Mariluz is the energetic and cheerful Hotel Manager of our new hotel opening in Barcelona, where she was born and raised. With extensive hands-on experience in hospitality and a strong business background, she was excited to take on this new opportunity with MEININGER. In this interview, she shares the fun moments and tough challenges behind the opening process, how she built her team from scratch, and her vision for the future of both her hotel and MEININGER Hotels.
Hi Mariluz, can you tell us a bit about your background and what you were doing before joining MEININGER?
I’ve been working in the hospitality industry for over 25 years, and I’ve built my career across a wide range of roles and environments. I studied Tourism and Hospitality Management and later completed a degree in Marketing Management and a postgraduate program in Project Management. However, most of my knowledge really comes from hands-on experience throughout my career.
Before joining MEININGER, I worked in very different settings, including 5-star hotels, hostels, and summer camps. This gave me a broad perspective of the industry and helped me develop a strong ability to adapt to different types of operations, teams, and guests. A big part of my experience has been in youth tourism, which is the area I enjoy the most. It’s dynamic, fast-paced, and very rewarding, as every day is different.
I’ve worked across both operations and sales leadership throughout my career, which has given me a strong commercial mindset focused on driving profitability while ensuring high levels of customer satisfaction. On top of that, I’ve always enjoyed working with people, leading teams, and creating a positive environment where everyone can do their best work. What originally brought me into hospitality was my interest in how a great experience can truly change someone’s trip or even their day. That idea has stayed with me throughout my career and continues to motivate me today.
What made the opportunity to join MEININGER Hotels stand out to you?
What really made the opportunity stand out for me was a combination of the brand itself, the people, and the timing. I was already familiar with MEININGER before joining, as I had met several team members—who are now colleagues—at international trade fairs and youth tourism events over the years. Those interactions always left a very positive impression on me and gave me a clear sense of the company’s culture, professionalism, and way of working.
What I especially liked about MEININGER is its unique concept: successfully combining hotel standards with a more flexible, accessible, and social accommodation model. It’s a very smart positioning that fits well with modern travel trends. But beyond the product, what really stood out for me were the people. Everyone I had met from the company was approachable, professional, and genuinely positive, which is something I value a lot in any working environment. So when the opportunity came up to join MEININGER in Spain, especially at a moment when the company was expanding into my hometown of Barcelona, it felt like the perfect combination of professional challenge and personal motivation.
You’ve been leading the opening of our new hotel in Barcelona. What were some of the biggest challenges you faced during the opening process?
One of the biggest challenges in leading the opening of the Barcelona hotel was the complexity of launching a completely new property while also entering a new market for MEININGER in Spain. Although MEININGER already has a very well-defined structure and highly experienced professionals across all key departments, this opening required adapting everything to the Spanish regulatory environment and ensuring full compliance from the very beginning. Working with local authorities such as the Generalitat de Catalunya and L’Hospitalet city council to obtain all necessary licenses was a key part of the process, and we did experience some delays along the way, which required flexibility and close coordination.
Another major challenge was building the entire hotel from scratch in terms of both people and suppliers. We had to recruit a completely new local team, ensuring not only operational readiness but also alignment with MEININGER’s culture and standards. At the same time, we had to identify, evaluate, and contract all local suppliers while ensuring consistency with company standards through close collaboration with headquarters. Managing all these parallel workstreams with many different stakeholders involved made the project very dynamic and complex. However, it was always well organised and clearly coordinated thanks to the constant support of experienced teams across departments.
And on the flip side, what’s been the most rewarding or exciting moment?
The most exciting moment has definitely been walking into the hotel for the very first time fully equipped and finally seeing the project become reality. It is incredibly rewarding to witness months—and in many cases years—of work from so many people turning into something tangible.
Another particularly exciting moment was the arrival of my two Assistant Hotel Managers. Realizing that I was no longer alone in Barcelona, and seeing the team start to grow with two highly motivated professionals with whom I immediately built a great connection, was very special. It gave me a strong sense of teamwork, support, and shared ambition.
Now that you’ve been working with MEININGER for some months, what has your impression of the company been so far? How were you welcomed and supported?
Honestly, I truly feel I have joined the ideal company for me. What I appreciate most is the company’s values and philosophy, especially the culture of respect towards everyone, regardless of background, nationality, age, or position. At MEININGER, we don’t just sell rooms, we create experiences and memorable moments for our guests. And this philosophy is also extended to the team. There is a genuine sense of care, collaboration, and mutual respect that you feel from day one.
The welcome and support I received have been incredible. From the beginning, everyone has been extremely kind, supportive, and always willing to help. I have learned a great deal, both professionally and personally, and I also feel I have been able to contribute positively in return. I also really value the working culture, which is very open and without rigid hierarchies. Everyone’s opinion is heard, communication is direct, and that creates a very motivating environment.
MEININGER is entering the Spanish market for the first time with this hotel: Why does Barcelona make sense as a location for the brand?
Barcelona is a vibrant, cosmopolitan city, widely recognized as one of Europe’s leading destinations. It combines culture, architecture, gastronomy, a strong beach lifestyle, and an excellent climate, making it highly attractive for both leisure and business travelers. For MEININGER, Barcelona is a natural fit. The brand and the city complement each other very well, so having a presence here is a logical and strategic step.
Although MEININGER Barcelona Fira Gran Via is located in L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, the location is extremely strategic. It sits directly opposite Fira de Barcelona, one of the most important exhibition centers in Europe, is close to the airport, and has excellent metro connections that allow quick access to the main tourist attractions.
What responsibilities come with this “pioneer role”?
