattaya, GM Chaiphun Thongsuthum will soon have you feeling at ease and ready to enjoy the perfect family holiday. And even though he clearly won’t be stepping in to help out in the kitchens, you can rest assured he has already delegated the cooking to a capable culinary professional who will make sure your meal is just perfect.