CAREER - MAXIMILIAN VON REDEN, GENERAL MANAGER, HOTEL SCHWEIZERHOF BERN & SPA : "THE VERSATILITY OF THE JOB INSPIRES ME" (Switzerland)
During a joyful encounter, the seasoned hotelier proves that childhood curiosity can spark an extraordinary career in luxury hospitality. |
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CAREER - MAXIMILIAN VON REDEN, GENERAL MANAGER, HOTEL SCHWEIZERHOF BERN & SPA : "THE VERSATILITY OF THE JOB INSPIRES ME" (Switzerland)
During a joyful encounter, the seasoned hotelier proves that childhood curiosity can spark an extraordinary career in luxury hospitality. |
Category: Europe - Switzerland - Careers
- Interviews and portraits
- Career - Interviews
Interview made by Sonia Taourghi on 2025-03-05
 Maximilian von Reden, general manager, Hotel Schweizerhof Berne & Spa, during the ILTM Cannes 2024
Photo credit © Sonia Taourghi / Journal des Palaces The Making of a Hotelier
A German native, Maximilian von Reden has crafted an impressive career spanning multiple continents and luxury brands. Since August 2019, he has been at the helm of the Hotel Schweizerhof Bern & The Spa, bringing with him a wealth of experience from leadership roles at Mandarin Oriental properties in Prague, Jakarta, Tokyo, and Bangkok, as well as The Portman Ritz-Carlton in Shanghai. In 2024, as the hotel celebrates its remarkable 165th anniversary, von Reden continues to write new chapters in the story of Bern's first luxury hotel.
"It sounds a little bit romantic and like a cheesy story, but it's the truth," he reflects with a genuine smile. "I used to travel with my parents, and I kind of always asked myself, 'Oh, what's behind that door that led into the kitchen or what's behind the door in reception?'" This curiosity would eventually lead him to break away from his family's engineering tradition – his father and two brothers chose technical and legal professions – to pursue a career in hospitality.
From Berlin to Asia: A Global Journey
The decision to study at the École hôtelière de Lausanne set the foundation for what would become an impressive international career. His first significant role came with Kempinski at the Hotel Adlon in Berlin, an iconic establishment that had just reopened following Germany's reunification. It was here, as assistant to the F&B manager, that von Reden got his first taste of the diversity he would come to love about the industry.
"It was a fancy title," he recalls with a laugh. "Basically, it was the fireman. ‘Oh, Max, we want to open a hotel terrace. Go do it. Oh, Max, we have problems in the breakfast. Go do it. Oh, Max, we don't have a lobby lounge manager. Go do it.’" This early exposure to various aspects of hotel operations proved invaluable. "It gave me the opportunity to learn a lot of different things."
His journey then took him to the south of Spain before embarking on what would become a transformative period in Asia. Over fourteen years, he distinguished himself in various leadership positions, including roles at the Peninsula Beijing and several Mandarin Oriental properties. His tenure as General Manager of Mandarin Oriental Jakarta and later the prestigious Mandarin Oriental Tokyo demonstrated his ability to blend Asian hospitality excellence with European sophistication. Before returning to Europe, he led The Portman Ritz-Carlton in Shanghai, further cementing his reputation in luxury hospitality.
Leading a Swiss Icon
His last stop before Switzerland was as General Manager of the Mandarin Oriental Prague, where he continued to refine his approach to luxury hospitality in a European context. In 2019, the opportunity to lead the Hotel Schweizerhof Bern & Spa presented itself – a chance to bring his global expertise to one of Switzerland's most historic properties.
Now overseeing the 99-room luxury hotel, von Reden finds himself guardian of a legacy that dates back to 1859. The property, which underwent a major renovation in 2011, stands as a testament to evolving luxury while maintaining its historic charm. Under his leadership, the hotel continues to enhance its offerings, from the famous Jack's Brasserie to the sophisticated Sky Terrace, Cigar Lounge, and the city's only luxury spa.
"We are celebrating 165 years of existence," he notes proudly, reflecting on a recent gathering of former employees to discuss the enduring "Schweizerhof spirit." This spirit, he explains, is embodied in the passionate team members who not only deliver exceptional service but also maintain the hotel's rich heritage, which includes its origins as "Hotel Fetzer" and "Zähringerhof" before receiving its current name from Daniel Vogel in 1859.
The property, primarily catering to Swiss politicians and business people during the year, transforms during the summer months to welcome American leisure travellers exploring Europe or heading to their holiday homes in Italy. Under von Reden's leadership, the hotel is evolving its food and beverage offerings, particularly in reimagining the lobby lounge concept beyond traditional hotel fare.
A Philosophy of Curiosity
His advice for those aspiring to enter the industry reflects his own international journey: "Be curious, gather experiences. I'm very grateful for all the international exposure that I had. I still believe that living somewhere as opposed to visiting and working somewhere is very different." This perspective, shaped by years of global experience, now informs his approach to leading one of Switzerland's most distinguished hotels.
For von Reden, the hospitality industry continues to offer the variety and excitement that first drew him in as a curious child. "I would hate to know, oh, tomorrow at this stage you do this and that. I hate routine, and I love the versatility of the job. That really inspires me." And up until today, he adds with a twinkle in his eye, "maybe except becoming a professional golfer, but I'm not good enough. It's still my dream job."
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