By Raynah Coutinho
Tamir Kobrin has worked with across international locations and loves the Indian hospitality industry because of its pedigree of professionals who are well-educated and ambitious. He sees this as an opportunity, as hospitality is ingrained in them. It also means that GMs have the responsibility of honing these skills.
Tell us about the most important guest you have ever hosted.
All guests are equally important to us. I will share an incident to illustrate this: one of our guests checked-out of the hotel and boarded his flight leaving his iPhone behind. He called to request that his phone reach him the same day, as he could not function without it. After a negotiation, our Clefs d’Or team managed to get the phone on the next flight and in the hands of the guest before his evening meeting at his destination!
What has been the biggest disaster you averted?
During the stay of a head of state at the hotel, we received a request at midnight wherein the guest wanted to have a massage. Even though the specially-fitted spa room is adjacent to the presidential suite, due to the personal security reasons, we had to move the entire set-up into the presidential suite. This involved a lot of diplomacy with the personal security to ensure that it is done professionally, in a manner befitting a head of state and in accordance with brand standards.
What is the best thing about your job?
The spark in my team’s eyes when they accomplish something unique.
The worst thing about your job?
You have to juggle so many different personalities and ensure that the balance between guests and staff is maintained.
Which market or city do you find most exciting as an hotelier?
As an hotelier I find New York to be an exciting city.
If not a hotelier, what would you be?
If not a hotelier, then I would love to have been a diplomat.
Your pet peeve, as far as hotels are concerned?
Hotels are 24X7 and everything happens in real time. This is all good, except when it comes to a point where people are hurried. Stupid mistakes can often be averted if the person had taken a moment to think.
