INTERVIEW WITH WENDY JANUAR HOTEL MANAGER ALOFT BALI SEMINYAK
What excites you most about being the Hotel Manager of Aloft Bali Seminyak?
Well, since this is the Aloft brand, it’s like having a backstage pass to the ultimate vacation concert! The brand is a music-inspired brand with evolving different by design style. Our guests are self-expressers, and they embolden me to think creatively (without the box) to deliver Aloft Bali Seminyak as a hub that offers flexibility and personality for them.
As the Hotel Manager of Aloft Bali Seminyak, how do you compete with other established properties?
Focus on the creativity of our associates to deliver guest experience and service that aligns with the brand’s philosophy, “Different. By design.” The experiential part of it, I believe, is the key that sets us apart from other established properties. We focus on connection, being versatile and deliver a vibrant experience for each and every guest. Starting from our lobby, it’s not just a place; it’s a vortex of good vibes. With the bright, Balinese-inspired wall mural, colorful LED lights, funky furniture, a massive 6×2 meter screen where you can play your favorite video games, and a DJ spinning tunes, it’s an immersive experience. We’re like a unicorn disco party, and guests can’t resist. But here’s the twist: Marriott Bonvoy members get an exclusive dance move tutorial. Trust me, the “Bonvoy Boogie” is legendary.
What do you enjoy most about working in the hospitality industry?
I will have to say one of the delights that make this industry sparkle like a perfectly fluffed pillow is the art of anticipation; we’re like mind readers in disguise. Meeting lots of different people from different countries and backgrounds sharpens our sense of what guests’ needs are. Like a guest glancing at the bar, and we know they crave a cocktail, or they adjust their shirt, and we sense they need an iron. So, I can say anticipating guests’ needs becomes what’s enjoyable for us and becomes our superpower.
When you’re at work, what puts a smile on your face?
The most delightful moments that turn my workday into a sun-kissed stroll are the simple expressions of gratitude. Hearing a guest say, “Thank you, your staff has made my stay unforgettable,” truly makes a difference. It shows we’ve delivered the best possible service and created a memorable experience.
What’s your most memorable moment in your career?
During my first six months in the hospitality industry, while working as a reservation agent, I received a guest acknowledgment that truly changed my perspective. At the time, I was a reservations agent, communicating with guests only through the phone with no face-to-face interaction. A guest wrote an exceptional review mentioning me by name! According to my managing director at that time, this recognition was the first ever for a back-of-house associate (like a reservation agent). This experience opened my view on the hospitality industry, revealing it as a field driven by passion that I truly want to be part of.
Who has been your biggest inspiration?
Without a doubt, my biggest inspiration has been my parents. They are the quiet force behind our family, working tirelessly to provide for us. Their calloused hands are a testament to their unwavering determination. Witnessing their dedication instilled in me the values of hard work and integrity – the threads that I believe weave success.
What do you do for fun during your day off?
Ah, the sacred day of leisure! On my days off, when I’m not busy calculating the revenue and occupancy rate (debugging the fabric of reality), I unwind by relaxing on the beach, sunbathing and napping ☺. Catching up with friends over casual coffee and enjoying good food are also high on my list.