Interview – Henry Gemayel, The Gem Society Hotel: ‘Attention to Detail is Essential for Positive Guest Reviews’
While searching online for information about the “The Gem Society Boutique Hotel and Spa” in Athens, I came across overwhelmingly positive reviews. This intrigued me enough to touch on the topic when I met up with the hotel’s founder, Henry Gemayel.
“This has only been possible through attention to detail and an unwavering dedication to guest satisfaction,” Henry explained, adding that the hotel’s dedicated team deserves the credit.
The ‘gems’ of The Gem Society Hotel
“The positive guest reviews are due to the hotel’s team that I like to call ‘the gems of The Gem Society Hotel’. We prioritize exceptional service, cleanliness, and open communication, ensuring guests feel truly valued not only during their stay but also before and after,” he said.
But just how powerful are guest reviews on the decision-making of holidaymakers that want to book accommodation?
“Extremely powerful,” Henry said, adding that reviews are often the decisive factor when choosing accommodation.
“Positive reviews build trust and credibility… They provide invaluable insights into the actual guest experience and this helps us to constantly improve,” he highlighted.
In this interview, Henry introduces The Gem Society, talks about the power of reviews, gives his thoughts on Athens as a city break destination and also reveals the exciting prospect of expanding his “gem” to other locations in the city.
“Guests at The Gem Society can anticipate a home away from home — a warm, inviting ambiance, meticulous attention to detail…” – Henry Gemayel
- GTP: Henry, please introduce yourself to our readers. What motivated you to enter the hotel industry?
Henry Gemayel: My journey into the world of hospitality stems, first from intrinsically being a hospitable person and valuing human relations and, secondly from a profound passion for creating extraordinary experiences for guests. The allure of crafting welcoming havens in culturally rich and historically significant destinations, such as Athens, is the driving force behind my commitment to the hotel industry.
- GTP: You co-founded The Gem Society in 2020. What was the vision, and how has the journey been so far?
Henry Gemayel: The inception of The Gem Society Hotel started back in 2017 and reached fruition in 2020; it was fueled by a vision to offer travelers a distinctive blend of luxury, personalized service, and a genuine connection to the cities we call home. Despite facing challenges, especially during the pandemic, the journey has been incredibly rewarding as we’ve tirelessly worked to transform this vision into a tangible reality.
- GTP: What makes The Gem Society different from other hotels? What are the features of this city hotel? What is The Gem Society’s unique selling point (USP)?
Henry Gemayel: What sets The Gem Society apart is our unwavering commitment to seamlessly blending historic charm with modern comfort, ensuring every guest receives personalized attention. Our Unique Selling Point (USP) lies in this fusion, complemented by offerings like the indulgent ALMAZ SPA, the culinary delights of MUSE BISTRO, and our strategically prime location in the heart of Athens.
- GTP: The experience a visitor derives from a hotel is what makes the difference. What should guests expect on their visit to The Gem Society?
Henry Gemayel: Guests at The Gem Society can anticipate a home away from home — a warm, inviting ambiance, meticulous attention to detail, and a dedicated team committed to ensuring their stay is nothing short of extraordinary. Our focus is on creating an environment where guests can craft lasting memories amidst the vibrant tapestry of Athens.
- GTP: Taking a look at online reviews made by The Gem Society’s guests, I noticed numerous highly positive reviews. How has this been accomplished?
Henry Gemayel: Achieving overwhelmingly positive reviews at The Gem Society has only been possible through attention to detail, an unwavering dedication to guest satisfaction and most of all thanks to the team that I like to call ‘the gems of The Gem Society Hotel’. We prioritize exceptional service, cleanliness, and open communication, ensuring guests feel truly valued not only during their stay but also before and after.
- GTP: Staying on the subject, just how powerful are guest reviews? Do they play a major role in a traveler’s decision-making process when looking to book accommodation?
Henry Gemayel: Guest reviews wield tremendous influence in a traveler’s decision-making process. Positive reviews build trust and credibility, often being the decisive factor when choosing accommodation. They provide invaluable insights into the actual guest experience, thus helping us to constantly improve.
- GTP: But what about feedback that is not so flattering? How do you handle such reviews? Do you embrace them?
Henry Gemayel: Feedback, whether positive or constructive, is highly valued at The Gem Society Hotel. We wholeheartedly embrace all reviews as opportunities for growth. Negative feedback is addressed with professionalism, issues are promptly resolved, and we leverage it to continuously improve, ensuring every guest has a memorable stay.
- GTP: I’d like to shift the discussion to the hotel’s location. Hotels have been mushrooming in Athens in recent years. Is it challenging to run a hotel in Athens these days?
Henry Gemayel: Running a hotel in Athens does present its challenges amid increasing competition. However, it’s also an opportunity to thrive in a city rich in culture and history. By maintaining a unique identity and offering exceptional experiences, The Gem Society Hotel remains a sought-after destination amidst the growing hotel landscape.
- GTP: From way back there has been talk about promoting Athens as a city break destination to attract visitors all year long. As a hospitality professional in the Greek capital, can you tell us if this has been achieved or if you think more needs to be done?
Henry Gemayel: Promoting Athens as a year-round city break destination has made significant progress. Over the last few years, we’ve observed a noticeable extension of the high season. The city’s appeal is undeniable, and continued efforts to enhance offerings and accessibility can further solidify its status as a premier year-round destination. However, if I might add constructive criticism, there is so much to be done other than just opening hotels, it has to do with the infrastructure, the labor power availability and knowledge, as well as a proper environment for the encouragement of new investments.
- GTP: Are there plans for other properties in the future? Will we perhaps see a hotel similar to The Gem Society in another Greek city?
Henry Gemayel: While our primary commitment is to The Gem Society’s success in Athens, the exciting prospect of expanding to other Athenian locations or even venturing into new Greek cities or even islands is on the horizon. We aspire to replicate our unique blend of hospitality in fresh, captivating destinations, broadening the experiential palette for our guests. Although we’re working on very exciting projects, we’ll keep it at that for the moment so as not to divulge too much too soon.
The Gem Society Boutique Hotel & Spa is located at 3 Aristidou Street in the heart of Athens’ historic triangle and offers a unique feel-at-home experience.
Set against a canvas of ancient and contemporary, making it the ideal base for tapping into a million things the city has to offer, the hotel welcomes bucket listers, culture chasers, digital nomads, foodie travelers, memory makers, summertime lovers and weekend travelers.
Press here to explore the Gem Society Boutique Hotel & Spa.
The Gem Society Boutique Hotel & Spa is truly committed to serving those who appreciate a good service, with an eye to details, an ambience sealed with by the warmth of its team, and while making sure that each client is treated like a unique precious gem .