Meet our M-Explorers
Meet Madonna, the Hotel Manager of MEININGER Hotel Amsterdam Amstel, whose journey with MEININGER began in 2018 as part of the pre-opening team. In this interview, Madonna reflects on her career growth, the challenges of leading through a pandemic, and what motivates her to keep achieving new milestones at MEININGER.
How did your journey at MEININGER Hotels start?
After many years in Dubai, my family and I moved to Amsterdam in 2017. As I love working with people, I applied for the Receptionist position at the MEININGER Hotel Amsterdam Amstel in 2018. The hotel was just about to open, and I had the amazing chance to be part of the pre-opening crew. I remember my first days during which the hotel was still in the final stages of construction. And look how it looks now!
Which positions & teams have you worked in, so far?
I’ve been working at the MEININGER Hotel Amsterdam Amstel since day 1. My first position was Receptionist, and then Senior Receptionist by the end of 2018. I was very lucky that the Senior management, back then, trusted me with many tasks and that I had the opportunity to grow into my new role and became an Assistant Hotel Manager by 2019.
In which cities have you worked for MEININGER Hotels?
In Amsterdam. I’ve also supported the opening of the MEININGER Hotel Bruxelles Gare du Midi.
What have the last few years been like for you, here?
An amazing journey with such an amazing team! From a new hotel opening to booking records lasting many weeks with nearly 100% occupancy to the devastating drop in 2019 when Corona hit us hard. With my great team, we maneuvered through this and came out stronger than ever before. We were able to welcome back to the city our lovely guests and occupancies got higher day by day and week by week.
What are your biggest personal accomplishments?
I believe my career here, at MEININGER Hotels, is a great accomplishment in itself. I have worked with people all my life. However, I haven’t worked in hospitality before I started here and I’ve challenged myself to transfer my previous work experience to a new setting. I adapted quickly to my new life in Amsterdam and standing here today makes me very happy. I’m extremely proud of what this team has achieved and how we’ve become a role model for other hotels. Whether the introduction of new systems, the design/implementation of new operating procedures, or simply how the members of our team are working as one entity: it’s all a major achievement for me, and I’m glad I’m part of it.
How would you describe your work at MEININGER Hotels (in 3 words)?
Just loving it. Okay, okay, I borrowed this from the other big M. But it’s true!
How would you describe your team’s dynamic?
Especially after the pandemic, the team became even more caring, sensitive and cheerful when working together. We’ve developed our spirit of teamwork and resilience and it became stronger than ever before; something that keeps us going in this world where change is constant.
What keeps you motivated at work?
Happy guests, happy staff. Working with people was always my drive and motivation. Being in a role where I do this daily and also shape the way of how we do things is a great motivator. Last but not least, knowing there are always extra opportunities here, at MEININGER Hotels, makes me and my team feel our best every day.
Thanks for sharing your insights, Madonna!
✨ Read more M-Explorers’ stories on the MEININGER Hotels blog or check out our job openings.
