During our recent trip to Amsterdam we had the pleasure of staying in Max Brown Hotel and interviewing Lysanne van Aalderen, Operations Manager. Situated at the intersection of Amsterdam's iconic canals, this hotel comprises three historical canal houses. The interior features modern designs, artwork by local artist Gino Bud Hoiting, and the renowned book wall. Find out more about Lysanne's experience within the hospitality industry, Max Brown and more. 

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Tell us about yourself and your experience within the industry.  

My career has been entirely in hospitality. I began with side jobs before my first major experience: a six-month internship in Barcelona as part of my hotel education. That experience hooked me, and I knew I wanted to continue working in hotels. After returning, I completed my graduation internship, gaining further experience in the field. 

I wanted to stay in the Netherlands and join a growing company, ideally one involved in opening new hotels. That motivation led me to the Sircle Collection, where I joined as an opening trainee for the Sir Adam Hotel in 2016. Since then, I’ve grown within the company, taking on various roles at Sir Adam Hotel and eventually becoming Operations Manager at Max Brown two years ago. 

Along the way, I’ve supported multiple hotel openings across Europe, assisted operational teams, and held an interim cluster manager position last year. It’s been a great journey so far! 

What made you pursue a career in hospitality?  

When I was working in Barcelona, I realised how rewarding it was to make people smile. While that might sound like a common answer, it truly resonated with me. What inspired me even more was seeing my team or coworkers create those memorable moments and genuinely enjoying their work. That’s when I knew I wanted to pursue a leadership role in hospitality—I loved training and supporting others to achieve that same impact. Seeing a team put smiles on our guest’s faces and enjoying it themselves is incredibly fulfilling. 

What has been the most special moment in your career so far?  

Although my career hasn’t been very long, two moments stand out. One is celebrating a team member’s promotion after we worked together on development plans and goals—it’s incredibly rewarding. The other is the magical experience of opening the doors to welcome the first guests at a newly opened hotel, which I’ve been fortunate to experience twice now.  

What is really exciting you about the hotel industry right now?  

The hotel industry is very fast-paced, and although it stagnated for a while, it’s picked up again. Right now, the focus on innovation and technology is especially exciting. It’s fascinating to see the creative ideas emerging, particularly those aimed at achieving greater efficiency, reducing workloads, and improving sustainability. 

How would you describe Max Brown in three words?  

I think Max Brown is welcoming, playful and quirky.  

What challenges have you faced in implementing or integrating any new technologies?  

There are so many new technologies and ideas out there, which is exciting and motivating since I enjoy change. However, the biggest challenge is maintaining a balance between implementing new technologies and preserving the personal service that defines us as a hotel. Some things technology simply can’t achieve, so it’s crucial to ensure any new implementation aligns with our commitment to guest experience. It can also be challenging to gain everyone’s understanding—guests included—about these changes. 

Are you involved in any local initiatives and how do you build relationships within the community?  

One of Max Brown’s key traits is being very local and community oriented. The street here was completely renovated over three years ago, which brought us and our neighbours closer together. As a prominent location, we participate in various affiliation programmes hosted by the municipality to engage with the community and see the results of these efforts.  

What is the most unexpected guest request your team have received and how did you handle it?  

We’ve had some interesting requests, as this location is quite iconic and popular on Instagram, Reels, and TikTok. People often ask for props, like chairs, to use for their performances or photos outside, which is always amusing. 

One memorable moment was when a guest asked us to take a picture of the sunset from outside. While we were taking the photo, the guest proposed to his now-fiancée! After she said yes, they went out, and we decorated their room to celebrate. What started as a simple request turned into a truly memorable experience for everyone involved. It was wonderful to have an impact on such a special moment. 

What is the greatest piece of business advice that you have ever received?  

The best advice I’ve received is to always stay curious about different perspectives and opinions. This has helped me maintain an open-minded attitude, which has been key to my personal growth. Over time, it’s also been invaluable in decision-making, ensuring all stakeholders feel involved and encouraged to contribute. Staying curious has truly been a guiding principle for me. 

Do you attend the Independent Hotel Show? If so, what do you value about the show?  

I really value how the Independent Hotel Show brings all industry stakeholders together. It’s very focused on innovation, which can sometimes feel overwhelming, but it’s inspiring to see everything happening in the industry. Having a day to take it all in is great, as it allows you to evaluate afterward and consider what could truly benefit your hotel and its performance. 

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We are looking forward to bringing the community together again at Independent Hotel Show Amsterdam 2025, secure your ticket here. Hoteliers and designers can attend for free, please get in touch at independenthotelshow@montgomerygroup.com to secure your free code.