Dominik G. Reiner: «I Saved Up For Four Years to Buy My Rolex Oyster»
Dominik G. Reiner is pouring so much energy into reviving Zurich’s storied Mandarin Oriental Savoy that he often forgets to eat—reserving his rare free hours for long laps at the pool once summer hits. In this candid interview, the seasoned hotelier shares the cutting-edge projects on his desk and the toughest defeat that still fuels his drive.
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What do you do first in the morning?
My morning starts very relaxed with a coffee in my pyjamas, together with my family. As the children leave the house early, we particularly enjoy these moments.
What is the best thing about your job?
The best thing about my job is undoubtedly the daily contact with so many different people. The interaction, getting to know each other and working together are incredibly enriching for me and make every day productive.
A moment that changed your life?
An unforgettable moment was when I was a young banquet manager at the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London in 2005, hosting Lady Thatcher's 80th birthday. The encounters with Queen Elizabeth II and numerous other heads of state were impressive and formative.
What cars do you own? Which is your favorite?
I don’t own a car. My company car is a Bavarian SUV, which I like to use to visit my home country and go skiing. My dream car would be a sports car from Zuffenhausen of Maranello.
What advice would you give to your 20-year-old self?
I would advise my 20-year-old self to take time for themselves, family and friends. As a young hotelier, the focus can be one-sided and I’ve realized that I get the most out of time with my loved ones and a good work-life balance will definitely lead to a successful career.
What are you particularly proud of?
I am particularly proud of the fact that, following the renovation, we have managed to redefine the Mandarin Oriental Savoy, Zurich for the people of Zurich. We have not only transformed the history of the city's oldest grand hotel into a modern hotel, but also expressed the unique connection between Swiss hospitality and the almost 150-year-old Asian heritage of our hotel group.
What was your biggest defeat?
When Bayern Munich lost to Chelsea FC in the Champions League final at their stadium, the Allianz Arena, in 2012, I'd had a season ticket since I was 12 years old. To make matters worse, the Chelsea FC team was staying at the Mandarin Oriental, Munich. They celebrated their victory by the pool and on the roof terrace until the early hours of the morning. As the night turned out to be a boozy one, all our colleagues helped to replenish our champagne reserves at nearby hotels to cover the demand.
What is your favorite wine?
I have several favorite wines: I used to drink Austrian Grüner Veltliner and a South Tyrolean Pinot Grigio. Recently, however, I have a new favorite wine: Pinot Noir from the Kümin brothers from Lake Zurich, which is regularly in my fridge. I also recently discovered Diederik Weingut Blanc du Village 2023 from Küsnacht at Michel Peclard's «Portofino» in Thalwil.
Are you currently working on a project?
We are currently working on several exciting projects: Our roof terrace «1838» is getting a comprehensive refresh to make it even more cozy. In addition, our Savoy terrace on Züghusplatz will be completely redesigned in spring. Another highlight is the eagerly awaited opening of the Mandarin Oriental, Vienna, which will take place this summer and which I am proud to be part of.
What is most important to you at the moment?
At the moment, the most important things for me are the growing together of our team, the satisfaction of my colleagues and the positioning of the Mandarin Oriental Savoy as a preferred employer. I’m also pleased that my family feels very much at home in Oberrieden and that the children are happier than they were in big cities like Berlin or Boston. In the summer, we spend a lot of time together at the swimming pool.
What would be the biggest surprise for someone who had to do your job for a day?
The biggest surprise would be the enormous dynamism. My office is like a train station, with people coming in and out all the time and lots of phone calls. My main task is to provide my colleagues with advice and support. Although we have great restaurants in the hotel, including a Michelin star, there is often no time to eat.
What is your personal drive?
My personal drive is that our hotel becomes a meeting place for society, and that I can root myself more in Switzerland and explore its beauty and diversity.
What are you afraid of?
I hope that the global economy will continue to flourish, free from major crises that could affect us. The pandemic remains a clear memory from which our industry has been slow to recover.
Your favorite watch brand?
My favorite watch brand is Rolex. I saved up for four years in London, from my time as a management trainee to restaurant manager at the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, to be able to buy my Rolex Oyster in 2007.
What do your employees value most about you?
My employees appreciate that I am approachable and have open, honest conversations at eye level.
Your best investment?
Hopefully a sports car from Zuffenhausen or Maranello soon!
Dominik Georg Reiner is the General Director of Mandarin Oriental Savoy in Zurich. He studied international tourism and hotel management at the International School of Management in Dortmund, at Hawaii Pacific University in Honolulu, and in New Zealand.
