Anniek and Anouk both enjoy working at Hotel Arsenal, but their working paths at WestCord Hotels started very differently. Anniek started at the hotel almost three years ago when it had just opened, looking for experience in the hotel industry. Anouk started as a side job on weekends and vacations, but her path eventually led her to Hotel Arsenaal via an internship at WestCord Art Hotel in Amsterdam. Now they work together as operational staff and complement each other perfectly. Despite their different work experiences and departments, they can always count on each other. We talk to the ladies about their experiences, what drives them and how they reinforce each other in their work.

Now let's hear from the ladies themselves for a brief introduction!

Anniek: Hi, my name is Anniek! I am 19 years old and have been working at Hotel Arsenaal for almost 3 years. Last year I completed my MBO Hotel Management and I am currently doing a gap year. I ended up at WestCord Hotels because I wanted to gain experience in the hotel industry, as I was going to start my Hotel Management course after the summer. I thought this would be a good stepping stone to get to know the practice better and gain work experience that would help me during my studies.

Anouk: Hi, I'm Anouk! My adventure at WestCord Hotels started when I started my Hotel Management studies, I then went to do an internship at WestCord Art Hotel Amsterdam, where I worked behind the reception desk. I lived near Delft and when I heard that a new hotel was opening there, things moved very quickly and I came to work in Delft after my internship.

Can you describe a typical workday? How does it differ for both of you?

Anniek: This school year I am working 4-5 days a week at Hotel Arsenaal during my gap year. By now it feels more like a job than a side job, especially since I am picking up more and more tasks, such as rearranging the BackOffice and decorating the courtyard garden. As a breakfast worker, I start preparing the buffet at 6:30 a.m. and help guests as soon as they come in. After breakfast, I clean everything and make sure that guests who want lunch are quickly served. The rest of the day is varied, serving high tea and supporting guests. My work day ends around 2:30 p.m.

Anouk: As an operations assistant in our small hotel, I have a varied role at both the front desk and the restaurant. Behind the reception I am busy with administrative tasks, e-mail management and checking guests in and out. In the restaurant, I work during the breakfast shift (starting at 6:30 a.m.) and the bar shift. During the breakfast shift I set up the buffet and help guests, while during the bar shift I serve drinks and drinks boards. Thus, I work in three different shifts, each with its own dynamics.

''We also started working at Arsenal at about the same time. So it's nice to be on duty together because you know from each other what you can gain from each other.” 

What do you enjoy most about your jobs? Are there any differences in what you both like best?

Anniek: What I like most about my job is the contact with the guests. Every day I chat with them and make sure they are enjoying themselves. At the reception I can really engage with guests, discover their plans for Delft and give them tips on what they should absolutely not miss. Whether it's a good restaurant, a nice walk or a place of interest, it gives me satisfaction when they come back and are enthusiastic about the tips I gave. For me, the work is more than performing tasks; it is contributing to a positive experience for the guests.

Anouk: The best thing about this job is that you do something different every day. As you read above, the tasks vary greatly per shift, which ensures that the work is never boring. Personally, I like the variety the most. 

What do you consider most important in a job? And do you differ in that?

Anniek: I think the most important thing about work is to go home at the end of the day with a good feeling. A feeling that I enjoy working the next day as well. I get that feeling especially when the guests are happy and enthusiastic about Delft, but also about the hotel. It is really nice to notice that they are satisfied and that they had a good time at the hotel.

Anouk: I think a pleasant working atmosphere is very important, where everyone works together and tries equally hard to achieve something.

What has been the highlight of your work at WestCord Hotels so far?

Anniek: Recently, Hotel Arsenaal had a Dickens Night, the first big event I participated in. It was a great experience, especially because we worked with many colleagues instead of our usual small team. We were even dressed up in Dickens-style, which made the atmosphere extra special. It was great to organize this together!

Anouk: One of my highlights was the staff party at Friends of Amstel, but also the fact that I met some of my best friends here made it extra special.

How would your colleagues describe you? Do you have different impressions of each other?

Anniek: Haha, tricky question! My colleagues would probably describe me as friendly, enthusiastic and hardworking. I am always ready to help with a smile, whether in different situations or departments. I also enjoy thinking about improvements and new ideas.

Anouk: My colleagues would probably describe me as a hard worker, sociable and clear in my approach.

What three compliments do you give each other? How do you complement each other in your work?

Anniek: I think Anouk is a helpful colleague. She really thinks along if there is a problem. If it's a busy day in the hotel, I also find Anouk a really nice colleague, because she is good at keeping calm. This also makes it nice for me to work with her.

Anouk: We have both been working here for years, so we have built up a lot of knowledge and experience. That makes it very pleasant to work together. I can always rely on Anniek; she knows exactly how to do something and makes sure it's done right. What I also really appreciate is that she keeps working when it's really necessary. That is exactly how I also work, and it makes working together extra nice.