With an extensive background in hospitality spanning several continents, Mr. Benoit-Joseph Metanomski brings a wealth of experience and an inspiring vision to his role as General Manager at Mövenpick Hotel Bahrain.
From his early days at Hotel Scribe in Paris to his leadership positions across Asia, Benoit-Joseph has developed a passion for service excellence, sustainable practices, and creating unforgettable guest experiences. In this interview, he shares insights into Mövenpick Hotel Bahrain’s cultural integration, luxury offerings, and the brand’s adaptation to post-pandemic needs, as well as valuable advice for aspiring hospitality professionals.
CAN YOU SHARE YOUR CAREER PATH IN THE HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY AND WHAT LED YOU TO MÖVENPICK HOTEL BAHRAIN?
My career in the hospitality industry began at Hotel Scribe in Paris, where I first took on the role of Front Office Shift Leader. This initial position ignited my passion for hospitality and service excellence and set the stage for a rewarding journey centered on luxury and sustainable performance. Over the years, I embraced opportunities to advance at various Sofitel properties across Australia, Vietnam, and Cambodia. Each role enriched my understanding of hotel operations with, at that time, a strong focus on Front Office and Rooms Division. I’ve been able to adapt to different cultures, exploring different markets and products, from city hotels to resorts.
A pivotal moment in my career came when I served as the Director of Operations at Pullman Phuket. Here, I refined my leadership skills under the mentorship of a fantastic leader and enhanced my sales, marketing, and operational acumen. This experience solidified my expertise, particularly in food and beverage, where I explored creative concepts and innovative dining experiences at this flagship property.
In 2019, I was thrilled to join Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts as the Cluster General Manager for Khao Yai and Ekkamai Bangkok. This role allowed me to leverage my diverse experiences in rebranding Mövenpick Resort Khao Yai and leading the team through the challenges of COVID-19.
I am honored and excited to join Mövenpick Hotel Bahrain, where I aim to expand my career in the GCC region. I look forward to embracing Accor’s purpose of pioneering responsible hospitality and connecting cultures with heartfelt care. My journey has deepened my passion for hospitality, and I strive to deliver operational excellence, sustainable performance, innovative F&B initiatives, and memorable guest experiences.
HOW DOES THE HOTEL INTEGRATE BAHRAINI CULTURE AND TRADITIONS INTO ITS GUEST EXPERIENCES?
At Mövenpick Hotel Bahrain, we proudly celebrate Bahraini culture by infusing local elements into every aspect of our guest experiences. Our welcoming spirit embodies the essence of Bahraini hospitality—service from the heart. We offer traditional cuisine in our restaurants and organize cultural events that invite guests to immerse themselves in Bahrain’s rich heritage.
We actively promote tourism activities that highlight our island’s beauty, such as visits to historic sites like Arad Fort, local fishing excursions, and experiences showcasing our vibrant traditions. By focusing on Bahrainization in recruitment, we ensure our team embodies the values and culture of Bahrain, enhancing authenticity in every interaction. This commitment not only enriches our guests’ stay but fosters a deeper appreciation for Bahrain’s culture and heritage.
HOW HAS THE HOTEL ADAPTED TO THE CHANGING NEEDS AND PREFERENCES OF LUXURY TRAVELERS POST-PANDEMIC?
In the wake of the pandemic, we prioritized enhancing our health and safety protocols following Accor’s ALL Safe standards, ensuring guests enjoy a clean and secure environment. We are also proud to be Green Globe certified, reflecting our commitment to sustainability and responsible practices.
As we move forward, we are focusing on our loyalty program, ALL, to foster deeper connections with guests. We offer personalized experiences and curated packages that cater to the unique preferences of luxury travelers seeking comfort and exclusivity. By emphasizing genuine human interaction, we aim to create memorable moments that resonate with guests, enhancing their overall experience and building lasting loyalty.
CAN YOU SHARE ANY SIGNATURE EVENTS OR SPECIAL EXPERIENCES THAT GUESTS CAN ENJOY AT MÖVENPICK HOTEL BAHRAIN?
