On his very first day at SHL, Urs Vogel was already hands-on – sending out dessert in chef’s whites, caramel custard included. Back then still a student, today long a manager: his career led him from Leonardo Hotels to the launch at Motel One in Munich, where he helped drive the pre-opening, then on to Nuremberg – and finally in 2017 to Zurich, to open a Motel One there from scratch as well.
The pragmatic, cosmopolitan, and solution-oriented hotelier loves the variety in his daily routine: sometimes a PMS migration, sometimes budgeting, sometimes mentoring – and a hotel with almost 400 rooms and 45 employees always needs “care” too. The one fixed point? Coffee at 9 a.m.
Privately, Urs lives with his wife and children in Mühlau, a “really charming little village” with 1,200 residents. There he enjoys the garden, the fireplace, and camping holidays – uncomplicated and low-maintenance, even as a hotel guest. Humor? Dry and dark, à la Jimmy Carr. His dream destination: Japan. His long-term career goal? Very relaxed: retirement – or perhaps one more opening…?
First SHL day After getting dressed in my chef's uniform, I was allowed to send out dessert straight away. I think it was caramel flan...
The SHL is A school of life and the best place to build a huge network.
Most beautiful moment When I gave the speech at the graduation ceremony.
I will never forget it! When SRF filmed a documentary series about the SHL in the second semester.
What I miss Thursday evenings at the "Schwarze Schaf" or "Roadhouse".
As a resident of Mühlau in Freiam, I Mühlau in Freiamt is a really nice little town with 1,200 inhabitants. Everyone knows everyone else here and you practically live in nature.
Always in the fridge Homemade salad dressing
Relaxing after a busy day In the garden with a cool drink in summer or by the fireplace with a warm drink in winter
When I'm not working I'm out and about with my wife and children.
Me in three adjectives Pragmatic, cosmopolitan, solution-oriented
Milestone(s) After graduating, I moved to Germany, where I started as a sales coordinator at Leonardo Hotels. On 1 May 2010, I moved to Motel One as sales manager for the pre-opening of Motel One Munich City-South. In August 2013, I was promoted to hotel manager and moved to Motel One Nuremberg-Plärrer. In January 2017, I started the pre-opening of Motel One Zurich.
My job in three words Varied, educational and fulfilling.
Daily routine The only constant: coffee at 9 a.m. The rest takes care of itself...
Current projects Preparing for the switch to a new PMS, mentoring an employee in the Motel One leadership programme, and starting next month, budgeting for the coming year.
Still want to achieve My retirement😊 Everything else, I'll see what happens.
Favourite Restaurant Hirschgarten in Munich
Favourite Hotel Any Motel One
Me as a guest During my holidays, you'll find me at the campsite. When I'm a guest at a hotel, I'm totally uncomplicated and easy to please.
I appreciate Friendliness
No-go to Unprofessionalism
This should change The waste of resources and behaviour that is harmful to the climate.
Makes me laugh I've just discovered Jimmy Carr. Generally speaking, dry black humour is totally my thing.
This person I admire Dieter Müller – founder of Motel One
Last holiday destination Lake Murten
Dream Holiday Destination Japan
Catchy Tune A different one every day, but mostly rock or punk.
Discovery Wolfgang Jenewein's leadership models. In particular, positive leadership and allowing/admitting vulnerability.
I wish I could Control all machines and electronic devices with my thoughts. Like Micah Sanders in the NBC series "Heroes".