Transferred from November 2008 to Sofitel Budapest from a General Manager position of Novotel Warszawa Centrum, Poland, where – in the last six years - he was responsible for the 733 roomed four star hotel’s major renovation process (between 2002 and 2005), the development of the sales and services standard, just as for everyday actions and guest satisfaction, rewarded in 2007 with a Silver Bernache in the category ˝Performance˝.

His philosophy could be described best with one single word: variety. Total vocation and devotion are indispensable in work, though we have to avoid going through a routine process. We always have to aspire to variety by showcasing the uniqueness of cultural and historical heritage and take every opportunity in making the guests’ stay at the hotel memorable and carefree. This is how a simple journey becomes a unique stay.

Mr. Betourné assumes that the success of a hotel’s management can always be put down to the common presence of more factors. The most important factors include good communication between the management and the staff just as between the management and the guests, well-founded financial background and undetected but sensible marketing. The success of a hotel always lies in the devoted work of the hotel staff, as they are the ones who can change five star hotel service into a real experience.

Mr. Betourné considers team building being the most important executive task is to maintain a good atmosphere and positive team spirit. He entirely agrees with Sofitel’s Dedicated Service, that is the management can press for their staff’s dedicated service only if they satisfy their employees’ needs, which involves respect and recognition, too. All in one, the management of a hotel always have to guarantee a standard of service for their staff that can inspire them to give the guests the service by far the best.


1. When did you arrive in Hungary and what brought you here?
Arrived in October 2008 with my family because of my job.

2. Have you ever been an expatriate elsewhere?
Since 1984 starting in West of Africa, Middle East, then spent 10 years in Asia (Cambodia, Thailand and China) and another 10 in Europe (8 years in Poland)

3. What surprised you most about Hungary?
Nice lightening at night – everything looks prettier. Danube is very attractive – even if it is not blue as it says in the song – the tram along it reminds me of old movies. Architecture makes Budapest one of the most beautiful cities in Central Europe.

4. Friends are in Budapest for a weekend - what must they absolutely see and do?
Visit Sofitel first – check out the view from the rooms, how beautiful it is. Really it’s sg to be seen. In the evening Citadella is sg worth looking at. Nice walks around – it should be promoted that everything is in walking distance. Than go to Hero’s square. Another place to visit is Szentendre if they stay longer. Szimpla kert can be also included in a nice long weekend.
5. What is your favourite Hungarian food?
Eszterházy and Dobos cakes, the fois-gras and Brassói. And the wine.

6. What is never missing from your refrigerator?
Nothing specific, have the basics, my wife is in charge to refill it and always add sg exceptional, too.

7. What is your favourite Hungarian word?
Jók, Gödöllő and also like egészségedre.

8. What do you miss most from home?
I feel comfortable here; I do not miss much from France, except the family.

9. What career other than yours would you love to pursue?
Interior designer or artist in some way.

10. What's a job you would definitely never want?
Accounting.

11. Where did you spend your last vacation?
Trying to remember when it was… Poland last spring.

12. Where do you hope to spend your next holiday?
More because of the children a safari tour in South Africa, Kenya.

13. What was your favourite band, film, or hobby as a teen?
Bob Marley and the rest, James Bond and Fantômas , and eating chocolate. :-)

14. What can't you resist?
A good glass of wine.

15. Red wine or white?
Red - Pinot

16. Book or movie?
Movie.

17. Morning person or night person?
Both

18. Which social issue do you feel most strongly about?
Smoking – support a program with Generali to help the ones wanted to quit and breast cancer. In private: orphanage – sponsor two Chinese students with their scholarship.

19. Buda or Pest side?
Pest

20. What would you say is your personal motto?
Family motto: We do it if we want, with or without you.
Personal: When we want we can – so go for it.