Life in the Mountains Part 7: Jan Twietmeyer at the Hotel Cristallo, Arosa
Part of the Twietmeyer family who have owned and operated the Hotel Cristallo in Arosa for nearly 40 years, Jan Twietmeyer is the General Manager and experienced hotelier in his own right. We spoke to Jan about his background and experience, the Hotel Cristallo and what it’s like to live and work in the beautiful alpine resort of Arosa.
Jan Twietmeyer, General Manager of the Cristallo in Arosa
How long have you been General Manager of your hotel?
The Cristallo is owned and run by the Twietmeyer family, this for 38 years now.
Tell us a bit about your background and previous experience?
After completing an apprenticeship as an accountant clerk and as a chef, I travelled around the world and have also completed a one year training at the Rembrandt Hotels and Towers in Bangkok. After that I have visited the Belvoir Park Hotel School in Zurich followed by a 2-year stay as a gastronomical journalist for a renowned F&B magazine “Salz&Pfeffer” in Zurich. In 2002 I returned to Arosa to help my family running the hotel.
What has been your favourite moment working at the hotel?
To see all the returning guest over all those years and the increasing numbers of people staying with us. Inspiring us to work hard with us and getting better over time.
Le Bistro Restaurant at the Cristallo
What do you love about working in the mountains?
The quietness, the nature and the panoramic views. Having the possibility to ski in winter and playing golf in summer as well as the times between the seasons when we enjoy our private time.
Where is your favourite place to ski?
My favourite slopes are in Arosa, the diamond slope followed by the Weisshorn Speed on Lenzerheide’s Rothorn.
What influences have you brought to the hotel?
Providing constantly the same high quality of service standard in all sections of the hotel.
What changes has the industry seen in your resort?
Arosa’s merger with the Lenzerheide was the biggest effort in the past 20 years, followed by many other attractions such as the bear sanctuary and the efforts for mountain biking.
Arosa and the Cristallo are increasingly popular in summer
In your eyes what makes your resort a special destination?
Situated at the end of the valley Schanfigg it is a perfect location. The variety of different excellent restaurants in the area as well as the good choice of hotels. Because of Arosa’s sea level (1800 meters) we usually have more snow than others and you will get the romantic feeling of winter holidays with that.
What experience do you want to give your guests when they stay at your hotel?
The feeling to be welcomed home paired with excellent food experiences.
What new developments are there to the hotel and service this year?
Unfortunately the current situation makes it quite difficult at the moment for new developments, but hopefully we still be able to make some small improvements ahead of the next ski season.
Junior Suite at the Hotel Cristallo, Arosa
Where do you like to spend your holidays?
We spend a lot of time on the island Mallorca. I love the food quality and you can do any kind of sports in the nature.
Which is your favourite room in the hotel?
The junior suite is my favourite room in the hotel.
What is your favourite dish on the menu in the hotel?
I love all kind of food but especially our home smoked salmon and our fillet goulash Stroganoff.
