Christian Wildhaber

Christian Wildhaber is the General Manager of Mandarin Oriental Palace, Luzern since October 2019. Swiss-born Christian has been in charge of the renovation and re-branding of the Belle Époque icon, which opened as Mandarin Oriental Palace, Luzern on 24 September 2022. Prior to his arrival in Luzern, he was already part of the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group as the Hotel Manager of Mandarin Oriental, Guangzhou in China.

Christian Wildhaber has had an amazing career working with numerous international stations in renowned hotels. He spent several years abroad, across three continents. His career path began with an apprenticeship as a Chef in Montreux. In the following years, he rose through the ranks of luxury hotels worldwide, becoming an Executive Chef, prior to embracing Food & Beverage Director responsibilities. Amongst others, he held positions at the Nikko Bali Resort & Spa, the Kempinski Hotel Beijing Lufthansa Center, the Harbour Grand, Kowloon, Hong Kong and the Kempinski Hotel & Palais des Congrès in Marrakesh.

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Between 2008 and 2015, Christian Wildhaber worked for The Langham Hotel Group, based in Hong Kong, where he started as Director of Food & Beverage and was promoted to Executive Assistant Manager after a short time. By 2011, he became Hotel Manager and led the pre-opening team of the sister hotel in Shenzhen, China. After working a year in Sydney, Australia, he joined Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group in Guangzhou, China.

What makes Mandarin Oriental Palace Luzern stand out from other properties you’ve worked in?

I’ve been involved with this hotel project for 5 years, from the planning and re-modelling to the opening and now the second year of operation. It is something special to have been a part of from the very beginning. I also think Lucerne is one of the most beautiful cities in Switzerland. The destination has a lot of potential to be better known worldwide and our hotel brand has contributed to more well-heeled guests coming here.

Who is your typical customer?

We welcome a wide variety of guests to our hotel. From families and couples to political and business leaders, everyone is welcome. The majority of our guests though are families and couples.

If you could plan a one-day itinerary for guests looking to explore Lucerne, where would you send them?

Lucerne is so special because of its unique location and the wide range of activities on offer. If you only have one day in Lucerne, I would suggest a walk through the city centre (Old Town) to see the famous sights such as the Chapel Bridge, the Lion Monument or the Musegg Wall which really gives you a glimpse of its history. Also, do a boat trip on Lake Lucerne, and if you like to get up early, you can see the city from above on Mount Pilatus.

Building the right team is crucial for a property’s success. What are the key skills you look for when hiring new employees?

Personality plays a very important role. You can acquire skills, but you have to have passion and enthusiasm for the hospitality and service industry to deliver excellence. No matter how new and luxurious the hardware, it is the software that makes the difference.

What are the USPs of your hotel?

• – Lucerne’s only international luxury hotel group
• – Historic landmark of the Belle Epoque
• – Four restaurants and bars under the culinary direction of Michelin-starred Executive Chef Gilad Peled
• – The only Bellefontaine Spa in the region
• – The largest suites and terraces in the city of Lucerne, with numerous room connection options
• – Salon Alpin, a unique function room with original Belle Epoque décor from 1906
• – 63% of our 136 rooms and suites offer unobstructed views over Lake Lucerne and the Swiss Alps.

What is the one dish that guests have to try when at your hotel?

With so much to choose from, it is impossible to recommend just one dish. We offer Mediterranean cuisine at Mozern restaurant and the adjacent lakeside terrace Quai10, innovative French haute cuisine at the Michelin-starred Colonnade restaurant, and traditional Japanese omakase cuisine at Minamo. What would I recommend? Try as much as you can!

How will travel trends change in the 2nd half of 2024?

Travellers today want much more than ‘just’ a nice hotel – they want unique experiences and memories. It is therefore important to constantly create new experiences and tailor them to the individual needs of each guest. Sustainability is also becoming increasingly important. The Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group and we, as a hotel, are very active in this area. Mandarin Oriental Palace, Lucerne has received several awards for its commitment to sustainability. Domestic trips are still the most popular trips within Europe, followed by trips within European countries and overseas.

Was a career in hospitality something you always dreamt of? What is your advice to aspiring hoteliers?

Not really, actually, I joined the hospitality industry as a Chef after hearing a friend of mine talking about it and sharing how much he enjoyed his work in hospitality. Hospitality covers so many different skills set under one roof, from Finance to Engineering, Sales & Marketing, Kitchen and Food service, Information Technology, etc… it can open doors to many opportunities and expose you to different trades. I spent almost 25 years abroad, working on different continents, this kind of opportunity is not as easily accessible in other industries.

Which cities are your favourites for: 1) food 2) history 3) fashion?

I find Singapore a fascinating city that offers the most in all 3 categories. But if only for food, it would be Hong Kong. For history, I would say Beijing. And for fashion, Milan.

You have worked in several cities, which is your favourite city for work and play?

I would say Sydney, Australia. I worked and lived there for almost a year and would go back there anytime.

When are you happiest?

When I am together with my wife.

At work, which is your most challenging activity and why?

Challenges do not put me off. I see them as opportunities to grow as a person and as a company.