"Guests First Ask about Where to Go and Then about the Wi-Fi"
Andraž, you are a Reception Shift Leader. What’s the one question you are asked most often?
Andraž: That’s probably the question “What should I do/see in Ljubljana?” Most of our guests come to Ljubljana more or less unprepared, which, I believe, is because they expect Ljubljana to be a small town. Of course, how well guests are prepared differs case-by-case, and cultural differences are quite noticeable when it comes to this too. The Japanese guests are always prepared as well as it gets, while guests from the Arab nations don’t know much about our country. Of course, our staff is always ready to help and to give some tips on what are the must-see sights, where to grab a bit to eat and where you can get the best beer… And then, of course, there’s the question about the Wi-Fi password. Many guests ask about it even before the Good morning or Good afternoon.
What’s your favourite corner of Ljubljana?
Andraž: I love walking around Ljubljana, so I’d say it’s the Ljubljana Castle and the magnificent view you can enjoy from it.
How about your favourite place in Slovenia?
Andraž: A difficult question. There are so beautiful places in Slovenia, it’s really hard to choose just one. Bled and the surrounding mountains spring to mind first, and then there’s the River Soča and the surrounding area, and our beautiful little coast… and let’s not forget the Karst and its caves. You won’t find such caves anywhere else in the world, there are so many superlatives to describe them…
What was the last cave you visited?
Andraž: Just last year, I visited the Škocjan Caves Park and I was really impressed with it. Every time you come into the Great Hall, you are left speechless and there’s nothing left to do but to enjoy it. Later this year, I’m planning on going to Postojna Cave, as it’s been a while since I was there last. At some point in the future, I’d also like to visit Križna Cave, as I really want to go for a canoe ride deep in the underground world. I can imagine it’s a one-of-a-kind experience.
What do visitors have to say about Slovenia after they’ve seen some of it?
Andraž: Most often they decide to visit Bled, Postojna and, during the summer, also the Slovenian coast. All of them are genuinely amazed by Bled. It’s a very simple town, where people often manage to get away from the daily grind for a bit. Generally speaking, visitors are greatly surprised by Slovenia, it’s obvious that they like it and that they feel well being here. But we need to be aware of the fact that it’s all of us who make tourism what it is. That each of us contributes to the good reputation of Slovenia’s tourism. It’s certainly true that the natural sights are there, but what tourists like most about Slovenia is the Slovenian people and their friendliness.
What’s the one thing about your work that makes you happy?
Andraž: My job is so specific that every day at work is different. We work with people, so the work keeps changing from one minute to another. If I was to choose my favourite part, I’d say that what I like most is recommending to our guests what sights to see. I like talking to the guests and I like listening to them.
What’s your working day like?
Andraž: It’s difficult to describe a typical day at work, but basically, we work three shifts, weekends, and holidays. Sometimes me and my colleagues joke that even the traffic lights don’t work occasionally, while we always do. (laughter)
How long have you been working at Hotel Lev?
Andraž: I started working at Hotel Lev shortly after I’d turned eighteen. And now it’s been almost seven years since then.
You started as a porter, right?
Andraž: Yes, that’s right. At first, it was a student job, through a student employment agency. After I’d come home from the first day on the job, I sat down on the couch and said I didn’t see myself here and that I probably won’t even go to work again. Well, in the end I persisted and got to know my colleagues, the work environment, the work process, and turned it all around to suit me, growing as an individual. After four years, I was promoted to receptionist, and I also signed my first permanent employment contract, as well as did an internship. For over a year, I worked as a receptionist, and then I became the Reception Shift Leader.
Is there a position within the hotel you would like to be promoted to?
Andraž: I am an ambitious person and I always strive to move forward. This makes you better, makes you achieve your full potential. As far as the reception team is concerned, I’d like to be promoted to ‘concierge’, because what I like most is being in touch with the guests and giving them whatever they want. In any case, in the long run I’d certainly also like to try my hand at working in some other department or in a managerial position.