Dominik Strobel, Award-winning General Manager of Hyatt Regency Kyiv.
PROFESSIONAL PATH
I grew up in the south of Munich in Germany. I enjoyed being around people and communicating was something I really enjoyed. So, I decided to work in an industry related to people and hospitality looked like a perfect match. After my studies and my completion of my apprenticeship, I started with Hyatt back in 1999.
Working for Hyatt in different countries and cultures gave me valuable insight into the hotel industry. After working for nearly 20 years with Hyatt, I can say I am lucky to have two families: my first and most important is my wife and daughter. But I don’t really change when it comes to caring for my second family and I treat them the same way with equal respect and care.
For me, leadership means the ability to listen and go together with people. A hotel is not just a pretty building and facilities – it is the vibe and atmosphere created by our people.
ABOUT THE HOTEL AND ITS COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGES
Hyatt is a global company with over 900 hotels around the world. Hyatt Regency Kyiv is a 5-star hotel with 12 years of history in providing 5-star service at a very high level since the beginning.
What makes us unique? First of all, Hyatt Regency Kyiv is one of the most iconic hotels in Ukraine. Its interior is gorgeous, as well as the view on the Kiev’s historical and cultural sights including St. Sophia Cathedral. We offer 234 comfortable rooms and suites, the best spa facilities including the largest hotel swimming pool, an Asian restaurant and a rooftop bar with a terrace overlooking the square. Our facilities and strong security makes us the preferred hotel for business customers, celebrities and politicians, which sets us apart from many competitors.
However, our uniqueness is our people. We respect our values and integrity. As mentioned before, we have a family atmosphere around the hotel and everyone cares for each other to live our purpose. That’s the simple receipt to create a purposeful and meaningful customer experience.
MAIN VALUES AND ACHIEVEMENTS
‘We care for people so they can be their best’ is our purpose. We are paying close attention to our employees, growth, leadership, sustainability, and of course, the youth. People without access to education need our help. Our business needs to care for and support the community in many aspects. We are creating an environment in which people thrive. Care is the heart of our business, and therefore, I can call Hyatt one of the world’s best hospitality brands and places to work for.
FACILITIES FOR BUSINESS CUSTOMERS AT HYATT REGENCY KYIV
Our hotel and facilities offer everything for any visitors. Kyiv is not yet a popular holiday destination like Vienna, Prague or Budapest, but has great potential to be! The majority of our clients are here on business or for conferences. Our hotel is purpose-built and it is the safest hotel in the city due to our security and CCTV system, room location, accessibility and separate driveway.
We offer conference and banqueting facilities for any occasion. There are more than 1,000 square meters of meeting and function space including a 256 square meter ballroom, eight meeting rooms, and three boardrooms. Modern technology is also at your service: you can conduct a presentation using a projector, speakers, etc.
Finally, we are in the guest service industry and offering the best facilities and a comfortable bed. What makes us the best hotel in the country is our individual attitude. We make sure we get to know our guests’ requirements even before they arrive to guarantee a personalized service and experience to make it as seamless as possible. I doubt our industry, especially in the 5-star segment, can be a revolutionist. Our people can’t be replaced by robots! Personal connection is in our DNA!