Matthias Welzel

Matthias Welzel is the General Manager of Hilton Lake Como and has already worked in Europe, the Middle East and Asia. He has held managerial positions at Hilton Hotels & Resorts for 15 years and has 30 years of professional experience. Matthias was born in 1973 in Germany and graduated from the hotel management school in Munich. He started his career as an Apprentice in Munich and became Chef de Rang in Zurich’s Hotel zum Storchen in Switzerland. In 1996 he moved to the Hotel Mandarin Oriental in London (UK) in the same position.

The next stop was The Berkeley Hotel in 1997 as Assistant Back of House Manager, before moving to the renowned London department store Harrods in 1999, where he worked as Assistant Restaurant Manager, Restaurant Manager and as Assistant Food and Beverage Finance Manager. As Assistant Food and Beverage Manager, he was part of the opening phase of the Crowne Plaza London – The City from 2001 and moved to The Savoy Hotel in London in 2002, where he left in 2004 as Food and Beverage Operations Manager. In 2005, he moved to Asia to work at The Andaman Hotel in Langkawi, Malaysia, as Director of Food and Beverage.

Two years later he returned to London and finally joined Hilton Hotels & Resorts as Director of Operations at the Hilton London Tower Bridge. He then worked in this position at the Hilton Malta on the Mediterranean island from 2010 to 2013 before moving within the Group to the Waldorf Astoria Jerusalem in Israel in April 2013. From 2015 to 2022 he managed the Hilton Vienna Plaza as Hotel Manager in Austria before assuming his current role as General Manager of the Hilton Lake Como in Italy. Matthias Welzel is married to an Italian, they have two children; he is a passionate golfer.

Hilton Lake Como is a new-generation hotel with spectacular scenery, traditional charm, and jaw-dropping 360-degree views of the lake from its rooftop pool. Formerly a silk factory, the building is steeped in history and is now home to 170 spacious guest rooms, with a variety of stunning suites to choose from, a pampering spa and a popular rooftop cocktail bar and restaurant. The hotel is ideally located in an area full of unique experiences on and off the lake, which has made Lake Como an international must-visit destination for families, business travellers and couples. Insider tip, if the spacious 1689 sq ft Presidential Suite with a lake view and rooftop terrace is booked then try the Loft Suite where you can sleep under the twinkling Lake Como stars.

What makes Hilton Lake Como stand out from other properties you’ve worked in?

I have enjoyed various and diverse rewarding and challenging work experiences in luxury and full-service properties. Experience ranging from a hotel opening to well established institutions and from city business hotels to resort properties in Europe, Middle East and Asia, incorporating a combination of quality and commercial focused operations to the retail sector of the hospitality industry. Each experience is rather unique and can’t be compared.

Who is your typical customer? 

Nestled in the picturesque beauty of Lake Como, Hilton Lake Como attracts a diverse array of guests seeking a unique escape. From discerning Luxury Travellers savouring our exquisite Terrazza 241 dining experiences to “Romantic Getaways” guests revelling in intimate dinners and spa treatments, we cater to every desire. Adventure Seekers can enjoy our outdoor activities, while families cherish moments of relaxation and engagement.

Cultural Enthusiasts are enthralled by historical tours and museum visits, showcasing the rich heritage of our destination. However, I do not wish to categorize types of guests as we like to focus on each and every one’s individual desire and expectation from us as a hotel and from our beautiful destination.

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

Well, there are several must-see attractions and activities that capture the essence of this beautiful destination. I can highly recommend a Lake Como Boat Tour to appreciate the lake’s stunning scenery from the water. Many tours offer stops at various towns and villas along the lake. For those who enjoy hiking, the Greenway is a scenic walking trail that takes you through various villages, providing beautiful views of the lake and countryside. These experiences provide a well-rounded introduction to the natural beauty, cultural richness, and culinary delights of Lake Como.

 

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

Attitude and personality really stand out for me – this could not be more simple yet meaningful in my opinion.

What is the USP of your hotel? 

Hilton Lake Como stands out due to its unique blend of modern luxury and historical charm. From its Terrazza 241 Bar and Restaurant rooftop infinity pool, the hotel offers breath-taking views of Lake Como and the surrounding mountains, in addition to a luxurious spa, and multiple dining options that cater to diverse culinary preferences. The hotel’s commitment to providing exceptional service, personalized experiences, and attention to detail ensures a memorable experience for its guests and team members.

