Robert McHugh speaks to Ludo de Jong, the general manager of Anantara The Marker Dublin Hotel, ‘luxurious, international cool.’
Overlooking the waterfront on Grand Canal Square, in the heart of the Docklands, Anantara The Marker Dublin Hotel is owned by Minor Hotels and has gained a reputation as one of the trendiest venues in the city.
The property is a member of Leading Hotels of the World and has 187 bedrooms – including premier, superior and deluxe rooms, as well as several luxurious suites – set over six floors.
The five-star establishment is home to Forbes Street by Gareth Mullins, renowned for its fine dining, as well as the Condé Nast award-winning spa, which features an infinity pool, a sauna, and a eucalyptus-infused steam room.
Anantara The Marker Dublin Hotel appointed Ludo de Jong as its general manager in August. In this interview, he discusses his global experience and what motivates him.
How are you settling into your role?
Settling into my new role as general manager at Anantara The Marker Dublin Hotel has been an exhilarating and fulfilling journey. The entire team has been incredibly welcoming, and I am eager to contribute to the hotel’s ongoing success.
The vibrant Docklands area, with its blend of tech and finance headquarters, chic restaurants, and world-class theatres, provides a dynamic backdrop to our guests’ experiences.
My focus is on enhancing our offerings in immersive exploration, world-class dining, and modern wellness, in line with Anantara’s vision of providing heartfelt hospitality and enriching experiences.
What was your first job in the hospitality industry, and how did that experience shape your passion and commitment to the field?
My first job in the hospitality industry was as a trainee at a local restaurant in the Netherlands, where I worked as a dishwasher and steward under the management of my brother. The restaurant primarily catered to events and weddings, and I was fascinated by the process of creating lasting, memorable experiences for guests. This early exposure ignited my passion for hospitality.
Later, my first experience in a luxury five-star hotel in Belgium taught me the importance of attention to detail, guest satisfaction, and the joy of creating memorable experiences. These foundational experiences instilled in me a deep commitment to excellence, and a continuous drive to innovate and improve in the field.
Who was your first mentor in hospitality, and how did his/her/their guidance influence your growth and development as a hospitality professional?
My first mentor was a seasoned hotel manager who imparted the values of leadership and team empowerment. Their guidance was pivotal in my growth, emphasising the importance of leading by example and fostering a collaborative environment. This mentorship helped shape my management style, which focuses on innovation, team engagement, and delivering exceptional guest experiences.
Inspired by Stephen Covey’s The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, I strive to be proactive, begin with the end in mind, and prioritise effectively, all while fostering a culture of mutual respect and continuous improvement.
Throughout your journey, could you walk us through the various roles that you have held in your career and the significant lessons that you have learned from each experience?
Over the past two decades, I have held various roles in the hospitality industry, each contributing significantly to my professional growth. I began as a trainee and progressed to cluster general manager at the NH Collection Barbizon Palace Amsterdam and Tivoli Doelen Amsterdam. Leading high-profile rebranding, pre-opening and large-scale renovation projects taught me the importance of strategic planning and adaptability.
My tenure as assistant hotel director at the NH Collection Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky, where I opened a Michelin-awarded restaurant, and my roles in F&B and events at the Renaissance Amsterdam Hotel provided invaluable insights into operations and guest services.
Each position reinforced the significance of teamwork, innovation, and a guest-centric approach, all aligning currently with Anantara’s mission to deliver exceptional and personalised experiences.
Of which industry networks have you been a part that have provided vital support and contributed to your career progression?
I have been actively involved in several industry networks, including the European Hotel Managers’ Association (EHMA) and Rotary International, and, most recently, I became a member of the Irish Hospitality Institute. These networks have been invaluable in providing support, professional development opportunities, and a platform for sharing best practices.
Additionally, serving as a board member of Koninklijke Horeca Nederland [KHN] Amsterdam has allowed me to contribute to the broader hospitality community in the Netherlands and stay connected with industry trends and challenges.
Furthermore, as an alumnus of the Cornell University GMP [General Managers’ Programme], I have benefitted from a global network of hospitality professionals and cutting-edge industry insights. These connections have been instrumental in my career progression, and in fostering a culture of excellence and innovation.
In your experience, what are the most significant challenges that you have faced while working in the hospitality industry, and how did you navigate through them?
One of the most significant challenges I have faced – next to Covid – is managing large-scale renovation projects while ensuring minimal disruption to guests. Navigating these challenges required meticulous planning, clear communication, and a flexible approach to problem-solving.
Another challenge has been adapting to the rapidly changing landscape of guest expectations and technological advancements. Staying ahead of these trends and continuously innovating have been key to overcoming these obstacles.
Looking ahead, what are your career goals and aspirations, and how do you envision making a lasting impact in the hospitality sector?
Looking ahead, my career goals include further enhancing the guest experience at Anantara The Marker Dublin Hotel and contributing to the brand’s growth in Europe. I aspire to make a lasting impact by fostering a culture of excellence, innovation and sustainability within the hospitality sector.
My vision is to create memorable experiences for our guests while supporting the professional development of my team and promoting sustainable practices.
I am proud to have had mentors and colleagues who helped me develop, and I am equally proud to have supported others in their growth, helping them achieve roles such as general manager.
What do you like to do when you are not working?
When I am not working, I enjoy exploring new culinary experiences and spending time with my family. I have a beautiful wife, Amber, and I am the proud father of two boys, Floris and Olivier.
I am passionate about gastronomy and love discovering new restaurants and food trends. Additionally, I enjoy outdoor activities, such as participating in obstacle tours and cycling, which help me stay active and rejuvenated.
