Xpat Interview: Rainer Gieringer, Former General Manager, Hilton Budapest WestEnd
- 10 Jan 2014 11:00 AM
Rainer Gieringer has been working in the hospitality industry for more than 20 years, most recently as hotel manager at Hilton Istanbul, where he spent two and a half years. Prior to taking on the role at Hilton Istanbul he gained valuable experience as interim general manager at Hilton Kayseri in Turkey and also held various positions as director of operations and food & beverage in seven different Hilton properties in Turkey, Germany, Cyprus and Bucharest.
His extensive food & beverage experience coupled with management and great leadership will play a crucial role in his position. Gieringer’s expertise and passion will ensure that Hilton Budapest WestEnd and its team continue to perform the highest level. Speaking of his appointment, Gieringer said, "I am delighted to get the opportunity to join the
team in Budapest and work with them to enhance the guest experience."
Gieringer has always been fascinated by the hotel industry and was educated in Austria and Germany and kept up with the industry trends taking courses at Cornell University. In addition Gieringer is an enthusiastic golfer and tennis player as well as a passionate photographer.
1. When did you arrive in Hungary and what brought you here?
I was offered to take over the Hilton Budapest WestEnd Hotel and I started on December 2nd.
2. Have you ever been an expatriate elsewhere?
Yes, I worked for Hilton in Bulgaria, Romania, Turkey, Cyprus
3. What surprised you most about Hungary?
Currently no major surprises but Food vice the selection of salads are less them expected.
4. Friends are in Budapest for a weekend - what must they absolutely see and do?
For sure the classical sights and a cruise.
5. What is your favourite Hungarian food?
Chicken Paprikás.
6. What is never missing from your refrigerator?
Cold cuts and cheeses
7. What is your favourite Hungarian word?
Közsönöm
8. What do you miss the most from home?
Friends and Family
9. What career other than yours would you love to pursue?
Law
10. What's a job you would definitely never want?
Accountant
11. Where did you spend your last vacation?
Spain
12. Where do you hope to spend your next one?
Hungary
13. What was your favourite band, film, or hobby as a teen?
Band: Bon Jovi, Movie Die Hard, soccer
14. Apart of temptation what can't you resist?
Chocolate
15. Red wine or white?
Red
16. Book or movie?
Movie
17. Morning person or night person?
Morning person
18. Which social issue do you feel most strongly about?
Everything that is involving children
19. Buda side or Pest side?
Living in Buda, walk around in Pest
20. What would you say is your personal motto?
“You can do better than this”