Conducting

I am sure that you have all watched a symphonic orchestra perform a difficult symphony. But did you ever wonder if they could manage without the conductor? I am sure that if they are well rehearsed they could actually make it on their own, at least for a while. The first violin would probably have to take over a part of conductor’s job, but all in all, they would probably do just fine. This brings me to my next question, whether or not a hotel can do without a manager. The answer is probably very much the same. Of course it can. If the staff is synchronized and well trained, they should have no problem for a couple of weeks, maybe even a month or more, until eventually there would be a dilemma and they would need someone to make a decision for them. Or there would be a problem and they would need guidance. Or at least someone to tell them that they are doing a great job and that the road they have chosen is the right one. Managing is a little bit like being a parent: a lot of motivation and a lot of guidance and of course setting a good example. I am leaving for a short holiday now and I am putting the managing of the hotel in the hands of my two first violins Asmir and Anže! I will be back soon! Bye.

Thanks God for differences!

All hotels inspire to meet the needs of their guests. Some have set a goal of having 80% of guests whose expectations have been either met or exceeded by the establishment. How come that the goal is not 100%? This is due to a very simple fact. Not two people are alike and what is highly desired by one person could be quite terrible for someone else. For example: if I decide and change the color of table cloths in the hotel restaurant from beige to red, some guests will applaud and other write complaints about it. Due to these differences, our world is an interesting place to live on. Therefore I say: “Thanks God for differences!”

P.S.: We just purchased red table cloths for Panorama restaurant and I do hope you will like them!

In Memoriam Seiichi Kobayashi

Dear Sasha!

I will remember you every time I will pass our Japanese Garden. I will remember you every time I smell the Dior Addict. I will remember you every time that I will learn a new Japanese word. I miss you very much!

Petra

A Duck

This is a photo taken by Anže that might be just a photo of the amazing view from the Presidential Lounge overlooking the lake. But if you look really carefully, you will see on the window shelve at the extreme left side, a duck. This duck is actually sitting on the nest. This is a second duck this year that decided upon laying eggs somewhere near Grand Hotel Toplice. This one is rather extreme in its behavior since it can be easily observed by the guests and staff. Welcome and good luck with the offspring duck!

Small Luxury Hotels of the World Plaque

Here it is. Brushed steel plaque for Small Luxury Hotels of the World members has been put on the wall next to the front entrance of the hotel. Grand Hotel Toplice is now officially also on the SLH web site and rooms are now opened for reservations.

On the second photo you can see our new maintenance manager Robert, who replaced Štefan. Štefan just recently retired after working in the hotel for 40 years.