Carrying on the family legacy: meet Thomas, a third-generation hotelier at L’Ardésia.

Carrying on the Family Legacy: Meet Thomas, a Third-Generation Hotelier at L’Ardésia

Running a hotel is more than just a job — it’s a vocation, a legacy, and often a story of passion passed down from generation to generation. In Haute-Savoie, nestled in the Ardoisières Valley in Morzine, L’Ardésia has been welcoming travelers since 1960. Today, the property is managed by Thomas, a third-generation hotelier, who combines tradition with modern tools like Amenitiz to offer the best possible experience for both guests and staff.

We sat down with the owner of L’Ardésia to talk about family heritage, hospitality, and the role technology plays in managing a mountain hotel.

🎥 Watch the full interview here

Q: Can you tell us a bit about L’Ardésia and your role here?

A: I represent the third generation running L’Ardésia. My grandparents opened it in 1960, my parents took over in 2008, and I became the owner in December 2024. The hotel is located in Haute-Savoie, in the Ardoisières Valley in Morzine.

“What makes this place truly special is its setting — right between the mountains and the river.”

Q: Did you always know you wanted to work in hospitality?

A: Not really. I grew up in this world because my parents worked here, so it wasn’t really a conscious choice at first. As a child, I actually imagined myself working in construction or design. But today, I feel like I’ve truly found my path by continuing the family legacy.

Q: What’s the guest experience like when they arrive?

A: I love greeting guests personally. When they arrive, I handle their check-in, walk them to their room, and make sure everything is perfect for their stay. Using Amenitiz has made this whole process much more efficient. I discovered Amenitiz while searching online for a PMS (property management system), and it’s become an essential tool ever since. It helps me manage bookings efficiently and saves a lot of time — especially during busy check-in and check-out periods.

Q: How does Amenitiz help you manage L’Ardésia?

A: Before Amenitiz, we did everything by hand — paper and pen, the old-fashioned way. Now, I can see at a glance all arrivals, departures, and in-house guests. The system even calculates the tourist tax automatically, which saves a huge amount of time. It’s very intuitive and integrates seamlessly with all online booking platforms.

“Before Amenitiz, we did everything manually. Now I save an incredible amount of time — and the system is extremely intuitive.”

5 – Smile and Be Courteous

Whether your hotel is a luxury property or a family-run business, a smile is one of the keys to a warm welcome. It’s a simple way to break the ice and make travelers feel at home. Plus, a smile is universal — no matter where your guests come from, they’ll always appreciate a friendly face.

Courtesy should also be reflected in a receptionist’s attitude, even during the busiest times. Hotel staff can sometimes find themselves in the middle of a rush, but that should never stop them from being polite and kind. And in cases of conflict or disagreement, courtesy must always remain the standard. In hospitality, it’s essential to keep your cool no matter the situation.

Learn More About Amenitiz

Q: What’s your vision for L’Ardésia?

A: My goal is to keep improving the hotel while preserving its identity. I want L’Ardésia to remain a warm and unique place where guests feel at ease as soon as they walk through the door. Every detail — from the rooms to the breakfast service — is designed to make people feel welcome.

Q: What advice would you give to new hoteliers?

A: My advice is to fully commit to your project and give it your all, because passion and heart are essential. Hospitality is a world that demands deep dedication, but it’s incredibly rewarding to see guests enjoy the space you’ve created.

“My advice: dive into your project wholeheartedly, with passion and heart.”

Q: How does it feel to carry on your family’s legacy?

A: My family is no longer involved in hospitality, so I hope they’re proud to see me continuing the story in my own way. Running L’Ardésia isn’t just about managing a business — it’s also about honoring the work of previous generations while shaping the hotel in my own image.

Running a hotel like L’Ardésia requires passion, attention to detail, and the right tools to keep everything running smoothly. Just as Thomas relies on Amenitiz to manage bookings efficiently and focus on creating a memorable guest experience, you too can simplify your hotel operations without losing the personal touch.

👉 Book a free demo today and discover how Amenitiz can help you save time, stay organized, and elevate your guests’ experience — all without compromise.

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