CPI Hotels Slovakia
CPI Hotels Slovakia, based in Bratislava, operates Clarion Congress Hotel Bratislava and Mamaison Residence Šulekova Bratislava. Known for exceptional service, it caters to business and leisure travellers with modern amenities and warm hospitality. Clarion, in the city centre, features spacious rooms, conference facilities, a fitness centre, and diverse dining options. Mamaison offers well-appointed apartments with kitchens, ideal for extended stays, and easy access to attractions and business districts. CPI Hotels Slovakia focuses on quality and comfort, providing memorable stays and event venues while exceeding guest expectations.
Q1: Bratislava is emerging as a hotspot for business and scientific conferences, as well as other events, with the Bratislava Convention Bureau playing a key role. What’s your take on the success of this collaboration and its impact?
Bratislava has a strategic location and various portfolios to offer; however, to fully realise its potential and compete with neighbouring capitals like Vienna and Budapest, Bratislava needs a modern convention centre capable of accommodating larger events. The development of such infrastructure would not only boost cultural and congress tourism but also bring additional economic benefits to the city. The cooperation of CPI Hotels with the Bratislava Convention Bureau is active on various stages, not only locally but also being connected to several trade Fairs, events or conventions with our team of sales specialists.
Q2: Joining the CPI Hotels group almost three years ago must have been an exciting journey! With a portfolio of diverse hotel brands across multiple countries, what do you think unites these hotels under one vision? And, personally, what inspires you the most about being part of this group?
Joining CPI Hotels three years ago has indeed been an exciting journey. What truly unites our diverse portfolio of hotel brands across multiple countries is a shared commitment to delivering exceptional guest experiences through quality, consistency, and understanding of our guests’ needs thanks to the personal approach. Despite each brand having its own identity—whether it’s the business-focused Clarion Congress Hotel or the more intimate and residential feel of Mamaison Residence—the common thread that ties them together is a dedication to hospitality excellence, innovation, and personalised service.
Q3: Reflecting on 2024, how would you describe the year for CPI Hotels Slovakia? What milestones or achievements stand out for you?
Reflecting on 2024, it has been a remarkable year for CPI Hotels Slovakia, marked by significant achievements and progress across our properties. One of the most notable milestones is our outstanding operational and financial performance, surpassing 2023 results by 10%. This achievement reflects our team’s dedication, strategic planning, and commitment to delivering exceptional service while optimising operational efficiency.
Another highlight has been the increase in guest satisfaction across both our Bratislava properties, a testament to our continuous efforts to enhance the guest experience. By actively listening to feedback and implementing improvements, we have been able to provide even more personalised and memorable stays, strengthening our reputation as a top choice for both business and leisure travellers.
A key milestone that we take great pride in is the renovation of the Lobby, Bar, and Restaurant areas at Clarion Congress Hotel Bratislava.
This project was designed with a focus on creating a fresh, modern, and sustainable atmosphere that aligns with contemporary hospitality trends. The updated spaces now offer a welcoming and eco-friendly environment, enhancing the overall guest experience and positioning us as a forward-thinking hospitality provider.
Looking back, 2024 has been a year of growth, innovation, and strengthening our position in the market. We remain committed to our vision of exceeding guest expectations and setting new benchmarks in the hospitality industry.
Q4: Looking ahead, what exciting plans or transformative changes can we expect from CPI Hotels Slovakia? Are there any bold moves or innovations on the horizon?
Looking ahead, CPI Hotels Slovakia is committed to staying ahead of evolving guest expectations and industry trends. In 2024, our primary focus will be on a comprehensive product refresh in our rooms and corridors, ensuring that our properties continue to provide modern, comfortable, and stylish accommodations that meet the increasing needs and demands of today’s clientele. This initiative is driven by our dedication to enhancing guest comfort and delivering a contemporary hospitality experience that aligns with current lifestyle trends.
In addition to the refresh, we are exploring new technologies and sustainable solutions to further improve operational efficiency and guest convenience. From smarter in-room amenities to eco-friendly initiatives, our goal is to create a seamless, personalised experience while reducing our environmental footprint.
Q5: Guests and event organisers often leave with memorable experiences. What aspects of your properties do they value the most, and what sets you apart in their eyes?
At CPI Hotels Slovakia, we believe that the most valued aspect of our properties by both guests and event organisers is our personal engagement and exceptional service. Our aim is to go above and beyond to create a warm, family-friendly atmosphere, ensuring that every guest feels welcomed and cared for. We take pride in being readily available to our clients, anticipating their needs, and offering tailored solutions to enhance their stay or event experience.
What truly sets us apart is our commitment to building long-term relationships with our guests. We understand that in today’s competitive hospitality landscape—especially when competing with properties in the very heart of the city—creating a friendly and open atmosphere is key. We strive to offer not just a place to stay, but a place where guests feel at home, valued, and appreciated. This personal touch and attentiveness often result in repeat visits and enduring partnerships with our corporate clients and event organisers.
