Interview Eric Dardé, Founder & CEO of Beaumier
Interview Eric Dardé, Founder & CEO of Beaumier
Eric Dardé, is a seasoned hotelier dedicated to providing exceptional service, rooted in his career that began in the restaurant and hotel industry. He rose through the ranks to become a hotel General Manager and later ventured into international hotel management, overseeing 24 hotels. Eric’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to transform Les Hôtels d’En Haut into the Beaumier brand, focused on transporting travelers between mountains, nature, and the sea, creating unforgettable memories for guests.
What do you do, and how did you get here?
I’m the CEO of Beaumier, a collection of twelve boutique hotels across Switzerland, France, and Spain. My journey began as a sommelier, progressed through various roles in hospitality, and culminated as a hotel General Manager. Drawing from this wealth of experience, I founded Beaumier. Starting in the French Alps a decade ago, we’ve expanded to the Côte d’Azur and recently to Ibiza and Wengen.
Why do you love your job?
What fulfills me most is the recognition and satisfaction that come with creating beautiful hotels and facilitating memorable experiences for our guests. We aim to make a positive impact on their lives while taking pride in the creative and talented individuals behind our hotels.
If you could give hotel guests one piece of advice for their stay — and for life — what would it be?
To reconnect with life’s essentials, embrace nature, and immerse yourself in the local culture. Prioritize well-being, explore the beautiful countryside, indulge in local produce, and enjoy outdoor activities like swimming, hiking, or mountain biking.
How do you create a trustful relationship with your guests?
We build trust by providing an honest, authentic, and attentive experience. We emphasize authenticity over invented stories, drawing inspiration from local heritage, and adding our contemporary twist. We believe that less is more, focusing on quality over quantity and fostering trust with a longstanding, reliable team.
What advice would you give to someone starting their career today?
In our industry, building strong connections, creating a strong team culture, engaging with partners, and embracing sustainability are key. Be generous, a team player, enjoy taking care of others, be a continuous learner, and hone your analytical skills.
If you could choose a hotel to stay in, that isn’t the one you work for, anywhere in the world, which one would it be?
Hotel Il Pellicano Tuscany, Italy.
Do you have a favorite movie in which the hotel is the backdrop or the star?
My favorite is ‘The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel.’ I love the quote, “Everything will be alright at the end, so if it is not alright, it is not the end.”
If you had the day off today, what would you be doing?
I would enjoy a leisurely lunch with my family and friends.
What’s the next big thing in the hotel industry?
The integration of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) to enhance guest experiences and inspire their booking decisions.
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