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

From a culinary point of view, a must is to enjoy the Italian Aperitivo preferably at Terrazza 241 gazing out at the lago. It’s very peaceful and a stunning location. My favourite cocktail is the “Blue Jeans” cocktail, which has been inspired by the city of Como, (known worldwide as city of silk) and by the history of the hotel, which was built where in the past there was an important silk factory. We used recycled and recovered denim fabrics from different garments to create the glass covers. The combination of Campari infused with coffee, Chinotto San Pellegrino, Orange bitter and Fennel is both unique and refreshing to taste!

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

Personalized Experiences in addition to health and wellness continue to be a trend in the travel industry for this year, and therefore we encourage guests to explore lesser-known areas and villages around the lake. We have noticed a growing desire for authentic and locally-sourced dishes, hence the introduction of our Streetfood concept as an additional dining venue to the Terrazza where guests appreciate our focus on Italian street food. Offering diverse and high-quality culinary options makes, in my opinion, Hilton Lake Como a preferred choice for both leisure and business travellers. The sustainability focus and increasing demand for eco-friendly accommodations and sustainable travel options delights us, as we have adopted various green practices, such as reducing plastic use, offering organic food options, etc.

 

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

The hospitality industry is dynamic and constantly evolving. Let’s be patient, open to change and adaptable to new technologies, market demands, and guest preferences. For younger hoteliers aspiring to build a successful career in hospitality, I would suggest gaining diverse experiences and work in various roles within the industry to understand different aspects of hotel operations. Excellent customer service is the cornerstone of hospitality. Therefore, the development of strong interpersonal skills and empathy must be considered in addition to leadership skills which become increasingly important. Last but not least, work has to be enjoyable and rewarding, a career is a personal journey, and you never stop learning, and this is why working in the hospitality industry is so exciting and enjoyable for me.

Which cities are your favourites for: 1) food 2) history 3) fashion? That’s very difficult to answer as there are so many wonderful and exceptional places around the world.

When I lived in Southeast Asia, Kuala Lumpur was my preferred city, as I enjoy Malay Cuisine which is a pleasant blend of flavours and influences by Indian, Chinese, and Indonesian cuisines, creating a rich and diverse culinary tradition. When I lived in Malaysia, I enjoyed the variety of dining concepts the city KL offers, and my preferred venues are the local street food environments where you mingle with locals – so authentic!

 

Vienna is my favourite city as it is rich in history with stunning architecture, museums, and a vibrant cultural scene. Vienna, like so many cities, has Roman origins and flourished under the Habsburgs era, becoming a major cultural hub in Europe and became later an Imperial City. Vienna also became a beautiful modern city and is a wonderful capital of the Republic of Austria.

 

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

Every city is unique in its own way. As I went through different stages in my professional and personal life, cities shaped me to an certain extent and I appreciated all the cities which I experienced. I have not found the perfect place yet and in my opinion, perhaps I will not find it soon as the world is big and so wonderfully diverse.

When are you happiest? 

I am always happy, sometimes I choose not to show it…. I am happy with my family and friends, when I achieve my personal goals, and when I do well with my favourite hobby, golf. I appreciate the fitness and metal aspect of the sport whilst also enjoying beautiful natural surroundings.

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

Since starting at Hilton Lake Como in May 2022, I have implemented several significant changes aimed at enhancing guest experiences, improving operational efficiency, whilst fostering a more engaged and motivated team. I am a passionate team player who empowers his professional and dedicated colleagues as we strive to continue our Journey at Hilton Lake Como together. We introduced a range of personalized guest services, such as tailored itineraries, bespoke dining experiences, and personalized welcome amenities. We upgraded the hotel’s technology infrastructure to include mobile check-ins, digital concierge services, and enhanced messaging service for our guests.

Furthermore, we partnered with local suppliers to source food and amenities, reducing the hotel’s carbon footprint and supporting the local community. Likewise, we undertook renovations of various areas, including the lobby, restaurants, and spa, to maintain the modern style of our facilities and enhance the overall guest experience. We expanded wellness offerings with new spa treatments, fitness programs, and wellness retreats to cater to the growing demand for health and well-being experiences, which I mentioned before. I fine-tuned the development of our team with training programs focused on customer service excellence and cultural awareness to ensure all team members are well-equipped to meet diverse guest needs.