New boss at the Kaiserhof

Gilbert Kratschmann manages the house in Vienna

The conditions under which Gilbert Kratschmann took over the management of the Hotel Kaiserhof in Vienna's 4th district in June 2021 were undoubtedly special. However, the native Upper Austrian, who began his career as Chef de Rang at Steirereck, has already achieved a number of successes in recent months.

From Bad Ischl to Vienna

Thanks to the good booking situation, the new hotel manager at the Hotel Kaiserhof was able to bring staff back from short-time working. The team has also been expanded again: "As director, I am very proud of how much every employee stands behind the hotel and enjoys looking after every single guest," says Kratschmann. "In future, it will be more important than ever to offer guests a high quality of service and amenities. It is therefore also very important to us to constantly develop our hotel, as continuity thrives on change." The feedback from guests so far proves Kratschmann right and shows that the hotel is on the right track. "We are looking positively to the future, true to our motto 'In tune with the times, connected to tradition'."

Kratschmann, who now manages the 125-year-old hotel, is himself part of the younger generation. He completed his training at the Higher College for Tourism in Bad Ischl. His first professional steps took him to Vienna to the Steirereck restaurant in Vienna's Stadtpark. There he worked as a chef de rang and reservation clerk. He then moved to the Austria Trend Hotel Europa as F&B Supervisor. After four months, he was promoted to F&B Manager for the Hotel Europa and Hotel Astoria. Kratschmann was just 22 years old at the time.

His next positions included Manager of Convention Sales & Online Marketing at the DAS TRIEST hotel in Vienna. While working, he completed his Marketing & Sales degree at the Executive Academy of the Vienna University of Economics and Business, which he completed with distinction. He received the Loys Repositioning Award for his thesis. After a stopover as Marketing Manager at a technology company, the Upper Austrian returned to the hotel industry. At a time that was not exactly considered rosy in the industry. But Kratschmann is optimistic: "Taking over a hotel in an unprecedented situation like the current one was very eventful and instructive."

As new as the current challenges are, the Hotel Kaiserhof has already experienced a lot during its 125-year history. Curious, life-hungry people from all parts of the monarchy and Europe have been drawn to the imperial city. They sought - and found - a stylish lifestyle, indulgence, balls, soirées, concerts and coffee houses. The Kaiserhof, one of the most modern hotels in Vienna at the time, offered all the latest innovations. It was one of the first hotels with a guest elevator, central heating, electricity and running water in all rooms. To this day, the hotel is proud of its technical facilities; and the guest experience is also special. At the Kaiserhof, everyone becomes a royal. This is ensured by the 74 rooms and suites, which combine turn-of-the-century architecture with contemporary comfort.

Further information: wien.hotel-kaiserhof.at
Claudia Hilmbauer