The American Colony in Jerusalem hosts 85% of journalists

Guy Lindt, the general manager of The American Colony, a 92-room five-star hotel in Jerusalem, is experiencing a unique situation. We have known this experienced Swiss hotelier for many years. He explains that the situation remains relatively calm in the holy city where he has been living for five years, and he wants to reassure his colleagues in the profession in Switzerland and all those who regularly worry about him.

"Obviously, since October 7th, this is the most serious situation since my arrival in Israel in August 2018," he says. He emphasizes that a hotelier working in Jerusalem becomes more than just a hotelier, with significant diplomatic work and numerous contacts with embassies and expatriates. "We have to anticipate, manage, and plan, which is why the Swiss style of management has been so appreciated at the American Colony for the past 43 years."

I don't want to, I can't

The establishment adjusts its hours. Additionally, Guy Lindt mentions that the Chief of the Swiss Army Staff was staying at the American Colony just before October 7th, and he left the hotel on the same day. The hotelier says he has never been afraid and has not considered leaving; he lives there with his wife: "I don't want to, I can't." He had previously experienced a curfew situation in 1996 when he worked in Albania, and at that time, his wife and two sons had left the country.

Regarding Jerusalem, Lindt explains, "We have had four rocket alerts since October 7th when we had to take refuge in the staff cafeteria and another shelter for guests." Currently, the hotel accommodates 85% of journalists, mostly English-speaking ones: "They ensure the hotel's sustainability; they represent CNN, BBC, Sky News, the New York Times." This can sometimes complicate reservation management for the hotel: "They extend day by day, and we prioritize those who are already here." The establishment has to adjust its hours: "They leave early in the morning for reporting and return around 9 or 10 PM. We must be able to serve them at that time."

The general manager explains that the media's trust in the hotel comes from "the luxury it offers, the quality of services, the attention to customers, the stability provided by Christian owners since the early 20th century, and its security." Security teams have been reinforced, and the establishment is taking precautions to ensure the safety of all guests and staff.

Challenges

Regarding inconveniences, Guy Lindt also mentions supply problems, which can arise, especially for deliveries from Tel Aviv. He also points out that only the national airline El Al still operates from Jerusalem airport. The borders in the West Bank are closed, "which poses problems for the 20% of the staff who live on that side of the city." The five-star hotel employs 115 people, 99% of whom are of Palestinian origin, with 75% being Christians and 25% Muslims, and some employees have been working there for three generations. "Here, we cannot speak of recruitment problems. After the closure due to Covid, everyone seemed eager to return." The hotel had closed on April 19, 2020, during the pandemic, and the hotelier returned to prepare for the reopening in May 2021.

Normally, October remains important for tourism with occupancy rates of 95%: "They dropped to 44% in 72 hours." For now, each employee is holding their position: "Of course, if occupancy rates drop to 20 or 10%, we will have to find a Plan B, but I don't believe it will happen." The hotelier hopes for a ceasefire and explains that at that time, journalists leave, and diplomats and NGOs arrive. He recalls the historical role played by the American Colony in the pre-negotiations of the Oslo Accord in 1993, specifically in room 16.

Humanity and passion of Jean-Jacques Gauer

He also wishes to acknowledge the attention he receives from hotelier Jean-Jacques Gauer, a consultant and owner of Gauer Hotels, who has been managing the American Colony for 43 years. "He comes here three times a year. Lately, he has been checking up on me every two days. I admire his humanity, his passion, his ease in building relationships, and the way he knows how to take care of the staff, especially in the unique context of Jerusalem.

Prestigious GM's

Here are some Swiss hotel industry figures who have managed The American Colony, which was long affiliated with Leading Hotels of the World and is now part of Small Luxury Hotels of the World.

• 1991-1993 Alain Rigazzi Retired, last position held from 2012 to 2019 as GM of the Warwick in Geneva.
• 1993-1999 Kevin Kunz, , currently CEO of Kursaal Bern.
• 1999-2000 Urs Umbricht Retired.
• 2000-2005 Pierre Berclaz, currently Owner and manager of the La Contrée restaurant in Sierre.
• 2005-2008 Jérôme Dupont Entrepreneur, current owner of the McDonald's franchise in Switzerland.
• 2008-2012 Paolo Fetz Managing Director, Roncalis, Lugano, Management Hotels and Resorts.
• 2012-2018 Thomas Brugnatelli, currently GM of the Raffles in Warsaw. Swiss-owned.
• 2018- Present Guy Lindt is the current GM of the American Colony in Jerusalem.

Source: HTR.CH

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