Katrin writes “Review of my first winter season”

Despite the renovation stress in the fall of 2013, I couldn’t wait until we finally opened in December… because I finally wanted to welcome guests to the new reception, my new workplace.

During my business studies at the University of Vienna, I had less to do with tourism. For this reason, I took part in training to become a young sommelier in the fall and also attended a reception course. After all, there is always something new to learn and I wanted to prepare myself as well as possible for my first winter season.

After a short time, I was able to quickly familiarize myself with the reception desk – but with Roland and Rudi at my side, this could only go smoothly. Thanks again for learning and your patience ☺

For the hotel I have of course also thought about some innovations… such as the new pin board in the reception where you can read the weekly program or our new staff tree in the basement.

Christmas and New Year’s Eve were especially nice! On the one hand, I spent it with my husband for the first time and on the other hand, it was a great experience to celebrate the holidays together with our guests for the first time. Everyone was in a great mood and enjoyed the wonderful mood and pleasant atmosphere at the celebrations. It was also at this time that I was able to try out my newly acquired skills as a young sommelier. I was able to recommend numerous fine wines from our extensive wine cellar to accompany the wonderful meal prepared by my mother-in-law and chef Elfriede.

Roland’s Christmas present – a fine corkscrew – came in very handy ☺ I also really enjoyed the weekly wine tastings in our wine cellar that Roland and I organized together!

Another highlight of my winter season was the children’s carnival party that I organized together with Mandy and Sophie. We thought up games, dressed up and enjoyed doughnuts and ski water with the little ones. In the meantime, the parents were able to celebrate properly at Rudi’s garage party.

This party also gave me the idea of offering childcare once a week in the summer. I’m already working hard on the program (e.g. campfire with marshmallow grilling, painting competitions, various outdoor and indoor games, joint pizza baking, and much more). Sophie will support me on these afternoons and in the meantime the parents can enjoy our wellness area or simply spend time together.

Now I’m enjoying the off-season with Roland – the highlight will definitely be our participation in the Vienna City Marathon on April 13, 2014, where I will run my first half marathon. Apart from that, we will be spending a lot of time in my home country of Upper Austria and of course we will be visiting lots of friends!

In the summer, I will not only be at reception, but will also get to know the work of our maids. My mother-in-law also introduces me to the kitchen … as a newcomer to the hotel industry, I have to get to know everything first.

But don’t worry: I won’t be giving up my place at reception, I just feel far too comfortable there! ☺

I am looking forward to the next season, when I will once again be welcoming many regular guests at reception and hopefully also getting to know many new guests!

Until then, I wish you all a wonderful spring,
SEE YOU AGAIN AT THE BARBARAHOF!

Your Katrin!