The Fairmont Le Montreux Palace is one of the most prestigious hotels in Switzerland. Empress Sissi stayed there, and Vladimir Nabokov wrote his best-selling novel «Lolita» on the terrace of his suite. The stars of the Montreux Jazz Festival have been populating the hotel for years. But the jewel from the Belle Epoque has a lot more to offer for a perfect weekend, General Manager Michael Smithuis reveals in an interview with finews.com.
Michael Smithuis, why did you become a hotel director?
As a global industry, the hotel sector has always fascinated me. Working with people from different cultures has attracted me, so I went the classic way through IHTTI School of Hotel Management in Neuchâtel and went on to gain experiences all over the world. The profession of a hotelier combines classic management with lots of creativity and empathy in dealing with both guests and employees.
Describe how you came to your current role.
I had the opportunity to work in different positions in several countries where I discovered local cultures and religions. In 1998 I had the role of Corporate Director in the Raffles Head Office in Singapore. After an exciting time in Asia, I returned to the Netherlands, where I managed the Swissôtel in Amsterdam.
In 2003, I accepted the role of General Manager of the famous Fairmont Le Montreux Palace Hotel. Since 2018 I took over the function as Regional Vice President Accor.
What is the most unconventional thing you’ve experienced in your job?
We had to close the doors of the Montreux Palace during the pandemic. I never experienced this in my 33 years of career. Covid-19 has turned our business upside down.
How do you define hospitality and excellent guest service?
Excellent service always means exceeding the expectations of the other person, and that only succeeds if the service comes from the heart and is performed with passion. A little smile can work wonders.
Which VIPs have you had the privilege of hosting at your hotel?
We received many celebrities during the Montreux Jazz festivals, such as Michael Jackson, Prince, Randy Crawford or Elton John. I like to tell the story of a festive evening that took place in the Quincy Jones suite on the 7th floor of the Montreux Palace. He invited Carlos Santana after their concert at the Stravinsky Hall with other musician friends to continue the evening on his terrace.
(Michael Smithuis and Carlos Santana, Image: Fairmont Montreux Palace)
At 2 o'clock in the morning, a resident of the Montreux Palace complained at the hotel reception because of the noise. He was at the Santana concert and needed some rest. when he knew where the noise was coming from, his reaction was immediate: «Santana? No problem, it doesn't bother me anymore...»
What does your hotel offer for a perfect weekend for two?
We offer a cocoon of softness between the lake and mountains for an exceptional stay. They can discover the history of the Montreux Palace, taste the delicious cuisine of our restaurants, relax at Fairmont Spa and enjoy all the benefits of 5-star service in the heart of this legendary Palace.
This is also the opportunity to discover the surroundings and visit regional sights to learn more about Switzerland history and all the writers, royals, actors that have been living in Montreux and around such as Charlie Chaplin, Freddie Mercury, Vladimir Nabokov (the view from his suite where he wrote large parts of his best-selling novel «Lolita»), Empress Sissi and many more.
What plans for the hotel are you excited about?
In the years to come, we will focus on regional activities coupled with a luxury stay to increase our transient segment and propose exclusive experiences that make the Swiss Riviera one of the best destinations in Europe. We also finished the renovation of the Fairmont Spa.
These renovations form an important aspect of the long-term vision we hold for our property and were necessary in order to provide our guests with the best spa experience for the coming years.
How is dining changing at your hotel?
We are moving away from gourmet cuisine. Healthy nutrition and organic products are trendy. Food and Beverage are based on Lifestyle. Therefore, we focus on local products and balanced cuisine.
How do you motivate your staff?
At the Montreux Palace, we are a family. Everyone knows each other and everyone has an essential role to play. The key to our success is to work hand in hand. I am for open and transparent communication. My door will always be open to everyone.
Furthermore, it is important to have a common goal, to take everyone's ideas into account and thank them for their commitment, trust and loyalty. Spend some time each day to have a word with the colleagues; discussing topics from concerns to ideas.
I am a strong believer in management by walking around. Set an example of positive thinking, my staff will follow and the entire work culture will become more motivating.
Describe your favorite hidden gem in the area.
The Swiss Riviera hides several jewels. It is worth spending some time to discover the riches of the region around Montreux on Lake Geneva. Go on a hike through the Lavaux Vineyard Terraces, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most beautiful landscapes in Switzerland.
Walk along the Quai in Montreux to the famous Chillon Castle, the cog railway takes you from Montreux to the Rochers-de-Naye, where you can enjoy one of the most beautiful panoramas in Switzerland and a magnificent view of the Alps and Lake Geneva.
And don’t miss «Chaplin's World», an unforgettable adventure museum and a unique journey through time and an experience in the magical world of film of one of the most amazing artists of the 20th century.
What is the best piece of advice you received from your mother or father?
Be open and honest. Treat all the people around you the way you would want to be treated. Experience is the best teacher and you should venture out into the world and gain as many impressions and experiences as possible.
- The hotel reopens on April 30 after a refurbishment, including of its spa.
Michael Smithuis is Dutch. He studied at the Steigenberger Hotelfachschule Bad Reichenhall as well as at the IHTTI School of Hotel Management in Neuchâtel before he started his professional career as Executive Assistant Manager at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Jakarta in 1996. Later he worked as Resident Manager at the Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten in Hamburg and subsequently gained experience at the Raffles Group in Singapore before taking up his current position after a short stay at the Swissôtel in Amsterdam. Surrounded by the soaring Alps and nestled along the shores of sparkling Lake Geneva, Fairmont Le Montreux Palace has delighted visitors for over a century with its Belle-Époque architecture boasting 236 rooms and suites and a reputation for impeccable hospitality stretching back to its founding in 1906.
