The international journey of Renata: her path to nhow Amsterdam
Renata Komarzinska is general manager of nhow Amsterdam RAI, the largest hotel in Amsterdam. Her impressive career started in Latvia and took her through Poland, Germany, and the United States before finally bringing her to the Netherlands. What began with cleaning rooms during an internship in Las Vegas eventually led to a leadership role at a top hotel in Amsterdam.
In this interview, Renata shares how her international experiences have shaped her leadership style, what drives her as a manager, and how she guides young professionals in their growth. We talk about cultural differences, technology, sustainability, and why Amsterdam, in her view, is the place to build a career in hospitality.
From Latvia to Amsterdam: my journey in hospitality
My passion for hospitality started in Latvia, where I grew up in an environment where welcoming others was second nature. My grandparents had a farm that was always full of neighbors, family, and friends. It wasn’t consciously called “hospitality,” but rather a way of living: greeting people with attention and warmth.
After finishing high school, I began studying law, but it didn’t suit me. I wanted to work with people in an international setting. Because I have Polish roots and partly spoke the language, Poland felt like a natural next step. Through a partnership with a Polish university, I discovered the hospitality track within business management. It immediately felt like the right choice. I moved to Poland to study there.
During that period, I did two ten-month internships in Las Vegas at the MGM Grand. That’s where I discovered how large-scale and professional hospitality can be. That experience shaped my ambition. Since then, I have worked in Poland, Germany, the United States, and now the Netherlands. But wherever I went, one thing remained constant: making people feel welcome is at the heart of my work.
What I learned from international experiences
Working in different countries has been one of the greatest gifts of my career. In Poland I learned the importance of relationships, in Germany the value of processes and structure, and in the Netherlands the strength of openness and flat hierarchies. These cultural differences made me more flexible. You learn to listen, adapt, and respect how things are done elsewhere. That has helped me as a leader to better understand and support teams, wherever we are in the world.
What makes nhow Amsterdam RAI special
I am proud of the design and lively concept of nhow Amsterdam RAI. With 650 rooms, we are the largest hotel in the city. But what really sets us apart is our people. Our quality scores remain high thanks to a team that brings energy and flair to work every day. Especially in food and beverage, I see colleagues express their creativity. The restaurants are not standard hotel facilities but places with character and personality.
The location next to the RAI and the mix of business and leisure guests also make the work dynamic. For me, nhow Amsterdam RAI is more than a hotel. It is a place where hospitality, creativity, and humanity come together.
From rebuilding to a new chapter
When I started as general manager in 2021, we were just emerging from a long closure due to COVID. We restarted with a small team of fifteen people. Instead of simply filling positions, we consciously built a new culture. We looked for people with character, passion, and individuality. You can feel that in every corner of the hotel.
Another moment I am proud of is the development of our rooftop outlets Selva and Sonora. They were created while the hotel was fully operational. These are not standard restaurants, but destinations that attract both guests and locals.
Leading diverse teams
Leading multicultural teams requires curiosity and trust. Everyone has their own story and background. I always try to really listen to who someone is and what drives them. Trust starts with clarity and doing what you say. Especially in an international team, being clear about goals and processes is crucial.
Because I work abroad myself, I understand how important it is for a workplace to also feel like a community. Many team members build their social network here. That sense of belonging makes a team strong.
What I look for in new talent
For me, hiring new colleagues is about attitude, not experience. Hospitality can be learned. What matters is whether someone is open to growth, shows initiative, and wants to be part of a team. I want to show that no matter where you come from, you can be given opportunities. Whether you started out serving breakfast or have just arrived in the Netherlands, with the right mindset you can make real progress in this industry.
Helping young leaders grow
Future leaders don’t develop through training alone, but through space, trust, and experience.
I encourage people to look beyond their role, to try, make mistakes, and learn from them. Feedback should be safe and focused on growth. Especially with women, I often see hesitation: they only take the next step once they believe they can already do everything. That’s when I say: just try. You don’t need to be perfect to grow. You just need to start.
Pulling together
A moment I will always remember was the reopening of the hotel after COVID. We were short on staff, so I helped wherever needed, from cleaning rooms to stewarding. Not because I had to, but to show that we do this together. That phase shaped us as a team.
Sustainability in daily choices
Sustainability and social responsibility are not side projects for us, but a way of working. We source locally where possible, reduce waste, and work with suppliers who share our values. Our building has a BREEAM certificate, an international sustainability certification that assesses the environmental performance of buildings.
We are a team of more than 200 people with diverse backgrounds. That calls for an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome and safe. Beyond the hotel, we also contribute: we join local initiatives and, for example, cook meals for people in the neighborhood.
Technology as support
Technology offers enormous opportunities, especially with the rise of AI. It helps remove friction from the guest journey, such as digital check-ins or automatic payments. That leaves us with more time for true hospitality. For our younger team members, technology is second nature. They grew up digitally. That’s why our systems need to be smooth and intuitive. Technology does not replace service but makes it possible to offer more personal attention.
Learning as a mindset
Even after twenty years in the field, I keep learning. I read industry media, attend fairs, and follow courses. Recently I completed the General Management Program at Cornell. Going back to the classroom broadens your view. It gives energy and new ideas you can apply immediately.
Advice to international hospitality professionals
My own move to the Netherlands was for a personal reason: my partner is Dutch. But working in Dutch hospitality requires an open mind. Expect direct communication, little hierarchy, and a strong work-life balance. Actively build your network. At first, I didn’t do enough of that myself. Now I encourage it within my team. Whether it’s having lunch together or joining a “vrijmibo”, those informal moments make a real difference.
And above all, learn what “gezellig” means, it says so much about the Netherlands.
The strength of the Netherlands as a hospitality country
Amsterdam is lively, international, and creative. The city attracts both tourists and business travellers and is a place where people come to discover, grow, and connect. For hospitality professionals, that means huge opportunities. The proximity of Schiphol, the arrival of new international companies after Brexit, and the open culture make it an ideal place to develop your career.
As a hotel, you contribute to the city’s experience, and that makes the work so inspiring.
What drives me
What motivates me is the combination of learning, inspiring, and working with passionate people. Hospitality is about connection. On days when I spend too much time behind my screen, all it takes is a short conversation on the floor to remind me why I love this profession.
The most important lesson from my mentors
Leadership is not about being the smartest person in the room. It is about helping others grow. You create space, listen, and encourage. Sometimes people don’t yet see their own potential. Then it’s up to me to give them that confidence. The balance between business thinking and genuine care for people should never be lost. It’s exactly that human side that makes the difference.
The future
Nhow Hotels is now part of Minor Hotels. We are growing, innovating, and building international brands. That brings opportunities. Whatever the future holds, I will keep learning, keep growing, and keep helping others to do the same.
Would you like to work at nhow RAI Amsterdam? Apply for one of the vacancies and become part of the team.