A Spanish Spirit in Jakarta
Jerónimo Molina, General Manager of Gran Meliá Jakarta, defines the hotel’s five-star experience through a focus on people, passion, and purpose. He highlights how team engagement and authentic Indonesian hospitality create a distinct environment for guests.
Q: As the General Manager of Gran Meliá Jakarta, what are your top priorities when it comes to maintaining the hotel’s five-star standard?
A: For me, the top priority is team engagement. At the end of the day, the team is the core of this business, so taking care of them and genuinely listening to their perspectives is essential. When the team feels supported and motivated, it naturally reflects in the way they serve our guests. Of course, service itself remains fundamental, but building a strong service culture goes beyond simply delivering hospitality. It also means listening carefully to our guests and customers, understanding their expectations, and responding with sincerity.
Q: What has been the most rewarding part of leading one of Jakarta’s most prestigious hotels?
A: The most rewarding moments come when guests tell us they choose to stay with us not only because of the facilities, but because of our team. That is what truly sets us apart. Hospitality is ultimately about the people behind the service. When a guest says, “I feel at home here, and I enjoy coming back to your hotel,” it means everything to the team who work hard to create that feeling and to us.
Q: Hospitality is often described as a 24/7 industry. What does a typical day look like to you?
A: In reality, there is rarely a typical day in hospitality. I usually wake up early and begin by reviewing the previous day’s reports and financial data. I value those quiet moments before the morning briefing, as they help me understand how the hotel performed and what requires attention. I also make it a point to walk around the property, including the back of the house and the kitchens, to feel the pulse of the hotel firsthand. After that, the meetings begin, and the rest of the day is largely spent engaging with the team and moving around the hotel rather than staying in my office. Connecting with the team throughout the day makes me feel part of a shared effort and keeps morale high. Thankfully, technology allows me to stay connected and respond to emails even while I am walking through the property.
Q: Since moving to Jakarta, what aspects of Indonesian hospitality or culture have inspired you the most?
A: The smile. The Indonesian smile is truly unique. Even on the street, people naturally smile when you make eye contact. In hospitality, that is incredibly powerful because a smile is contagious and it immediately creates warmth. I believe the combination of genuine Indonesian hospitality and Spanish passion, as we are a Spanish company, creates something very special in our service culture.
Q: How do you unwind after work?
A: These days, I prefer spending time with my family. Talking with my wife and child about our day helps me disconnect from the pressures of work and reset. I also enjoy reading at night before going to sleep. It is a simple routine, but it helps me relax and switch off after a busy day.
Q: What advice would you give to young professionals in hospitality?
A: You have to genuinely enjoy this business. Hospitality is highly social and centred on people. I began as a trainee 21 years ago, and one thing I have learned is that growth comes from constantly asking questions and learning every day. Stay curious, keep an open mind, and nurture creativity while developing a global perspective. That mindset is essential for anyone who hopes to grow in this industry.
Asia Dreams Volume 58
Gran Meliá Jakarta
Jalan H.R. Rasuna Said
Jakarta 12950, Indonesia
T: (+62) 215268080
W: melia.com
