Between check-in, check-out and “I don’t get it”

A perfectly normal day with apprentices at the hotel

I’ll say it like it is: if you think hospitality is all about polite smiles, handing over keys, and the occasional “good morning” over a cup of coffee, you should spend a day with us at the front desk – preferably Monday through Sunday.

Three arrivals at the same time, two phones ringing, one online booking with a “special case” – and right in the middle, an apprentice in their second or third year wondering whether all of this was really in the training contract.

Respect is not a matter of age, background, or experience.

Apprentices – our heroes behind the scenes (and sometimes in the middle of the chaos)

Our apprentices are the backbone of our hotel. They learn, grow, stumble, and get back on their feet – often faster than our Wi-Fi drops out. So basically never. Or exactly when you need it the least.

We’re especially proud of our international apprentices. One of them has been in Germany for three years and now writes better German than some people who were born here. And still, from time to time, she has to listen to comments that really make you wonder what’s actually missing – and it’s definitely not the language.

Communication – or the great misunderstanding

Communication is everything. And at the same time often… challenging.

Expectations meet reality, languages meet dialects, and patience meets “But I read it online…”. For our apprentices, that means: stay calm, explain kindly, explain again – and maybe a third time. With a smile that says, “I’m happy to help,” while thinking, “Can I just disappear for a moment?”

And us? We’ve got their backs. We show them that professionalism doesn’t mean putting up with everything, but handling it with confidence and composure.

The thing with online booking platforms

Ah yes, online booking platforms – both a blessing and a curse.

“I booked through a platform, but now I’d like to cancel.”
“Of course – then please contact the platform.”
“No, I don’t want to do that. Please handle it here.”

In short: it’s like buying bread rolls at a bakery and trying to return them at a florist. Understandably, that doesn’t quite work that way.

Learning on both sides

Everyday hotel life is a constant learning process – for our apprentices and for us.

They learn how to deal with all kinds of people.
We learn to explain patiently, to support them, and sometimes to take a deep breath behind the reception door.

And along the way, we all learn one thing: respect is not a matter of age, background, or experience.

My day-to-day life with apprentices – and why I still like it

Yes, it’s exhausting.
Yes, it’s chaotic.
And yes, a reset button would be helpful sometimes.

But it’s also really good.

Seeing uncertainty turn into routine.
Watching our apprentices grow, become more confident, and find their own style.

That’s exactly why I do this.

And finally, a small request to all our guests:

A little patience, a little understanding – and the thought that you are facing a young person who is learning their profession, doing their best, and representing the next generation in an industry where skilled staff are already hard to find.

Yes, of course there are also the occasional “chill-out moments,” and we accept those internally. A bit of lightheartedness now and then is part of it too – just a brief moment to catch your breath.

Often, that’s all it takes.

And to my apprentices:

You’re doing a really great job – even if I may sound different sometimes 😉