Daniela and MEININGER Hotels simply belong together. As Regional Director, she is now responsible for our six Berlin hotels and a team of around 200 employees. She started more than 20 years ago at the reception desk. Having been there from the very beginning, she has grown alongside MEININGER and still strongly believes in the company culture. In this interview, she talks about her career journey, the development both she and MEININGER have gone through, and shares valuable advice for anyone looking to start a career in hospitality.
What was your dream job as a child, and when did your interest in the hotel or hospitality industry begin?
As a child, I actually wanted to join the police force, but at the time that wasn’t possible without German citizenship. My parents come from the former Yugoslavia, and back then I only had a Bosnian passport. However, I’ve always been someone who enjoys approaching people and connecting with others, so I decided to pursue a career in hospitality. An internship then showed me how lively and diverse this industry is and sparked my enthusiasm for the world of hospitality.
How did your journey with MEININGER Hotels begin, and what brought you originally to the company?
My journey here began in 2001, after I had already met one of the founders several years earlier during an internship. At first, I turned down a job offer because I couldn’t imagine working in the hostel world. But a year later, the founders convinced me with their clear vision: an innovative concept that would conquer Europe and appeal to many different types of guests. This combination of courage, ideas, and a strong vision for the future fascinated me back then—and it’s what has kept me at MEININGER to this day.
Do you remember your first day or early impressions? What was MEININGER like back then?
My first impression was that people here truly wanted to make things happen. Everything was still quite simple and not very structured, but full of energy and vision. I quickly realized that this was exactly the right place for me.
How has MEININGER changed since then, and what is one thing that has stayed the same?
Over the years, MEININGER has developed significantly—from a small hostel to an international hotel group with many new locations and increasing professionalism. However, one thing has remained unchanged: our special company culture. The family-like atmosphere, the respectful way we treat each other, and the openness to new ideas have always been part of who we are. Diversity, teamwork, and flat hierarchies have shaped us from the very beginning, and these values continue to define MEININGER today.
Can you walk us through the different roles you’ve held over the years?
I practically grew up at MEININGER and started with classic roles in the kitchen, housekeeping, and at reception. Later, I became a Hotel Manager and was involved in both hotel openings and closures. In 2010, I was promoted to Regional Manager, and today I’m responsible for our six Berlin hotels with a total of 1,136 rooms, 3,592 beds, and around 200 employees.
As a Regional Director, what does your current role involve?
I make sure that our six MEININGER hotels in Berlin run successfully—professionally, financially, and on a human level. I support my teams, make important decisions, guide the personal development of our employees, and ensure that both our guests and colleagues feel comfortable. Essentially, my role is to create the right conditions so everyone can work successfully with heart, clarity, and team spirit.
What’s one memory or milestone from your time here that still makes you smile?
One of my favorite memories is the hotel opening in Munich in 2004. Back then, the entire team—from housekeeping, to the kitchen and the reception—was able to travel there and stay overnight together in the new hotel. Twelve of us stayed in one multi-bed room. It almost felt like a school trip. Moments like these and that strong sense of togetherness still make me smile today.
You’re MEININGER’s longest employee. What’s kept you with the company for over 20 years?
Over the years, MEININGER has continued to evolve. The company has grown, become more professional, and more centralized. Many processes work differently today because central departments such as HR, Finance, or Sales are managed from the Head Office. For me, that meant delegating responsibilities and adapting to new structures.
Despite all these changes, the most important thing has remained the same: our company culture. The combination of trust, openness, team spirit, and genuine leadership responsibility has always kept me here. At MEININGER, you can contribute, implement ideas, solve challenges, and make a change. That’s what makes the difference for me—and why I’m still here after more than 20 years.
Describe MEININGER Hotels in three words.
Warm, down-to-earth, and diverse.
Who in the company would you like to swap roles with, and why?
I would spend a day with our CEO to experience decisions and strategy development from his perspective and better understand how I, as a Regional Director, can support my teams in the best possible way.
What advice would you give to someone who is just starting their career at MEININGER or in the hospitality industry?
My most important advice: your commitment makes the difference. Hospitality is about giving people a great experience. Every day offers the opportunity to make someone happy. Stay curious, get involved, learn from others, and don’t hesitate to share your own ideas. At MEININGER—and in our industry in general—many paths are open to you. You can explore different areas and keep developing. Nothing is set in stone. Everything is possible.
What are your hopes for MEININGER’s future?
I hope that MEININGER continues to stay bold, open to new ideas, and strong in its growth while remaining human and down-to-earth. I hope we preserve our culture, where teamwork, diversity, and openness are truly lived. And I hope we continue to create places where both guests and employees feel comfortable and can grow.
Thanks for sharing your insights, Daniela!
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