Did you know that the MEININGER Hotel Köln West opened in September 2023? Our supervsior receptionist there, Nerea, gave us an exciting insight into this special moment and the challenges that came with it. She also shares her personal journey with MEININGER Hotels and explains why our unique team spirit makes working here so special!
Can you share a bit about your background and how you found your way to MEININGER Hotels?
My name is Nerea. I’m originally from Spain, but I have been living in Germany for the past four years. I came here through Erasmus as a tourism management student. I worked at a fast-food chain for a couple of months before starting at a hotel because I wanted to work in the tourism industry. I learned a lot, but the environment wasn’t what I was looking for, so I decided to make a change. I interviewed for a receptionist position at MEININGER Hotels in Cologne, but they explained that the hotel was not open yet. I was sent to Hamburg, where I spent around three months training. It was great; I had the opportunity to work in most of the positions. I experienced all types of shifts there: night shifts, early shifts, and I learned how to deal with groups, cook, and do preparations. My German was poor when I started. I had basic knowledge, mostly picked up “on the streets.” When I traveled to Hamburg, the main languages needed were Spanish and German, which helped me practice.
Are you still studying German?
Yes, I started a course. What I’m focusing on is practicing my grammar and reading because speaking is something I do every day here. I’ve always been very good with languages, so it doesn’t pose any issues for me. I love speaking different languages and connecting with people from all over.
And how’s your team at MEININGER Hotels?
Completely international. I think we have only two or three people from Germany. Our team includes members from Morocco, Spain, Chile, Argentina, Brazil, Syria, and many other countries. It’s very diverse.
How do you like working with so many different people?
My team in Cologne is one of the best I’ve ever worked with! We’re all very different, but most of us share the same values. Elle (Hotel Manager) and Simon (Assistant Hotel Manager) did a great job assembling the team. We had fun from the very beginning, even when we were in the middle of the hotel pre-opening phase with almost nothing in place. We only had the reception set up, the rest of the hotel was still under construction. But being there with the team… we could really imagine ourselves working together—our team behind reception with the computers. Now it’s busier, but we’re all doing a great job.
Do you have any specific examples of team-building activities you did during the pre-opening?
I remember the first breakfast. It was my first day, I had just arrived from Hamburg and was really happy to be back home in Köln. When I arrived at the hotel, everything was covered in plastic, but in the office, there were two or three tables filled with food. That’s when we all sat down together and started getting to know each other. There were no more than 13 of us.
Was it your first hotel opening?
Yes, and that was one of the things on my bucket list. I really wanted to be part of creating a team from scratch, where we all start with the same knowledge and then watch as we grow and learn together. During an opening, you don’t know how things are going to turn out. Every step is interesting—‘Oh, we’re opening in two weeks,’ ‘Oh, we’re opening in one week’—and you’re like, ‘Wait, wasn’t this and that thing still broken?’ It was exciting.
Were there a lot of challenges?
Yes! The main challenge for me was first creating a team from scratch. In Hamburg, I joined a team that was already established, so I was just trying to fit in. Then I had to come here and work with people I didn’t know at all. Also, when I came from Hamburg, I thought I was a pro and knew everything. But no, I didn’t know anything. When I arrived here, everything was different. I had to forget what I had learned because this is a different region, and some of the rules there don’t apply here. So, there were many things to learn.
Do you remember the first guest you welcomed?
I remember the day we cut the ribbon. We prepared everything for the first guest, but I had an early shift that day and left when the first guest arrived. I think it was a mom and her kids. I remember putting together the VIP basket and writing the note with a colleague, but I didn’t have the privilege of welcoming them.
But do you remember your first guest ever? The first time you checked in a guest?
Yes! It was four years ago when I first started gaining experience in the field. I remember my face when I told my mom, ‘That’s it! I’m not wrong! I know this is the work I want to do for the rest of my life.’ I had an ear-to-ear smile. My shift ended at 2 pm, and they allowed me to do my first check-in. That day, I spent an additional hour and 30 minutes at reception because I was so involved in the welcoming process and excited to be doing it myself. That’s when I called my mom because I couldn’t stop smiling.
You’ve worked in other hotels before: How would you say MEININGER Hotels is different?
First of all, it’s the environment. From management to the newest team member, you don’t feel like management is above you. I mean, you do, haha, but with Johannes (Hotel Manager) in Hamburg, I thought it was so cool that he was working at reception and washing dishes. It’s something I’ve seen from everyone: Elle (Hotel Manager), Simon (Assistant Hotel Manager), Pieter Bas (Regional Director)—everyone. They don’t act superior because of their position. We’re a real team, and we all help each other. That’s something I’ve never experienced in other jobs. It’s really moving to see that no one is more important than anyone else. Also, they care about making sure you have time to rest, which I think is super important for the relationship between management and employees.
Thank you so much! Your story is so interesting, and your passion really shines through!
When you’re passionate, it means you’re always willing to learn and keep growing. I’ve realized that MEININGER Hotels truly trusts young people!
Check out our career website and explore exciting opportunities at MEININGER Hotels ✨
