Straightforward, sincere and down-to-earth – this is how Mary Trebbin, Reception Manager at Vienna House Easy Landsberg, meets guests and colleagues. Things are never boring at the reception, she says, and every day is different – which is why she loves her job. Find out more in this Face to Face Interview…
Are you a native of Landsberg or where are you from originally?
I was born in Eberswalde, a small city about 50 kilometres outside of Berlin. But I have been here in the area almost continuously since my training at Hotel Goggl in Landsberg 20 years ago. I live in Buchloe right next door and feel quite at home here. There was one time that I felt like I needed to go back to my old home, but I quickly realised that I like it much better in Bavaria. Nobody can get me away from here now.
Vienna House Easy Landsberg was the first hotel of the line to be completely renovated. Do you like it?
“Like” is putting it mildly! I have worked at the hotel since 2012 and I look forward to every morning when I come to the hotel. The façade is new, the reception area is elegant, the room furnishings are fresh and modern, the restaurant looks fantastic – not to mention the lobby. I’m proud to be selling such a product. And it’s fun! In the past, people from the area often looked at me sceptically when I told them where I worked – now they come by, have a look, marvel and are amazed because it really is something new.
And what do the guests say?
At the reception, I get to hear feedback directly from the guests ─ and before the renovation, it wasn’t always positive. It’s so motivating for me now that the guests love the new concept as much as I do. Recently a regular guest came into the hotel, stopped, wide-eyed and mouth open, looked around and said: “Whoa, what happened here?” If he hadn’t seen my familiar face, I think he would have walked out again fearing he had gone to the wrong hotel.
If you could be general manager for a day, what would you do or change?
Nothing to the hotel itself. But I think I would really keep my colleagues on their toes. Thanks to my many years of experience, I already know how to assert myself.
You’ve been at home in the area for 20 years. What should guests not miss out on?
There’s so much to do or see in and around Landsberg. If I had to choose… Okay, I know there are so many historic town centres in Germany, but Landsberg’s is especially beautiful. If you have time, you should go on a guided city tour – you’ll learn lots about Landsberg’s history and hear some amusing anecdotes about its people. Otherwise I love the mountains. Take the Nebelhorn cable car in Oberstdorf to the top and enjoy a view of 400 summits. It’s one of my personal favourite things to do in my time off.
Thank you for the interview!