Chloe Chelala, hotel manager, Katara Hills focuses on her career path, her time management tools and where she envisions the hotel in two years’ time.
QH: What motivated you to pursue a career in the hospitality industry, particularly in hotel management.
Chelala: I’ve always been fascinated by luxury and the dynamic and diverse nature of the hospitality industry. There’s no routine, every day is different, you deal with different challenges, you get to work closely with people with different cultures and meet people from all corners of the world. There’s no in-between in hospitality; you either love it or you don’t.
QH: Can you share a bit about your professional journey leading up to your current role as the hotel manager?
Chelala: I lived most of my life in the GCC. I grew up in Saudi Arabia, lived there for 17 years which allowed me to understand different cultures from an early age. Studied in my home country at the Lebanon Hospitality Management & Tourism. Worked few years in Lebanon, some task force in Baharain and Scotland. Then moved to Dubai. I specialise in Rooms, I worked with top luxury brands with leading hotels of the world such as Accor, Luxury Collection and here I am today with one of the top and most luxurious brands in Hilton, LXR in Qatar.
QH: How do you balance the demands of your personal life with the responsibilities of managing a hotel?
Chelala: Some days are more demanding than the others; however, I always keep in mind three things: 1. Time management (I prioritise tasks based on urgency and importance, I’m a very organised person in nature this definitely helps, I’m very big on to do lists); 2. Flexibility & adaptability (it allows me to navigate unexpected challenges without sacrificing much of my personal time, it’s really important to have contingency plans in place and to be open to adjusting schedules when necessary); 3. Self care (taking care of my physical and mental wellbeing is crucial for me, I make time for exercise, relaxation and hobbies that rejuvenate me ensuring I have the energy and focus to fulfil both personal and professional responsibilities).
QH: How do you foster a positive and productive work culture within your hotel team?
Chelala: Number one, leading by example. As the hotel manager, I set the tone for the hotel’s culture through my actions and behaviours; number two, clear and honest communication also plays a big role in establishing positivity, no hidden agenda just clarity all along. Last but not least, being close to my team and genuinely caring about their wellbeing, dealing with them with care and empathy to make them feel valued, recognised and appreciated. I’ve always believed that my role as a leader is to inspire, motivate and make a difference with team members with whom I cross paths.
QH: Where do you see your property/brand in the next 2 years?
Chelala: Most probably positioning the hotel as the number 1 destination for luxury travellers seeking unparalleled experiences in Qatar. We aim to expand our guest base by targeting new market segments while maintaining strong relationships with our existing clientele through personalised service. Furthermore, we plan to introduce new amenities and experiences that align with emerging trends in luxury travel, such as sustainable practices, wellness initiatives, and curated local experiences.
Short Shots
Best book read in 2023: The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Steven Covey
Best advice received: You have no idea how surrounding yourself with motivated and driven people will positively influence your life and the choices you make
Go-to unwinding method: Yoga, meditation and long walks
Favourite holiday destination: Paris and my home country Lebanon especially during summer
Best hotel stayed in: Umana Bali LXR Hotels & Resorts
