INTERVIEW - ÉTIENNE PETITPEZ, FROM VAL D'ISÈRE TO VENICE: AIRELLES GIVES HIM THE KEYS TO HIS FIRST INTERNATIONAL PROPERTY (Italy)
With the eagerly awaited opening of Airelles Venezia, the ultra-luxury brand continues its expansion beyond the French borders and has entrusted this exceptional address to a hotelier with an exemplary track record, characterised by passion and excellence. |
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INTERVIEW - ÉTIENNE PETITPEZ, FROM VAL D'ISÈRE TO VENICE: AIRELLES GIVES HIM THE KEYS TO HIS FIRST INTERNATIONAL PROPERTY (Italy)
With the eagerly awaited opening of Airelles Venezia, the ultra-luxury brand continues its expansion beyond the French borders and has entrusted this exceptional address to a hotelier with an exemplary track record, characterised by passion and excellence. |
Category: Europe - Italy - Industry economy
- Careers
- Interviews and portraits
- Appointments - Hotel opening - Interviews - Industry leaders
Interview made by Sylvie Leroy on 2025-03-25
 Étienne Petitpez, General Manager, Airelles Venezia
Photo credit © Hugo Photo / Airelles Venezia
Étienne Petitpez has been chosen by Airelles to take the helm of this magnificent new address. A fine achievement for this uncompromising hotelier who has almost 20 years of experience in the ultra-luxury hotel industry.
The new general manager has the kind of background that we at the Journal des Palaces appreciate because he demonstrates that anything is possible with hard work, passion and the pursuit of excellence: originally from the centre of France, he began his career in 2006 at the concierge desk of the Ritz, then at the Meurice, before moving on to the Bristol, where he was head concierge from 2008 to 2012, wearing the beautiful Clefs d'Or on the lapel of his uniform.
Oetker then sent him to Morocco, where the group managed the Palais Namaskar. Mr Petitpez was in charge of the customer experience and then became Head of Guest Services. He returned to the Ritz in August 2015, climbing the ladder to the position of Head of Accommodation, with 220 employees in his team.
In 2020, Airelles offered him the general management of Airelles Val d'Isère, a hotel, a private chalet, six catering outlets and 320 employees. Ten years later, Airelles sent its GM to Venice to continue his successful career.
Exclusively for the Journal des Palaces, Étienne Petitpez looks back on this appointment and his career path and tells us more about the Venetian jewel.
What emotions did you feel when your appointment was announced?
I felt immense pride and great excitement when I learned of my appointment. Contributing to the opening of a property in a city as iconic as Venice is an honour. This project is both a dream and a stimulating challenge.
How would you describe your career path? What did you have to do to get this new address?
My career path is the result of an unwavering passion for the luxury hotel industry and a constant commitment to excellence. I have been fortunate enough to work in exceptional institutions and to participate in ambitious projects, notably the opening of Airelles Val d'Isère in the midst of the health crisis. Each experience has taught me a lesson in resilience and perseverance, preparing me for this new Venetian adventure.
It will be another opening for you, and not just a classic one, but a jewel in the most beautiful of cities. What do you think the challenges will be before and after the opening?
Before the opening, the main challenge will be to build an exceptional team that embodies the Airelles spirit and offers our guests an unforgettable experience. Logistics, training and the implementation of standards will also be crucial stages. After the opening, the objective will be to ensure an impeccable level of service while instilling a unique soul in the establishment, so that it becomes an unmissable address in Venice.
How do you define the unique Airelles spirit?
The Airelles spirit is based on authenticity, excellence and attention to the smallest details. Each property is designed as a destination in its own, where the history and culture of the place blend with refined hospitality. The art of hospitality is taken to new heights to offer each guest a unique and timeless experience.
I imagine you already have some ideas for the experiences you would like to offer. The hotel really lends itself to a wide range of possibilities, as does the City of the Doges. Can you give us a few ideas?
Indeed, we would like to offer immersive experiences that will allow our guests to discover Venice from an exclusive angle. From private gondola rides to discovering local craft workshops, not to mention gourmet dinners on a secret terrace with a view of the lagoon, we will make sure to offer memorable moments, in perfect harmony with the soul of the city.
How will you position Airelles Venezia in the competitive luxury hotel market in Venice?
Our ambition is to make Airelles Venezia a reference in hospitality in Venice, by focusing on authenticity, exclusivity and highly personalised service. We will offer an immersive experience, where every detail tells a story, and we will rely on Airelles' unique know-how to set us apart.
What advice would you give to young adults who want to pursue a career in the luxury hotel industry?
The luxury hotel industry is a demanding but fascinating world. My advice would be to be curious, to always seek to learn and to cultivate excellence in every detail. It is essential to be patient, resilient and to accept that starting with the basics is the best way to grow. Finally, never lose sight of the fact that the very essence of this profession is the art of pleasing and creating unforgettable memories for our guests.
Airelles belongs to the LOV Group, founded by the French entrepreneur Stéphane Courbit, via its subsidiary LOV Hotel Collection. In addition to this upcoming opening, the brand led by Anne-Laure Ollagnon has two privatisable houses, Château d'Estoublon and Villa Baulieu, and six ultra-luxury hotels in France, including three palaces: Airelles Château de Versailles, Le Grand Contrôle; Airelles Courchevel, Les Airelles; Airelles Gordes, La Bastide; Airelles Val d'Isère, Airelles Saint-Tropez, Château de la Messardière and Airelles Saint-Tropez, Pan Deï Palais.
 Airelles Venezia, Palladio will be nestled in the heart of three historic buildings from the 16th and 17th centuries
Photo credit © Airelles Venezia
 Guests will appreciate the uninterrupted view of St Mark's Basilica and the Doge's Palace
Photo credit © Airelles Venezia
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