Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Medeiros.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Michael. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I got into the business as a fluke. I had a full time job in a different field and wanted to fill my spare time, so I figured I would apply as a waiter for a local suburb hotel and work part-time. I was quickly refused the position as I didn’t have any experience. So, I challenged the manager to allow me to work for free the first two weeks and if he didn’t like me then I would leave – no questions asked. Needless to say, he liked me and the rest is history. I’m now very fortunate to be given the opportunity to run my own team, the beautiful Royal Sonesta Boston, a four diamond 400 room hotel with multiple food and beverage outlets and 28,000 square feet of meeting space. I’ve worked very hard in the past 25 years trying to learn as much as I could about the hospitality business, by working long hours, attending industry events and working alongside very strong mentors. The most valuable lesson I learned was that communication is the biggest key to any organization. Taking the time to listen to your associates, asking them questions about their areas really helps to ensure that the team grows stronger together.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Well, it’s all about attitude, whether the road is smooth or rocky. I’m one of those people who choose to look at each and everything in a glass-half-full kind of way. You never know when life is going to throw you that curve ball. One of my curve balls came out of left-field as Hurricane Katrina. As the food and beverage director at Royal Sonesta New Orleans, we had much to overcome. It was a tough time, however I’m grateful for all the lessons I learned. I could have never learned how to go through something like that by reading a text book. Thinking back, I wasn’t just the food and beverage director, I was also a father, mentor, friend, a hand to hold, a person to talk to and give advice. It definitely tested me on what kind of person I was and how I could affect other lives through a difficult time. Most of my employees lost everything they had, but made it to work every day with a smile and a will to move on.
Royal Sonesta Boston – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
My business is Royal Sonesta Boston and I’m the general manager. In addition to running the hotel with my team, I’m also the corporate food and beverage lead for all of our new acquisitions. At Sonesta Hotels & Resorts, our hotels are as distinct and individual as our guests. Sonesta takes enormous pride in preserving what our guests have come to discover: local culture. Not only are we focused on our guests and our employees but we love our community. We are always looking for ways to give back or to showcase new and fun aspects of Boston to our guests.
Generously appointed, locally inspired. Royal Sonesta Hotels provide all the amenities you need for an indulgent and culture-filled stay. Our hallways are art galleries, our grounds are gardens and our cuisine is locally inspired and artistically created. We take great pride in each and every aspect of the hotel, and really look forward to each morning as we welcome new people!
Sonesta hosts what we call a Culture of Caring – which runs straight down to our employees. At our core, we celebrate the individuality of everyone who walks through our doors. For our employees, that means we ensure they develop the skills and tools they need to do their job and exceed even their own expectations. I feel that our opinion matters, and we’re not treated like a number.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
How do I define success? Good question. I guess I’m still trying to figure that out after all these years. Each day, when I show up, I feel it could be my last day, so I try to work harder than the day before. Success is based on how well the hotel is performing financially and that we continue to create memorable experiences for the guest and employees of the hotel. My criteria are: loyalty, passion and dedication.
Contact Info:
- Address: Royal Sonesta Boston
40 Edwin H Land Blvd.
Cambridge, MA 02142 - Website: www.sonesta.com/boston
- Phone: 617.806.4200
- Instagram: @sonestaboston
- Facebook: facebook.com/sonestaboston
- Twitter: @sonestaboston
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