At Mövenpick Hotel Bahrain, we curate an exciting array of signature events designed to delight our guests. Our iconic Chocolate Hour invites guests to indulge in a delightful experience featuring our rich Mövenpick chocolate creations. Alongside this, we host themed nights such as the beloved Seafood Night every Monday and the vibrant Night Brunch every Thursday, which consistently draw enthusiastic crowds. The award-winning Mövenpick Brunch every Friday has become a cherished tradition, offering a sumptuous culinary experience that guests eagerly anticipate.
As we embrace the festive spirit, our themed New Year’s Eve parties create unforgettable celebrations, allowing guests to welcome the new year in style. During Ramadan, we honor local culture with special Suhoor and Ghabga offerings, fostering a warm and inviting atmosphere for connection and celebration. We also host thrilling events during the Formula 1 season and craft romantic experiences for Valentine’s Day, ensuring there’s always something special happening throughout the year. In the summer, our monthly pool parties transform into vibrant gatherings, perfect for relaxation and enjoyment under the sun.
Additionally, we proudly serve Mövenpick coffee and Mövenpick ice cream, enhancing our guests’ experience with premium quality and delightful flavors that complement our signature events. We also feature Yuni products and a healthy corner in our buffets, ensuring that guests can enjoy nutritious options alongside our signature offerings.
HOW DO YOU ENSURE THAT THE LEVEL OF SERVICE REMAINS CONSISTENTLY HIGH IN SUCH A COMPETITIVE MARKET?
At Mövenpick Hotel Bahrain, we recently completed a comprehensive renovation, enhancing our facilities to provide an inviting and luxurious experience for our guests. We maintain consistently high service standards through rigorous training and fostering a culture of excellence among our staff. We prioritize employee satisfaction, empowering our team to take ownership of their roles, as happy employees lead to happy guests.
We also actively seek guest feedback to refine our offerings and practices. By emphasizing teamwork and collaboration, we ensure that every guest enjoys a memorable experience filled with moments worth sharing.
WHAT ARE THE MOST SIGNIFICANT CHALLENGES YOU FACE MANAGING A LUXURY HOTEL IN BAHRAIN, AND HOW DO YOU OVERCOME THEM?
One of the most significant challenges is navigating the intense competition within the luxury segment. To address this, we differentiate our offerings by providing unique experiences and exceptional service. By staying attuned to market trends and customer preferences, we can adapt our strategies effectively, always striving to create meaningful moments for our guests.
ARE THERE ANY EXCITING DEVELOPMENTS OR UPCOMING PROJECTS AT MÖVENPICK HOTEL BAHRAIN THAT YOU CAN SHARE WITH US?
We are constantly exploring ways to enhance our guest offerings, including potential renovations and innovative dining concepts. While I can’t disclose specific details yet, our commitment to elevating the guest experience remains steadfast, ensuring that we continue to create moments that truly matter.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO ASPIRING HOSPITALITY PROFESSIONALS LOOKING TO BUILD A SUCCESSFUL CAREER IN LUXURY HOTELS?
My advice to aspiring professionals is to cultivate a genuine passion for hospitality and embrace a mindset of continuous learning. Being open-minded and creative is essential, as it allows you to adapt and thrive in a dynamic industry. Seek diverse experiences to blend with different cultures and perspectives from around the world.
Building strong relationships within the industry and remaining adaptable to change are crucial for success in the luxury hotel sector. Ultimately, focus on creating moments that leave a lasting impact on your guests, as this truly sets you apart.
Mr. Benoit-Joseph Metanomski’s leadership at Mövenpick Hotel Bahrain reflects a deep commitment to excellence, cultural appreciation, and sustainable hospitality. His vision has guided the hotel in adapting to the evolving needs of today’s luxury travelers, ensuring an experience that honors Bahrain’s heritage and delivers exceptional service. As Mövenpick Hotel Bahrain continues to innovate and offer unique guest experiences, Benoit-Joseph’s passion for hospitality and dedication to quality remain at the heart of this dynamic and vibrant hotel.
