INTERVIEW WITH MARIE BROWNE CLUSTER GENERAL MANAGER OF SHERATON BALI KUTA RESORT & ALOFT BALI KUTA
What is the unique values and difference between Sheraton and Aloft?
While both nestled in a strategic location in the heart of Kuta, Sheraton caters to both leisure and business travelers with a much more mature demographic, offering premium services in a tranquil setting with magnificent sunset views. Located just across the legendary Kuta Beach, we have a total of 203 spacious rooms and suites, various dining venues and amenities, such as, Feast Restaurant, Bene Italian Kitchen, and The Lounge, Shine Spa right next to the pool, Play@Sheraton Kids Club, Fitness Centre, and much more in Beachwalk just next door.
Aloft is best suited to a more millennial guest. It is located within the Beachwalk complex, buzzing with vibrant ambience from the mall. It has 175 creatively designed guest rooms, W XYZ Bar and “Live @ Aloft” stage, outdoor Splash Pool, etc.
Does Sheraton Kuta has any special room package deals at the moment?
Sheraton Kuta is currently celebrating the 9th Anniversary. While we celebrate our guests benefit, we have a curated room package deal, which can be booked before 19 December 2021 and stay until 31 March 2022.
Rate starts from IDR 966,875++ per room per night
Take advantage of the Ninecredible Benefits such as complimentary late check-out, IDR 90,000 spa voucher per stay, additional 9% off for Marriott Bonvoy members, and many more.
Booking link:
What is Sheraton Kuta’s offerings for the festive period?
Sheraton Bali Kuta Resort welcomes everyone to share this joyous occasion with their loved ones and take pleasure in the resort’s numerous oceanic-themed festive dining experiences. For full information, you can click to see our festive booklet.
Can you please share with us the exciting news on Aloft Kuta
Our owner’s vision is to expand the Beachwalk lifestyle complex and early this year, they have extended the complex that offers a completely new range of retail and F&B outlets to choose from. As part of the complex, is our Aloft Bali Kuta at Beachwalk, which is scheduled to open in Q2 2022.
As a Cluster General Manager, how do you normally prioritize your work between the two hotels?
It can be challenging to prepare for the opening of one hotel while operating a busy open hotel at the same time. I typically plan my week out so that I have the important meetings and walk-throughs in my calendar. This helps me to ensure I stay focused on what is important and critical. I rely heavily on my team to ensure the work gets done so, leaning on their strengths and expertise while providing oversight. We don’t get work done alone, so it is important to surround yourself with talented and capable people to support you.
What have been your greatest challenges and successes in your professional journey?
This past year has been, hands down, the most challenge time in my career. Managing through a pandemic is not something any of us prepared for. We had to find a balance between taking care of our people, minimizing losses for owners, and managing our own personal mental health through the stresses and pressures. What got me through it was knowing that I had a responsibility to my team and their families to remain open and build the business back up again.
I don’t have one big success that I highlight, I have had an amazing journey. I have moved across the world, experienced different jobs, locations, cultures and met wonderful people throughout the years. I feel very blessed for the life I have been able to live in this career in hospitality. Each experience has taught me something, made me stronger as a leader, and has changed me in some way for the better.
If you could count your blessings throughout this unprecedented time, what would be your top three?
Of course, I am grateful for my health and wellbeing at this time, but I think the top three relate to people. I am grateful for the support of my husband, family, and friends. My husband has been an amazing sounding board and partner. My family and friends have been there when I needed someone to talk to, advice and guidance, and to laugh in such a difficult time. They have all lifted me up in many ways throughout the past year.
The second is my team, without who I could not have managed this past year. They have been so resilient, positive, and loyal. Our success is because of the drive and tenacity they continue to display every day.
The third is our owners. They have been very supportive throughout this year and have been great partners as we navigated this very unusual situation together. We would not be here today if they were not committed to the success of the hotel and maintaining the product for our guests.