General Manager of the Year x Nespresso

Michael Schmitt is the 2020 Stelliers Asia General Manager of the Year. Schmitt is an accomplished hotelier with a career that has taken him from Australia to London, Singapore, Thailand, China and beyond. Schmitt’s passion for the industry is evident from the moment you meet him, and we had the luxury of sitting down with him to discuss the partnership that Waldorf Astoria Chengdu has with Gold Partner, Nespresso.

1.     Tell us about your Partnership with Nespresso? 

Waldorf Astoria is an iconic hotel with a relentless focus on creating innovative and luxury experiences for our guests. Our approach to choosing a partner is no different, and that is why we partnered with Nespresso. A premium brand that delivers an elevated coffee experience for our guests, Nespresso has always been a supportive and attentive partner to our standards and innovative ideas. 

An example is when we explored takeaway coffee opportunities together by setting up a coffee corner near the property for potential guests and local foot traffic. Nespresso’s team was quick to act on our ideas and actualise our vision at a quality that is in line with our brand. It is this collaborative approach that we love about our partnership.

2.     How do you feel Nespresso helps support Waldorf Astoria Chengdu in fulfilling its goals?

The goal for Waldorf Astoria Chengdu has always been to set the bar high and Nespresso is an essential and reliable coffee provider who designs coffee experiences, which exceed expectations and create memorable coffee moments for guests throughout the day. Therefore, we offer their coffee experience in many areas of our hotel including guest rooms and restaurants & lounge. 

One example is our stunning Peacock Alley lounge, which is inspired by the legendary Waldorf Astoria New York, where we serve Nespresso coffee as part of our famed “Heavenly Afternoon High Tea”. 

Working with Nespresso has been great as they are not just a coffee supplier, but also a partner that helps to bring creative taste experiences to life for our guests. 

3.     What lies ahead for your ongoing partnership with Nespresso?

I am optimistic about our partnership with Nespresso in the future as we are aligned not only in our goals to create innovative and luxurious experiences for our guests but also in our sustainability initiatives. There are many coffee lovers in Chengdu, and we hope to welcome and share with them our mutual love for Nespresso coffee. After all, the Waldorf Astoria Chengdu creates memorable and unforgettable experiences for our guests.  #liveunforgettable.