Returning to Europe, Maurice played a pivotal role in Crowne Plaza Amsterdam City Centre and the opening of Kimpton De Witt, IHG's first Kimpton Hotel in Europe.

He relocated from Crowne Plaza Amsterdam South to Budapest to successfully establish the first Crowne Plaza in the city as its General Manager.

1. When did you arrive in Hungary and what brought you here?

I arrived in November 2020 in the midst of Covid. My company asked me if I would be interested in opening up a hotel in Hungary. I would be a conversion and the first Crowne Plaza in Budapest.

Having worked in Amsterdam for 9 years already it was time for an exciting change. I am very happy to have made this leap into a country I had not been to yet. 

Getting the opportunity to open the first Crowne Plaza Hotel in Budapest was truly a remarkable experience. Working with the local team in creating this gem of a hotel boasting 1400 square metres of meeting space, 2 restaurants and 230 large guest rooms and suites was truly humbling.

I always jokingly say we have the biggest gift shop in town as we are attached to the Westend shopping centre with 400 shops at our doorstep. Since the beginning, our event spaces and restaurants have served as vibrant hubs for expats and locals alike, creating a unique sense of community.

I will always take with me the memorable events we hosted and created for hotel guests and neighbours, from our Grand Opening event with performances of the Müpa-based Recirquel to our Glam Picnics, a summer brunch on our roof gardens and the Out of Office events in our Axis Café and Lounge. 

2. Have you ever been an expatriate elsewhere? 

Yes, I lived in Italy and the US. I enjoy exploring cultures and seeing what drives a culture. I have also done projects in the UK and China. My first expat experience was in Rome. It was like living in a museum, and in my early 20s, a good 20 years ago, it was an amazing feeling to be able to spend time in the eternal city.

Afterwards, I started my career with IHG spending my internship at the InterContinental New York Barclay.

Truly a staple within our company. I decided to stick around even after my internship and expanded my knowledge of the industry in the fast-paced environment of Manhattan. New York was still battling the aftermath of September 11th at that moment but the learning curve was steep.

After a couple of years in New York. It was time to move on and I got the opportunity to open the InterContinental Boston. A fully new built modern hotel with residences. a spa, and all the facilities you expect in a 5-star luxury property.

Boston being considered a very European city was a pleasure to call home for a couple of years. IHG Hotels and Resorts has always been a wonderful employer who respects its colleagues and would never push a move on you. It is the employee who makes the choice for their own career whilst IHG supports growth and provides opportunity.

I spent a good 10 years in the US in the end and finished my time there at InterContinental Mark Hopkins in San Francisco. This Grand Dame is located on top of Nob Hill overlooking San Francisco and the harbour.

Another remarkable property of IHG with a rich history built on the remnants of the Mark Hopkins Mansion which unfortunately burned down in the fire after the 1906 earthquake. My US experience spans over 3 completely different cities and vibes. I always wanted to do a high school year in the US but I did not manage to do that.

I guess I made up for that in the end. I returned to the Old Continent to open Kimpton De Witt, IHG's first Kimpton Hotel in Europe, before relocating to Budapest.  All my experiences have been truly unique. I could not name a favourite one as I have fond memories and met amazing people in each of those locations. It is this blend of uniqueness which makes it difficult to choose.

3. What surprised you most about Hungary?

The beauty of the city. The architecture and how green the city is. Also the contrast between Budapest and the countryside. You can still truly unwind in the rural areas of Hungary. I am a coffee addict and the amount of specialty coffee houses is a joy to experience, the food culture and concepts in general is something enjoyable in the city. So many cultures but also modern trends are represented. 

We adapted this at our Axis Café and Lounge, where we have some traditional Hungarian cuisine next to modern international staples, but all represent sustainable dishes with honest ingredients. Being a coffee snob I am proud to say we serve Banyai coffee.

4. Friends are in Budapest for the weekend - what must they absolutely see and do?

A bath house, the Castle District and obviously plenty of food. I truly enjoy walking the city so lots of walking would be involved. A good cake in one of the more traditional cake houses would be the afternoon snack.

5. What is your favourite Hungarian food?

Difficult question, too much to choose from. Especially me being Dutch and the Dutch food culture being… well what can I say? We adopted Indonesian as ours which says enough. The Hungarian food culture is amazing. So many beautiful dishes from soups to mains and desserts. But If I have to pick something it is a good cake. Dobos or Eszterházy.

6. What is never missing from your refrigerator?

Yoghurt is 1 of the items that is always in my fridge. It is such a versatile ingredient. I love to cook with it. I love cooking and experimenting with ingredients. Yoghurt is used in the Mediterranean kitchen quite a bit and it can substitute a lot of higher fat containing ingredients. At Axis Café and Lounge we love to cook on the healthier side of the spectrum as well.

7. What is your favourite Hungarian word?

(I will leave this question unanswered ;)

8. What do you miss most from home?

My family and friends. A lot of home travels with me. Your home sits in your heart. But sometimes just a hug from an old high school friend is what I miss most, besides long summer evenings with daylight.

9. What career other than yours would you love to pursue?

I have a strong interest in architecture and interior design. When I came out of high school I studied law but after a while I realized that it won’t make me  happy in life. I had 2 other major interests. Interior design and hospitality. It is clear as to what my final choice was and I love what I do, especially since within this profession you sometimes touch things like interior design. It is a very versatile job.

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

I would not want to be the King of a country; imagine the golden cage you are in by always being in the spotlight of the public eye. 

11. Where did you spend your last vacation?

Bali, Indonesia. I love the culture, the food and the spirit of the island. The sun helps too.  The people are so genuinely interested and nice. It is always a humbling experience to visit the island.

12. Where do you hope to spend your next holiday?

I am due a visit to my “family” in the US. Having lived in the US for numerous years, I am well connected in the area and made my friends. There was 1 family who took me in, welcomed me to all their family gatherings and treated me as part of such. I consider them my US family and cherish them dearly.

13. Apart from temptation what can't you resist?

Good Sushi, who can say no to good sushi!

14. Red or white?

Neither. I guess both are ok depending on the context the colour is used in. My initial thought was red as you need to dare to stand out against the crowd. On the other hand, I love the muted white interior (depending on the tone of white). 

15. Books or films?

At the moment, a good film.

16. Morning person or night person?

Neither and both. But if I have to choose, it is morning person. I love daylight and then the choice in Hungary is automatically a morning person. I don’t close my blinds so the light is always pouring into my apartment. Love waking up to a bright day and walking into the city. Seeing the city waking up and coming to life has something magical.

17. Which social issue do you feel most strongly about?

The cancel culture. We lost track of what is truly important in life and continue to try to make the past right! Facing the past and learn from it would be a much better approach in my humble opinion. 

18. Buda or Pest?

I am a Pest guy. I grew up in a rural area in the Netherlands and still enjoy going back there, but at this stage in my life I enjoy apartment living. Pest has a lot to offer and I love the beautiful buildings that are all around my district. Also the accessibility of a lot of coffee shops and bakeries is what I enjoy.

20. What would you say is your personal motto?

You cannot fight stupidity. I mean you can try but sometimes it is just not worth the effort.