My name is Diana Geijtenbeek, I am 36 years old and live with my partner and two cats in Amsterdam-West. When I’m not at Hotel Jakarta Amsterdam, I can often be found in Amsterdam’s hospitality scene, always searching for new hidden gems. To balance this out, I regularly challenge myself at the gym. I also love traveling, from long-distance trips to beautiful wine regions in Europe.

How did you end up at Hotel Jakarta?
When I moved to Amsterdam in 2015, I came across the WestCord Art Hotel online. I worked there with great pleasure for two years. In the meantime, management was already busy with the pre-opening of Hotel Jakarta. Even though I wasn’t quite ready to leave the Art Hotel, I couldn’t get this incredible hotel out of my mind and decided to apply anyway.

What makes working at Hotel Jakarta fun or special?
Jakarta is not a standard hotel; the entire concept just works. When guests walk in to check in, they are often busy looking around and enjoying the garden. Everyone who works at Jakarta is truly proud of the product, and that naturally reflects in the way we treat our guests. Apart from the concept, I believe we have an amazing team. I still have more than forty years to work, and it would be terrible to go to work somewhere with reluctance.

How have you been able to develop within WestCord Hotels? And where would you still like to grow?
I have been working for WestCord for almost ten years and have definitely been able to develop myself. I started as a reservations and revenue employee at the Art Hotel, and during the pre-opening of HJA I began as back-office and revenue manager. After six years at HJA, I was given the opportunity to also take on Front Office responsibilities, which is a fantastic combination. I definitely want to continue developing myself within HJA, and there hasn’t been a single day when I felt I had learned everything already. This year I have set several goals and want to focus on developing personal skills, such as taking a language course and a presentation training.

“I think it’s a huge advantage that WestCord is still a family business. Everyone is very involved in the organization. No matter what position you have, everyone helps out where needed.”

What is a highlight or your most beautiful memory at WestCord Hotels?
A highlight for me was last year’s SAIL, an incredibly large event where we were right in the middle of it at HJA. The New Year’s Eve parties are also high on my list of great memories.

Do you prefer working at the Front Office or Back Office? And why?
It may sound cliché, but the best part of my job is working with guests. At the same time, I can really enjoy a day at the office as well. Hospitality is an industry that is constantly evolving, and I love being involved in the development of the team. Because of the combination of Front and Back Office, I truly have the best job.

What is the most surprising or funniest thing you have experienced at Hotel Jakarta?
Working in hospitality is, in my opinion, the most wonderful industry to work in. Generally, there is a lot of positivity, but sometimes unpleasant things happen too. The nice thing is that you act as a team in those moments and grow closer together; you really get to know each other.

Would you like to share anything else, or what would you say to someone who is hesitant about working at WestCord Hotels?
Don’t hesitate! But beware of the hospitality virus, before you know it, you’ll be infected too!