Céline Coubray: You’ve just arrived in Luxembourg. What has been your career path so far?
Rex Nijhof: After graduating from Florida International University, I joined Marriott at the beginning of 1991 as a minibar supervisor at the Marriott Hotel in Frankfurt. From there, I travelled the world with Marriott International, working in 17 hotels in different countries. Since 2006, I have held various general manager positions for seven different brands in the Marriott Bonvoy portfolio and have been actively involved in Marriott’s worldwide business councils, driving local business initiatives including corporate social responsibility (CSR), industry advocacy and corporate culture. Before moving to Luxembourg, I was managing director of the Amsterdam Renaissance Hotel where I supervised the renovation of the hotel.
Why and how did the Marriott Group choose to expand in Luxembourg?
Marriott International is entering Luxembourg with two new hotels in the country: the Moxy Luxembourg Airport, which opened on 3 September, and the Hotel Alfa, which will open its doors at the end of 2024. These two highly anticipated hotels will bring world-class hospitality and unique experiences for business and leisure travellers to the grand duchy. With the entry of Marriott International into Luxembourg, we offer our Marriott Bonvoy members and travellers a new market with exciting travel experiences.
Luxembourg has a lot to offer and is the ideal location for the opening of these two hotels, each in prime locations. On the one hand, the Moxy Luxembourg Airport offers a playful and elegant hotel experience. On the other, the Luxembourg Marriott Hotel Alfa, ideally located opposite the main train station, allows guests to explore Luxembourg and its blend of historic charm and modern vitality.
What are the advantages of the Alfa?
The Luxembourg Marriott Hotel Alfa pays tribute to the building’s history going back to the 1930s. It has a timeless ambience, with art deco design elements in the Greatroom (the signature lobby), the M Club and the 153 rooms and suites. We want it to become a new gastronomic and social destination in the city, with the revival of the famous Brasserie Alfa, featuring original paintings by Luxembourg artist Julien Lefèvre. The experience will be that of an authentic French brasserie, with a menu that combines classic French dishes and subtle Luxembourgish influences. There will also be fresh seafood and regional specialities served in a warm and welcoming setting that reflects the essence of traditional French dining. The bar will also offer a selection of cocktails. Other facilities will include a fully equipped gym and five meeting rooms.
You refused to allow the Hotel Alfa to join the common classification system that awards stars to hotels. Why?
The Luxembourg Marriott Hotel Alfa is classified under the signature Marriott Hotels & Resorts brand of Mariott International, one of the group’s 32 brands. This brand is in the premium segment and is positioned between 4*+ and 5*, according to international rating criteria. Luxembourg Marriott Hotel Alfa will operate in the upmarket segment in Luxembourg and will offer all the services for which Marriott hotels are known. Our hotels are developed and managed according to our own brand standards and our priority certification post opening is a sustainability certificate.
You’re opening a premium hotel in an area that is currently struggling with commercial activity and faces urban challenges, including security. What are your thoughts on this?
The arrival of Marriott, the setting up of leading companies and the renovation of the CFL headquarters will change that. A movement of gentrification in the neighbourhood is clearly underway and we are proud to be part of this movement and the new dynamism that is taking hold in the district.
This article was originally published in .