Being part of this “pioneer role” feels both exciting and highly responsible at the same time. This opening is particularly significant for MEININGER as it marks the company’s first hotel in Spain and the beginning of a new expansion phase after the last openings in 2023. The Barcelona hotel is also the 37th property in our portfolio and expands our presence to 11 countries.
At the same time, it is just the beginning of a broader journey. After Barcelona, Madrid is expected to follow, and potentially other cities as well. As we have seen in other countries, once MEININGER enters a market, expansion often accelerates. The responsibilities are very diverse: entering a new regulatory environment, coordinating with authorities, managing suppliers, and recruiting the full team from scratch. It is a very dynamic role that requires flexibility, ownership, and decision-making, but it also offers the opportunity to shape how the brand is introduced in Spain.
You’re building a team from scratch. How do you approach creating a strong team culture from day one?
Building a strong team culture from day one starts with listening and learning first. Even when you bring experience, it is important to understand how things work within the company before making changes or improvements. Then, step by step, you start adding your own local knowledge while ensuring MEININGER standards are adapted correctly to the local environment.
A key part of the process is recruitment. Since everyone is starting from zero in this new hotel, what really matters is attitude, motivation, and the willingness to grow together. Of course, there will be mistakes along the way, but the important thing is to learn quickly, improve, and build strong processes from the beginning. At MEININGER, diversity is a core value, with around 90 nationalities across the company. There is a strong belief that people learn from each other regardless of background or role. We also promote a very open and empowered culture where everyone is encouraged to contribute ideas, take initiative, and be part of shaping the operation.
What kind of atmosphere do you hope guests and team members will feel when they walk into your hotel?
When guests and team members walk into the hotel, I hope they immediately feel a warm, energetic, and welcoming atmosphere that reflects both MEININGER’s spirit and Barcelona itself. For guests, the goal is to help them truly experience the city. That means combining local gastronomy, culture, and the beach lifestyle, always adapting recommendations to what each guest is looking for. Not everyone wants the same experience, so listening is key. I always encourage the team to think of it as creating a “Barcelona menu” tailored to each guest.
For the team, I want exactly the same feeling internally: openness, collaboration, and empowerment. Especially in guest-facing areas like reception and the bar, where personal interaction makes a big difference, we encourage a very human and approachable way of working.
Barcelona is such a vibrant city. What do you personally love most about it? Any favorite spots you’d recommend?
What I personally love most about Barcelona is that it constantly surprises you. Beyond the typical and well-known places, the city has so many hidden spots, local corners, and very different atmospheres depending on the neighbourhood.
One of my favourite things is walking around El Born: small streets, a great vibe, and it’s perfect for discovering cute cafés or little bars. It always feels very alive but still authentic. For amazing views, I would definitely recommend Bunkers del Carmel. It’s a great place to go with friends, especially at sunset, just to relax and enjoy the city from above. I also really like Mercat de Sant Antoni. It feels more local, less touristy, and it’s perfect to experience everyday Barcelona life while enjoying good food.
If you want something different and peaceful, Parc del Laberint d’Horta is a hidden gem. It is very beautiful and not many people know about it, which makes it even more special. For a younger and creative vibe, I’d recommend Poblenou, with its street art and modern atmosphere, or Raval, where you find small bars full of personality and a more alternative energy. And I also love sharing small hidden details, for example, Passatge del Crèdit in the Gothic Quarter. It’s a quiet passage, but it has a special story, as it is said to be where Joan Miró was born, and most people walk past without noticing it. Another curious spot is the Font de Canaletes on La Rambla. There is a local legend that says if you drink from this fountain, you will always come back to Barcelona. So I tell guests, it might be worth trying.
For me, that is what makes Barcelona so special: it is a city you can experience in many different ways, and there is always something new to discover, no matter how many times you come.
Looking ahead, what are your goals for the hotel and your team in the coming months and years?
My main goal is for the hotel to be successful and very well received in the city. Ultimately, what we are aiming for as a team in Barcelona is to deliver strong results, which means running the operation in a sustainable way, being very mindful of costs, and of course staying fully focused on guest satisfaction. I believe it is essential that we work with energy, motivation, and clear procedures from day one. The goal is for MEININGER Hotels to be proud of what we achieve here, and for all of us as a Barcelona team to also feel proud. There is a real sense of satisfaction that comes from doing things well and seeing the results of a well-run operation.
At the same time, I see this as a continuous learning journey. We should keep improving every day, taking decisions with confidence, and growing together as a team. Strong teamwork will be key, always supported by the solid know-how and experience that MEININGER already has in the hospitality industry. With that foundation, I am confident we can build a hotel that is not only operationally strong, but also consistent in quality, guest-focused, and a great place to work.
And finally, who is Mariluz outside of work? What do you enjoy doing when you’re not at the hotel?
To be sincere, my open and outgoing character is something I cannot really hide. I am a very positive person, and although I may not always notice it myself, I am very aware of my open personality. This is the same both in my personal and professional life. I am not a different person when I leave the hotel. That said, what many people do not always know is that I also need hobbies and quiet moments to channel my energy. I really enjoy reading, I am part of a book club, and I like painting. Sometimes even painting stones I collect during walks along rivers or in nature.
Of course, my main pillar is my family. I have a wonderful husband with a lot of patience, and I always say he is my best friend. I also still share the same group of friends since we were six years old at school, which is something I see as a real treasure. And of course, I love going out and enjoying good food, especially long sobremesas—those relaxed conversations after a meal with people I care about. For me, those moments are very important: simple, genuine, and full of connection.
Thanks for sharing your insights, Mariluz!
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