Brussels of tomorrow

Ahmed Annabi
Director of Accommodation, for the last 7 years at the Hotel Métropole.

What is your job description?
AA I ensure that every guest is looked after, from the time they arrive at the hotel until their departure. They should have an unforgettable experience and I am the person who puts everything in place to make this happen. I am the link between reception and the rooms and must ensure a good communication between these two departments.

What has been your career path in the establishment?
AA I began as a supervisor in housekeeping which consists of organising the planning for the chambermaids and also checking the rooms. Five years ago, I also became responsible for the reception area where the porters, doormen, receptionists and concierge work. I have been working in the hotel industry for 23 years now and it is a world that I love! I began as a valet responsible for linens, and then went from being floor housekeeper to being in charge of general housekeeping, and I am now director of accommodation. I am self-taught; I climbed the career ladder step by step. I have worked in several grand hotels including a 5-star boutique hotel in Paris.

What three key words would you use to describe the Métropole?
AA Iconic, romantic, prestigious.

What is your favourite place in the building?
AA The lobby. I have been and still am always impressed by its presence. I particularly like the view from the balcony which we have named Romeo and Juliette; it offers a beautiful perspective of the lobby. Of course, there are other luxury hotels in Brussels, but in my opinion, the Métropole is unique. It has its own style, its own identity that it cherishes and cultivates.

Is there a hotel in the world that makes you dream?
AA There are two: the Crillon and the Ritz. In my view, Paris is still the benchmark city for the luxury hotels and grand palaces.

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Marine Deroo
Sales Director, for the last 18 months at the Hotel Métropole

What is your job description?
MD I am responsible for developing the international and local MICE segment (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions). The Métropole has 11 different salons that can receive up to 450 people. I am responsible for encouraging client loyalty among the hotel’s historical clientele and encourage companies and events agencies to organise their events of all types at our hotel. I travel between one to two weeks per month: I participate in specialised exhibitions during which I have the opportunity to meet buyers. I work in close collaboration with my colleagues in the Conferences & Events department so that we can propose unforgettable customized events to clients.

What has been your career path in the establishment?
MD I joined the sales team of the Métropole in May 2018, which is relatively recent but I feel that I am really going to grow here. Previously, I worked for big hotel chains in Lille, Paris and Bangkok. The approach to the sector is completely different there. I feel really comfortable in this hotel. Its historical aspect immediately attracted me. The fact that it has been an independent hotel for more than a century is a real strength, strategic and operational decisions can be taken without having to go through multiple intermediaries.

What three key words would you use to describe the Métropole?
MD Historical, emblematic and savoir-faire.

What is your favourite place in the building?
MD The Alban Chambon salon which is unique in its style and the noble materials used in the décor! Its natural light and configuration means that the room is suitable for meetings, press conferences, gala dinners, etc.

Is there a hotel in the world that makes you dream?
MD The Plaza Athénée in Paris where they continually strive for excellence.

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Luis Melim
Assistant Maître d’Hôtel, for one year at the Hotel Métropole

What is your job description?
LM I am Assistant Maître d’Hôtel. My job is to ensure that every client has a perfect experience in our establishment, and more particularly in our brasserie. They must be comfortably seated, their dishes must arrive at the table hot, the bill must be correct, and the ice cubes and lemon slices must not be forgotten … In short, everything should go smoothly!

What has been your career path in the establishment?
LM I have been working at the hotel since October 2018. My wish was to work in a beautiful hotel, calm, elegant and high class. The Métropole was an obvious choice. I had never worked in a hotel in Belgium previously. I am originally from Portugal, from the island of Madeira to be exact. In the region where I was born, there are no hotels with a history like the Métropole. In my opinion, the Métropole is the last hotel in Brussels that is both chic and authentic. Some of our clients have been coming regularly for lunch for the last 30 years. There is no better testimony to show that the cuisine and the personnel have maintained the same high level of professionalism year after year.

What part of your job do you prefer?
LM Speaking to clients, exchanging views: I find it really enriching to meet people from different backgrounds. You have to be very calm and patient to do this job, you must be able to satisfy the demands of the clientele and find solutions when a problem arises.

What three key words would you use to describe the Métropole?
LM Class, marvellous, elegant.

What is your favourite cocktail?
LM Gin Tonic. Classic, not too sweet, with all the extras.