Dare to Connect

Our Front Office manager Robert has recently celebrated his five-year anniversary of working in IHG. We interviewed him about his job in the hotel and his experience with his team.

Can you tell us about your professional background?

I have been working as a Front Office Manager in Crowne Plaza already for more than a year. I have finished the Bachelor’s program in hospitality management at Saxion university and the Master’s program in organizational and management sciences at university of Antwerp. After that, I was working in Crowne Plaza Brussels firstly as a Front Office agent and after as an Assistant Front Office Manager.

What do you like the most about working in Crowne Plaza?

My team, the guests, and the hotel itself.

Everyone who is working in my team is hospitable and friendly. We receive many highly-ranked reviews from the guests mentioning the great work of the Front Office team. The working atmosphere in the team is also fun and easy and we also have regular team outings.

Thanks to our IHG loyalty program, we have many regular guests who recognize me and my team by name. I am always excited to create a personal connection with such guests. Our guests are mostly business travelers, but we are always striving to create a more informal atmosphere and add humanity to each interaction.

Our hotel is modern and well-maintained and we are investing in the product we provide. If you have an idea you want to implement, it can be implemented fast here, which is great to experience.

What do you like about your role as a Front Office manager?

I like that I as a Front desk manager can make a real impact on the stay of the guests. I am also happy that I am able to get right things for the team and help them grow. Everyone comes back to me with the appreciation.

Besides, I am also glad to be playing an important role in managing the communication between different departments and coordinating the projects which are happening in the hotel.

Why should anyone join your team?

It is fun and your work is always appreciated. You receive great benefits such as discounts in IHG hotels worldwide, corporate subscription for ClassPass and CultuurWerkt!

Besides, here in Crowne Plaza, we deliver huge learning and personal development opportunities. Even if you do not have any previous at Front Office experience, we will train you.

Any advice for people thinking about joining the Front Office team?

Just do it! Let’s have a coffee together and you will be most certainly convinced that it is great to work here.

Every day here at Front Office is really different and that what’s exciting. You never know how your day will start and what it may bring. Our working culture is welcoming and open for everyone, no matter your age, gender or nationality.