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Thomas van Opstal: 45 Years with Marriott International and Stories you only experience in Hotels.
Janet Jackson in the Ballroom, Ray Charles in his Suite and James Bond Moments - a Life in Hotels
Thomas van Opstal has spent nearly 45 years in luxury hospitality, working across Frankfurt, Singapore, Melbourne, Brunei, Karachi, Riyadh, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, Muscat, Budapest, Tbilisi and now leads the legendary Hotel Imperial in Vienna.
His career is full of moments that only happen in hotels: Janet Jackson rehearsing in the ballroom, serving Ray Charles in his suite and walking beside Roger Moore, thinking, “This feels more James Bond than Roger Moore.” He’s also hosted Heads of State and major summits, where hotels became the backdrop for history.
Living and working around the globe taught him that great leadership is simple: listen, understand and help people grow. His calm, empathetic approach has guided huge teams through openings, renovations and high-pressure events.
Looking back, Thomas says his proudest achievement isn’t a hotel or a title - it’s the people he mentored, many of whom now run hotels themselves. His story is a journey of adventure, culture and the human connections that make a life in hotels unforgettable.
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By Florian HeppJanet Jackson in the Ballroom, Ray Charles in his Suite and James Bond Moments - a Life in Hotels
Thomas van Opstal has spent nearly 45 years in luxury hospitality, working across Frankfurt, Singapore, Melbourne, Brunei, Karachi, Riyadh, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, Muscat, Budapest, Tbilisi and now leads the legendary Hotel Imperial in Vienna.
His career is full of moments that only happen in hotels: Janet Jackson rehearsing in the ballroom, serving Ray Charles in his suite and walking beside Roger Moore, thinking, “This feels more James Bond than Roger Moore.” He’s also hosted Heads of State and major summits, where hotels became the backdrop for history.
Living and working around the globe taught him that great leadership is simple: listen, understand and help people grow. His calm, empathetic approach has guided huge teams through openings, renovations and high-pressure events.
Looking back, Thomas says his proudest achievement isn’t a hotel or a title - it’s the people he mentored, many of whom now run hotels themselves. His story is a journey of adventure, culture and the human connections that make a life in hotels unforgettable.