Sascha Spiegel has taken over as the new General Manager of the Hotel Schweizerhof Bern & Spa, returning to his hometown with over 20 years of international experience in the luxury hospitality sector. He succeeds Maximilian von Reden and plans to blend the hotel's rich history with modern guest expectations, focusing on innovation, sustainability, and deeper integration with the city of Bern.
Key Takeaways
- Sascha Spiegel, a Bern native, is the new General Manager of Hotel Schweizerhof Bern & Spa.
- He brings over two decades of international experience from luxury hotels in Asia, Spain, and Switzerland.
- His vision is to combine the hotel's tradition with modern demands for individuality, sustainability, and digital experiences.
- Spiegel emphasizes a leadership style based on trust, collaboration, and open communication to empower his team.
- He also serves as a lecturer at the Thun Hotel Management School, highlighting his commitment to developing future talent.
A Homecoming with a Global Perspective
Sascha Spiegel's appointment as General Manager marks a significant return to his roots. A native of Bern, he expressed his excitement about working in his hometown again, a city he describes as special for its quality of life, unique rhythm, and friendly atmosphere. His career, which spans more than 20 years in the luxury hotel industry, has taken him to diverse cultural landscapes, including Asia and Spain, before bringing him back to Switzerland.
This extensive international background has shaped his approach to hospitality. "Working in such different cultures has strongly influenced my view of hospitality," Spiegel stated. He aims to bring a unique blend of these experiences to his new role at the iconic Bern hotel.
Lessons from Abroad
Spiegel detailed how different regions contributed to his professional philosophy. In Asia, he witnessed the profound impact of genuine warmth and a strong service culture. His time in Spain taught him the importance of creating emotional experiences, where culinary arts and atmosphere are central to the guest's stay.
Meanwhile, his work in Switzerland reinforced the values of reliability, precision, and efficiency. He believes this combination of international perspectives and Swiss dependability is key to creating an environment that is both globally inspired and locally grounded.
Leadership Transition at the Schweizerhof
Sascha Spiegel takes the helm from Maximilian von Reden, who managed the luxury Bern hotel for six years. Von Reden has moved to Brussels to lead the Hotel Amigo, part of the Rocco Forte Group. Spiegel's appointment signals a new chapter for the Schweizerhof, focusing on evolving its brand while honoring its legacy.
Blending Tradition with Innovation
The Hotel Schweizerhof Bern & Spa is a landmark with a long history and a strong brand identity. Spiegel sees immense potential in building upon this foundation. "The Hotel Schweizerhof Bern & Spa has the potential to be not just an iconic hotel with a rich history, but also a forward-looking place of modern hospitality," he explained.
His primary goal is to connect the hotel's tradition more deliberately with contemporary demands. He noted that today's guests seek more than just first-class service; they look for authentic and personal experiences. This is where he plans to focus his efforts.
"I see the opportunity to further develop the house as an urban retreat where tradition and innovation meet in a unique way."
This vision involves more than just comfort. Spiegel aims to offer inspiring experiences, genuine hospitality, and consistent high-quality service. He also plans to open the hotel more to the city of Bern, positioning it as a vibrant meeting point for both locals and international visitors.
Leadership and Team Development
When asked about his leadership style, Spiegel acknowledged the respected work of his predecessor, Maximilian von Reden, who was known for his calm and appreciative management. Spiegel intends to build on this positive culture, stating that his own leadership is centered on trust, respect, and open dialogue.
A Focus on People
Spiegel firmly believes that a strong, engaged team is crucial for success. "When people feel heard, supported, and taken seriously, they unleash their full potential," he said. This philosophy underscores his commitment to collaborative work and shared responsibility.
He described his approach as being present and approachable for his team. Clear communication and the collective achievement of goals are pillars of his strategy. He aims to foster a culture that prioritizes quality, development, and cohesion, ensuring the team is equipped to deliver exceptional guest experiences.
Defining Passion and Innovation
Spiegel often speaks of "passion and innovative spirit." In practical terms, he defines passion as the daily commitment shown by every team member, from their joy in hosting to their attention to detail. It is about bringing heart and dedication to the job every day.
Innovation, for Spiegel, means remaining open to new ideas. This applies to how services are designed, how digital solutions are implemented, and how operational processes are continuously improved. He encourages his team to question routines and explore creative approaches to enhance the guest experience, asserting that tradition and innovation are not contradictory but complementary forces.
Commitment to the Next Generation
Beyond his role at the hotel, Spiegel is actively involved in shaping the future of the hospitality industry as a lecturer at the Thun Hotel Management School. He considers sharing knowledge not just a duty but a personal passion.
"Working with young talents at the Thun Hotel Management School inspires me again and again," he shared. He sees it as a crucial task, especially in times of skilled labor shortages, to inspire young people to join the industry and show them viable career paths.
This commitment to knowledge transfer extends to his daily work. He believes in empowering teams, shaping developments together, and fostering an environment of mutual learning. In an industry where guest expectations are constantly changing, he sees a culture of openness, curiosity, and continuous development as essential for long-term success.