“ Leading with Experience ,standing Through Storms : Ramzi Assily at the Helmof Crowne Plaza Beirut ”

Ramzi Assily

General Manager, Crowne Plaza Beirut | Managed by IHG

1. You are recognized as one of Lebanon’s top hotel managers.
   Looking back, which moments or experiences have most shaped your leadership style and career in hospitality? Any story that stands out?The fact of having a Food & Beverage background has built a strong base in my career that spreads over 4 decades, having worked in 7 different countries. From serving heads of states to organizing events for up to 1500 people inthe middle of the desert, was the best thing that has realy shaped my leadership and career. A different kind of experience is that I have witnessed two wars in Lebanon during 2006 when i was the Resident Manager at the Movenpick Hotel in Beirut, and in 2024, I started at the Crowne Plaza Hotel five months after the conflict started. 
2. Crowne Plaza Beirut is part of the renowned IHG international chain.
   What makes the hotel unique in Lebanon, and how does being part of a global brand elevate the guest experience?Its location on the busy Hamra street is one of the key selling points. Guests have access within walking distance to many cafés and restaurants, as well as different types of shops. We are also 5 minutes away from the Corniche, as well asa few minutes walking again from two major institutions being the American University of Beirut (AUB) as well as the Lebanese American University (LAU). When guests become members, they have a lot of benefits such as the use of theClub Lounge at the hotel, as well as points they collect during each stay that can be used internationally to get discounts within the IHG group. 
3. How does a hotel managed by an international chain like IHG differ from independent hotels in Lebanon?
   What does this mean for guests, service, and the team behind the scenes?Being part of an international chain is also being part of a strong reputation and background. We get support from our regional offices, and constant updates to be aligned with all the latest innovations in the hospitality market. We have career development programs for all employees, one of them is called “Room to Grow”, to be able go up through the ranks, as well as the opportunity of pursuing their career abroad within IHG.
4. As General Manager, what is your vision for Crowne Plaza Beirut?
   Where do you see the hotel heading in the next few years, and what makes it stand out in the region?We had many ups and downs that relate mostly to the situation in the region; however, we always continue to move forward. We have now re-established the hotel as a preferred destination to host banquets and events. We have a rooms renovation planthat is being finalized at the moment and should start during the course of this year. This will help in being the talk of the town once we start offering our new rooms to the public. 
5. The hospitality world is always evolving.
   Which trends or innovations excite you most, and how are you embracing them at the hotel?We will be soon implementing a QMS (Quality Management System). It’s a structured framework of policies and procedures designed to ensure consistent high service standards and improved guest satisfaction. The system allows through an appto be able to immediately solve any guest related issue without any delay. The newly renovated rooms will also be up to date concerning all internal systems, such as lighting control and others. 
6. From your perspective, what does Lebanon’s hotel industry need most right now to thrive and compete internationally?We need to be more present during international exhibitions as a “LEBANON” stand under the umbrella of the Ministry of Tourism, which has not been the case now since a while. Organize through other potential countries familiarization trips to fly key travel agencies from different countries to visit us and be able to sell and promote our country abroad. 
7. Leadership in hotels can be challenging.
   Which values or principles guide you when making decisions or facing tough moments?Firstly, the experience by itself having gone through many challenges in different countries.  Any decision taken should be wise, without affecting the reputation of the hotel by also trying to reach a settlement that would benefit all parties concerned. 
8. What exciting developments, upgrades, or upcoming plans can guests and partners look forward to at Crowne Plaza Beirut?As mentioned earlier, we have a rooms renovation plan that should hopefully start this year. Once we have it all finalized, we will launch a teaser and marketing campaign to spread further awareness among the public, ocal and international markets.  
9. Success often comes with a personal philosophy.
   Do you have a quote, motto, or guiding principle that inspires you every day?To let the Team who works under me shine, because they are the people who know our customer best. 
10. Finally, Ramzi, how would you like to introduce yourself to our audience?
    Beyond your title, what defines you as a hotelier and a person, and what makes your journey unique?Being there for my Team and my guests and as they say” there are no traffic jams along the extra mile”.