Sara Naveed speaks to Malte Budde, the GM of Hyatt Regency Oryx Doha, delving into the innovative strategies and visionary plans shaping the future of luxury hospitality at one of Doha’s premier destinations.
QH: What sparked your interest in hospitality, and how did you land your role at Hyatt Regency Oryx Doha?
Budde: During my childhood, I had the opportunity to travel extensively with my family, and I feel incredibly grateful for the chance to have stayed in numerous exquisite hotels during the 80s and 90s. What made these experiences truly special was the way these hotels treated me, a young boy, like a VIP. The memories of those moments still linger in my mind, and it has inspired me to extend that same exceptional treatment to others.
My family and I have had multiple trips to the Middle East and I was already familiar with this captivating region. The country’s remarkable reputation as a world-class destination magnificently showcased through the 2022 FIFA World Cup, left a distinct impression on me.
QH: With your luxury hotel experience, what fresh ideas will you bring to the ongoing renovation at Hyatt Regency Oryx Doha?
Budde: We’re excited to introduce innovative ideas to Hyatt Regency Oryx Doha’s renovation, aiming to become a leading deluxe hotel. Our focus is on adaptable design, with modular furniture and flexible room configurations. We prioritise personalised guest experiences, ensuring comfort throughout their stay. Additionally, we plan to enhance culinary offerings with interactive dining experiences and emphasise sustainability in our practices.
QH: As GM, what innovative plans do you have to enhance guest experiences at Hyatt Regency Oryx Doha?
Budde: As GM, I aim to lead in our segment by exceeding guest expectations. We prioritise culinary excellence, collaborating with chefs and sensory experts for our bar Rubix. Specialty dining events at The Cellar and a unique dining concept are in the works. We’re also curating immersive experiences highlighting Qatar’s culture and engaging with the local community through partnerships and initiatives. Stay tuned for more exciting updates!
QH: How will you cultivate excellence among staff and ensure memorable stays for guests?
Budde: I believe in giving all our colleagues trust at all levels in the organisation, the power to make decisions based on their expertise and knowledge. Leadership is no longer about micromanagement, but rather about “setting the sails”, empowering our team members to take ownership of guest experiences, and fostering a culture of empowerment and accountability.
Establishing a culture of open communication and feedback where the team members feel comfortable sharing their ideas, concerns, and suggestions for improvement.
QH: What steps will you take to make Hyatt Regency Oryx Doha a top choice for discerning professionals?
Budde: To make Hyatt Regency Oryx Doha a top choice for discerning professionals, we prioritise instilling a guest-centric mindset among our staff. We aim to exceed guest expectations by catering not only to their basic needs but also to their emotional connection with us. Our goal is to create an environment where guests feel like part of our extended family, ensuring they always have a place to call home when they return.
Short Shots
Favourite travel destination: Greece as a country and London as a city
Most favourite book: The 5 am Club by Robin Sharma
Project of pride: My family
Best advice received: Sometimes success isn’t about making the right decision; it’s more about making some decision
Unwinding after a long day: Going to the gym and listening to rock music via my headphones
