A day with Marion Mendes Leal
Guest Relations and PR at Valverde Hotel in Lisbon.
What do you do?
Although my official title in the Valverde Hotel is Guest Relations, I also handle our social media outlets, like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter. Our website maintenance, updates and also the newsletters we send out are up to me as well. I like keeping everyone updated on our adventures.
I also take care of the hotel’s visual content that you are able to see throughout our social media, and consequently handle media partnerships and requests. At the moment, I am also responsible for our music scheduling, organizing dates and performances in our restaurant.
How does a normal day at the hotel look like for you?
I get to work everyday in the morning, and whilst I have my coffee (this is an essential step for a good day) I follow up with the hotels social media outlets, looking through tags, likes, comments and shares, and thinking of new ways to boost the hotel’s notoriety online.
Once that is done, I look up our in-house guests and verify if there is anyone celebrating a special occasion in order for us to prepare a very special surprise. Usually they vary from small gifts, special amenities or small sweet or savory items.
The second half of my day is mainly focused on the visual side of the hotel. Banners and posts for Facebook, Instagram pictures, newsletters and organizing and publicizing our music agenda are one of the many things I also do during my day. As our restaurant is open for the general public, sometimes it’s a challenge to reach out to the local audiences to come pay us a visit at the end of the day.
I understand you just joined the Valverde, what is your background?
I just returned to Portugal after 7 years in Switzerland, after studying and working in the business and marketing area.
I always had a strong passion for Lisbon and its charm, which gave me enough “saudades” (a word too strong to translate. It means missing someone or something) to come back. I started my adventure at the Valverde in March and it has been a very fulfilling experience.
What is your favorite hotel in the world and why?
Tastes change almost everyday. But if I were to choose a hotel, I’d choose The Serras, in Barcelona. I’m very into interior décor with retro, clean and simple styles, so this is the hotel that fits me the most. The rooftop overlooking the marina is exquisite as well and perfect for relaxation after a long day.
And of course, I could never leave the Valverde Hotel behind. From all my experience traveling, I think the Valverde stands out for its rooms, common spaces, páteo and décor.
The spirit of the hotel is going the extra mile for any of our guests, treating them with a personalized service.
Marion Mendes Leal
What makes the Valverde different from other luxury boutique hotels in Lisbon?
Apart from the tasteful retro décor and the overall ambience in the hotel, which balances luxury and comfort, we do offer two things that are exquisite and unique in Lisbon:
Our páteo: Transmitting a feeling of peace and serenity amidst the busy Avenida da Liberdade. The ferns and the trees against the black panels provide a scenery that makes any guest want to stay longer.
Our staff: One of the main highlights of any guests’ stay is the service provided by our young and dynamic staff. The spirit of the hotel is going the extra mile for any of our guests, treating them with a personalized service. Instead of seeing room numbers when we speak to our guests, we focus on their names which usually breaks the ice and makes the guests feel at home.
What’s the next big thing for the Valverde?
We are planning on extending our room numbers. The project is still in the works, but we hope that by the end of 2017 or beginning of 2018, a new Valverde Hotel emerges, better than ever.
What is your favorite place to relax and breathe in Lisbon?
The Miradouro da Graça is one of the spots I go to when I need to clear my head of all the stress in life. Just looking over the rooftops of Lisbon and having the sky to yourself is just an overwhelming experience. And here’s a friendly tip: It’s actually one of the coolest places to go to on a hot summer day!
Where will you be on your next day off?
Probably taking a class of Kite Surf. A cousin of mine got me into this sport, and since we have fabulous beaches it is almost a crime to not pass a day in the beach per week.
Finally, Beirão or Port wine?
I don’t have a big sweet tooth, I am more for tapas and savory treats. But if I had to choose one, I’d most probably choose Porto. Apart from being a Portuguese trademark, it can be used while cooking which is something I love.
