LAGNIAPPE
What is your hotel pet peeve ? Someone at the door when I have the “ do not disturb ” sign on .
What is your favorite minibar indulgence ? Peanut M & Ms .
What is the best idea you have ever stolen ? A former employer mandated a monthly gathering called “ Celebrating Success ” to share business results , review quality scores and recognize colleagues ’ achievements . I have implemented it at The Waldorf in London , The Excelsior , Hong Kong , and at Mandarin Oriental in both Washington , D . C ., and Bangkok . The achievement is making sure it happens every month .
What would you like to have more time for ? Exercise . In 1993 during my first international sales trip , I went to Houston where I met a wonderfully charismatic Texan woman who used to get up at 4 a . m . to fit exercise into her schedule , and she told me , “ Physical fitness IS mental fitness , honey .” I at least try to concur .
What is on your nightstand ? My phone that is on 24 hours .
What was your most embarrassing professional moment ? At hotel school there was a training restaurant where the university would host events , and at a dinner I was ordered to serve a platter of quite fatty roast goose to the VIP guests . Despite what felt like the colossal weight of the platter , I successfully navigated my way across the dining room only in my ineptitude to serve a slice of goose straight into the vice chancellor ’ s lap . Without thinking , I then used the spoon and fork to serve the goose straight from his lap on to his plate , and fled the room in absolute horror . I still cringe at the sight of goose .
AMANDA HYNDMAN
GENERAL MANAGER , MANDARIN ORIENTAL , BANGKOK
Given the history and iconic status of the 137-year-old Mandarin Oriental , Bangkok , the post of GM there comes with unique demands , but Amanda Hyndman was up to the challenge . When she took over at “ La Grande Dame ” about a year ago , following in the footsteps of legendary hotelier Kurt Wachtveitl , her resumé included posts with stalwarts such as Millenium Hotel Group and Hilton International , not to mention other MOHG properties such as The Excelsior , Hong Kong .
Why do you work in hotels ? Because you get to see all of life , passions run high and the sense of family and achievement is incredible .
If you were not a hotelier , what would you be ? My parents were working overseas , and when I was 13 we were invited to a cocktail party at the British Embassy in Mauritius , after which I dreamed of being a diplomat .
Who was the person you admired most in your life ? My grandmother . She was a strong , resourceful woman who raised a family in hardship during the war , supported my grandfather in his business and lived to the age of 102 . She never had a career of her own but drove her grandchildren to be successful and lived vicariously through us , so in effect our achievements became her achievements .
80 HOTELS September 2013 www . hotelsmag . com