The heart behind the luxury
An interview with Andrea Rier – director at ADLER Lodge ALPE
Since May this year, Andrea Rier has been managing the exclusive hideaway on Alpe di Siusi with great dedication, a keen eye for detail and a steady eye on the bigger picture. This interview is an opportunity to get to know her better, gain insights into her everyday life as a hotel director, and learn her secrets for crafting unforgettable holiday experiences.
Ms Rier, our first question is: how did you come to fill this position as director at ADLER Lodge ALPE?
When my predecessor Nicol Lobis went on maternity leave, the opportunity opened up for me to take over. For me, this was a dream come true – and not just because I fully identify with the hotel’s style and philosophy. It’s also that Alpe di Siusi is a very special place for me: as a child, I used to spend the summer months in an Alpine hut up here, which created a deep personal bond with the place. And of course, I’m not new to the hotel industry either: I was in charge of purchasing, controlling and management at a renowned family hotel in Ortisei for over 15 years before my two years as a recruiting manager for the ADLER Group.
What do you enjoy most about your new role?
The beauty of working at such a small establishment is that everything feels so familiar and manageable. I especially enjoy the close teamwork and personal contact with the guests. Everyone is on the same level here – interactions are always warm, honest and spontaneous. I also find these beautiful surroundings very inspiring. It feels like home – that’s what makes every day so special and fulfilling.
The average occupancy rate at ADLER Lodge ALPE has been in excess of 90 percent for more than ten years now, indicating high guest satisfaction. Is there still room for improvement?
The ADLER Lodge concept has certainly proven to be successful. That said, I do see opportunities for offering guests an even more authentic and fulfilling experience. It is often the small gestures and loving details that make the difference. We’re very focused on bringing our guests closer to the traditions and cuisine of our unique region, for example by organising tastings of typical Alpine products or serving a traditional Kaiserschmarrn dish with musical accompaniment on the Lodge’s terrace. We are always on the lookout for new ways to help guests experience authentic Alpine pasture life and the close connection our people have to their rural roots and nature in general.
Do you have any recommendations for first-time guests looking to experience something special?
I definitely recommend participating in our outdoor programmes – always a big hit thanks to the unique mountain landscape. The bike and hiking tours with our guides Erich and Georg are especially popular, as guests have the opportunity to reach remote mountain areas in a time-saving and energy-efficient way. Afterwards, a visit to the spa or a refreshing dip in the panoramic pool is the perfect way to relax and recover after exercise.
What’s the best compliment you can hope for as a hotel director?
It’s when guests book their next stay while checking out – to me, that’s the most honest and flattering of compliments. Then, there’s guests recommending us to family and friends – it shows that we have not only met their expectations, but also made a lasting positive impression.
As a mother of three (15, 13 and 9), how do you balance your career and family life?
What makes it possible for me is being able to count on a solid family network, flexible working hours and good organisation – as well as the support of colleagues I can always rely on.
And what do you do when you need to press your reset button?
I find a yoga session goes a long way in helping clear my head after a long day. The same goes for a refreshing dip in the Fiè lake in summer. That’s how I manage to switch off, recharge and get revved up for the next day.
Thanks you so much for this insightful interview, Ms Rier. We wish you all the best in your new role!
When my predecessor Nicol Lobis went on maternity leave, the opportunity opened up for me to take over. For me, this was a dream come true – and not just because I fully identify with the hotel’s style and philosophy. It’s also that Alpe di Siusi is a very special place for me: as a child, I used to spend the summer months in an Alpine hut up here, which created a deep personal bond with the place. And of course, I’m not new to the hotel industry either: I was in charge of purchasing, controlling and management at a renowned family hotel in Ortisei for over 15 years before my two years as a recruiting manager for the ADLER Group.
What do you enjoy most about your new role?
The beauty of working at such a small establishment is that everything feels so familiar and manageable. I especially enjoy the close teamwork and personal contact with the guests. Everyone is on the same level here – interactions are always warm, honest and spontaneous. I also find these beautiful surroundings very inspiring. It feels like home – that’s what makes every day so special and fulfilling.
The average occupancy rate at ADLER Lodge ALPE has been in excess of 90 percent for more than ten years now, indicating high guest satisfaction. Is there still room for improvement?
The ADLER Lodge concept has certainly proven to be successful. That said, I do see opportunities for offering guests an even more authentic and fulfilling experience. It is often the small gestures and loving details that make the difference. We’re very focused on bringing our guests closer to the traditions and cuisine of our unique region, for example by organising tastings of typical Alpine products or serving a traditional Kaiserschmarrn dish with musical accompaniment on the Lodge’s terrace. We are always on the lookout for new ways to help guests experience authentic Alpine pasture life and the close connection our people have to their rural roots and nature in general.
Do you have any recommendations for first-time guests looking to experience something special?
I definitely recommend participating in our outdoor programmes – always a big hit thanks to the unique mountain landscape. The bike and hiking tours with our guides Erich and Georg are especially popular, as guests have the opportunity to reach remote mountain areas in a time-saving and energy-efficient way. Afterwards, a visit to the spa or a refreshing dip in the panoramic pool is the perfect way to relax and recover after exercise.
What’s the best compliment you can hope for as a hotel director?
It’s when guests book their next stay while checking out – to me, that’s the most honest and flattering of compliments. Then, there’s guests recommending us to family and friends – it shows that we have not only met their expectations, but also made a lasting positive impression.
As a mother of three (15, 13 and 9), how do you balance your career and family life?
What makes it possible for me is being able to count on a solid family network, flexible working hours and good organisation – as well as the support of colleagues I can always rely on.
And what do you do when you need to press your reset button?
I find a yoga session goes a long way in helping clear my head after a long day. The same goes for a refreshing dip in the Fiè lake in summer. That’s how I manage to switch off, recharge and get revved up for the next day.
Thanks you so much for this insightful interview, Ms Rier. We wish you all the best in your new role!