Laurent makes the effort to meet every staff member at the hotel on their first day, as well as at orientation and training sessions and swears by his open-door policy for all staff, whether they have a personal- or work-related problem: “They feel really looked after.”
He adds: “The Ritz-Carlton is more than a luxury hotel, it is a place for inspired and talented people to find opportunities for growth all around them.”
However, the hardest aspect of opening Ritz-Carlton’s first property in Saudi Arabia was, as many would expect, recruitment. “There is a natural apprehension coming to work in Saudi Arabia but, not surprisingly, when people come and spend a little bit of time, they realise it is not such a bad place.”
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He explains that attitudes of Saudi nationals towards hotel work are also changing. The hotel has exceeded its Saudisation target of 30% already, and not one has left. “They are amazing people, it’s a pleasure to work with them. They have a great sense of humour, they are dedicated, and very eager to learn and grow.”
Since opening, the hotelier says that Ritz-Carlton Riyadh has been “put on the map”, but they’re continuing to improve. “It has been a great opening so far — everyone coming is different and, from everyone different, we can learn something different.”
He puts the success of not only the hotel, but Riyadh and the country itself as a key business destination, down to investment by both the Saudi government and private corporations — his main two sectors, followed by domestic leisure.
“Saudi Arabia is enjoying a strong growth and our sector is witnessing an increase in demand and many, many companies have ambitious expansion plans.”
Its 493 rooms are a “challenge”, but he says it is a “majestic property in a prime location — the Arabian peninsula”. “To me it is the most beautiful property in the Middle East.” He adds: “We hope that the Ritz-Carlton Riyadh will not be the last one in Saudi Arabia.”
Mar 24, 2012 , Saudi Arabia
The Worst hotel in Riyadh in terms of services.