Interview with Ms. Angela Saliba, General Manager, Budapest Marriott Hotel

08 May Interview with Ms. Angela Saliba, General Manager, Budapest Marriott Hotel

BF: What advantages does Budapest offer compared to other European cities?

Saliba: Budapest boasts a rich cultural landscape, stunning architecture, and numerous historical landmarks. Visitors can explore the city on foot, cruise the Danube, and enjoy a vibrant atmosphere. The city is well-connected to European airports and offers excellent value for money compared to other major destinations. Post-pandemic, travel costs have surged globally, but Budapest remains competitively priced. It’s a safe city with friendly locals, and English is widely spoken, eliminating language barriers. Tourism efforts by Visit Hungary continue to enhance global connectivity, with increased flights, including routes to China and Japan, reinforcing Budapest’s position as a key European hub.

BF: How does Marriott contribute to Budapest’s evolving tourism industry?

Saliba: Marriott plays a significant role, representing multiple brands in the city, including Marriott, Dorottya, Autograph Collection, W Hotels, Luxury Collection, Four Points by Sheraton, Courtyard, and the soon-to-open St. Regis. Our global loyalty program, Marriott Bonvoy, attracts millions of returning guests who trust our hospitality standards. We leverage our extensive sales and marketing channels to promote Budapest, appealing to European, North American, and Asian travelers. Many visitors explore Budapest as part of a Central European tour alongside Vienna and Prague. International brands like Marriott elevate Budapest’s visibility and reputation through marketing activations and global exposure.

BF: How has Budapest Marriott’s location contributed to its success?

Saliba: Marriott is an iconic hotel in Budapest, known for its unparalleled location with all rooms overlooking the Danube. We are uniquely positioned to cater to both leisure and business travelers, offering the largest meeting space among the city’s five-star hotels and two exclusive boardrooms. For over 30 years, we have continuously innovated to provide exceptional guest experiences. Our food and beverage offerings also engage the local market, with Liz & Chain rooftop bar ranked among Budapest’s top 10, and our DMB restaurant popular for Sunday brunch with breathtaking Danube views. Our location remains our strongest asset, offering uninterrupted panoramas of the river, bridges, and Castle District.

BF: How important are The Budapest Marriott’s wellness experiences to guest satisfaction, and have you introduced any new wellness services recently?

Saliba: Our fitness center offers stunning views of the Danube and Liz Bridge, featuring state-of-the-art equipment, steam rooms, a sauna, and a Jacuzzi. While we’re not a full spa facility, we provide elements of a spa experience. Many of our guests value wellness while traveling, and Budapest itself is renowned for its thermal baths, offering plenty of opportunities for relaxation beyond the hotel.

BF: Can you share how your event spaces function and whether local companies also utilize them?

Saliba: Our meeting and event spaces host both local and international clients, including businesses from North America and Europe. Thanks to our prime location, we’re a preferred venue for corporate events, incentives, and sports-related gatherings. Hungary frequently hosts major sporting events, such as the World Athletics Championships and international swimming competitions, bringing business to hotels across the city, including ours. On weekends, we’re also a popular choice for weddings.

BF: Budapest Marriott was the first hotel in Hungary to earn the Green Key certification. How does sustainability shape your operations, and what initiatives have you implemented?

Saliba: Sustainability is a core priority at Marriott International. Earning the Green Key certification required a detailed audit and collaboration across departments, focusing on energy and water conservation, eliminating single-use plastics, and optimizing our supply chain. With 364 rooms and extensive event space, meeting these criteria took significant effort and teamwork. Beyond environmental sustainability, we actively engage in corporate social responsibility, supporting various charities and community initiatives in Budapest.

BF: Can you highlight any CSR initiatives the hotel has undertaken recently?

Saliba: We’ve supported sick children through the Choda Lampa Foundation, contributed to United Way and UNICEF, assisted elderly homes, and provided financial aid to a village kindergarten in need.

BF: In the era of digitalization, how is Marriott leveraging technology to enhance operations and guest experiences?

Saliba: Digitalization accelerated post-COVID, and we’ve adapted by strengthening our social media presence to engage both local and international travelers. Marriott is also investing heavily in technology to streamline booking processes and enhance the overall customer experience, ensuring seamless and efficient interactions across digital platforms.

BF: What are some recent initiatives or ongoing projects at the hotel?

Saliba: Our latest investment is the renovation of Liz & Chain Rooftop Bar, ranked among Budapest’s top 10 bars on TripAdvisor. Its unique location makes it a must-visit destination. Beyond guest-facing enhancements, we continually invest in infrastructure, ensuring the hotel operates smoothly and efficiently.We are constantly looking for ways to implement energy-efficient technology and strategies to enhance sustainability.

BF: How do you see the hotel’s role evolving over the next decade?

Saliba: Our priority is to remain a market leader by investing in both our people and our product. In hospitality, service, guest experience, and people are paramount, so we emphasize staff training, motivation, and career development. By 2027, we plan to refresh guest rooms, corridors, and public spaces to keep our offering modern and inviting. Maintaining long-term relevance has been key to our success over the last 30 years, and we will continue that strategy for the next five to 10 years. Additionally, we actively promote Budapest as a destination, attending key global trade shows to showcase both the city and our hotel.

BF: What initiatives are in place for upskilling and reskilling your team, and how do you cultivate the next generation of hospitality leaders?

Saliba: We run Level Up, a program in partnership with Budapest schools, introducing students to the wide-ranging career opportunities in hospitality—from rooms and F&B to sales, marketing, HR, and finance. Interns receive both classroom and on-the-job training. Within the hotel, our Skill Up program allows employees to cross-train in different departments. Additionally, Marriott International’s Voyager Program provides 12- to 18-month management training for young graduates, blending online learning with hands-on experience. These initiatives help build a strong leadership pipeline, offering employees global career growth opportunities.

BF: What message would you like to leave for our readers and future guests?

Saliba: Hungary has a resilient, entrepreneurial workforce and top-tier universities, making it a great place for business investment. The government actively supports foreign investment with attractive incentives. For travelers, Budapest is always a great destination, offering rich cultural experiences, renowned cuisine, and world-class wines. Beyond the capital, Hungary boasts beautiful landscapes and historic sites, all within a safe and welcoming environment.