Q6: Sustainability is transforming the hospitality industry. How is CPI Hotels Bratislava embracing this shift? Which sustainable initiatives resonate most with your guests, and what challenges does the management face in implementing these changes?
Sustainability is a key priority within the hospitality industry, and at CPI Hotels, we are fully committed to this shift. Through the integration of our “Join Pure Stay” green program, we incorporate eco-friendly practices into both our daily operations and long-term strategies. Our goal is to not only reduce our environmental footprint but also to provide our guests with a more sustainable and responsible travel experience.
Of course, implementing sustainable changes in a hospitality environment comes with its challenges. One of the biggest hurdles is balancing sustainability with operational efficiency and guest expectations. While many guests appreciate green initiatives, they still expect the highest level of comfort and convenience. Additionally, the financial investment required to transition to sustainable solutions can be significant, and finding the right pace for implementation is crucial.
Despite these challenges, we remain committed to sustainability as an ongoing journey. Our team continuously explores new ways to improve, educate our staff and guests, and work toward a greener future for our hotels and the communities we serve.
Q7: What’s the most rewarding or exciting aspect of your role? What keeps you motivated and inspired in your day-to-day work?
The most rewarding and exciting aspect of my role in the hospitality industry is the dynamic and continuously evolving nature of the business. The industry presents new challenges on a daily basis, ensuring that each day brings fresh opportunities for growth and innovation. Each day brings fresh opportunities to innovate, solve problems, and create memorable experiences for our guests, which keeps me constantly engaged and motivated.
However, motivation is not just about myself; a key part of my role is to inspire and support my team, ensuring they stay motivated and engaged. Creating a healthy and positive working environment is crucial, as I firmly believe that satisfied and effective employees are the foundation of delivering exceptional guest experiences. When our team feels valued, empowered, and inspired, it naturally reflects in the way they interact with our guests—leading to stronger relationships and long-term success.
Ultimately, what keeps me inspired is the human connection—seeing our guests leave with positive experiences, our employees grow and thrive, and our hotel continually evolve to meet the ever-changing expectations of the market. This combination of challenges, people, and opportunities makes hospitality a truly fulfilling industry to be a part of.
Q8: Every hotel has its hidden gems. What’s your favourite spot in your hotels to host business partners, and why?
My favourite spot to meet with business partners has to be our newly renovated Lobby area at Clarion Congress Hotel Bratislava. It’s the perfect place to sit down, grab a coffee, and have a good chat. We put a lot of thought into making it feel cosy, fresh, colourful and inviting, and I truly believe that this kind of atmosphere helps create a great connection with our clients.
Whether it’s a quick catch-up or a longer business discussion, the relaxed vibe of the Lobby makes it easy to talk and get things done without feeling too formal or stiff. Plus, the new design has a fresh, sustainable touch that adds to the overall charm of the space.
Q9: Reflecting on your journey so far, what achievements in your professional and personal life are you most proud of?
Looking back to the very beginning of my career, when I started as a waiter, and from there, I worked my way up through various positions in the F&B department, gaining valuable experience at every step. Eventually, this path led me to the role of Deputy Manager in 2013, which helped me to gain enough experience to become the General Manager four years ago. It’s been a journey filled with exciting opportunities, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
A significant milestone in my career was leading the due diligence and rebranding of Clarion Congress Hotel Bratislava three years ago. It was an intense and demanding process that took several months, pushing me and my team to our limits. Despite the challenges—especially during a period when staffing shortages were a major issue across the industry—we managed to pull off a successful transformation. Looking back, I’m incredibly proud of the outcome, as it set the foundation for the hotel’s current success.
What I’m most proud of, though, is not just the milestones but the team we have built at CPI Hotels Slovakia. Together, we have created a professional, collaborative, and positive working ecosystem that allows us to overcome obstacles and continuously improve. Hospitality is all about people—both guests and employees—and seeing my team grow and succeed alongside me is truly rewarding.
On a personal level, this journey has taught me the importance of resilience, adaptability, and teamwork. Each challenge has made me stronger and more prepared for the future, and I am excited to see where this path continues to lead.
About Stefan Galik
As the Cluster General Manager of CPI Hotels Slovakia, Stefan is responsible for overseeing the operations of both the Clarion Congress Hotel Bratislava and Mamaison Residence Šulekova Bratislava. His passion for the hospitality industry began during his time at Hotel Academy and was further shaped through valuable experiences in Germany, Switzerland, and Austria. With over 15 years of experience, he has held leadership roles within prestigious international hotel chains. His expertise spans hotel management, strategic planning, and operational efficiency, with a strong emphasis on optimising processes and controlling costs. Above all, Stefan’s key focus is on guest experience management, recognising it as the cornerstone of successful hotel operations.
