Continuing a family legacy at L’Ardésia: an interview with Thomas, its third-generation hotelier.
Tradition meets innovation in independent hospitality
Running a hotel is more than a business: it’s a calling, a legacy, and often a story of passion passed down through generations. In Haute-Savoie, nestled in the Ardoisières Valley in Morzine, L’Ardésia has been welcoming guests since 1960. Today, the establishment is run by its third-generation hotelier, Thomas, who combines tradition with modern tools like Amenitiz to ensure the smoothest 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.
Q: Can you tell us a little about L’Ardésia and your role here?
A: I’m the third generation to run L’Ardésia. My grandparents opened it in 1960, my parents took over in 2008, and I stepped in as the owner in December 2024. The hotel is located in Haute-Savoie, in the Ardoisières Valley in Morzine. What makes it truly special is its setting between the mountains and the river.
“What makes this place unique is its setting between the mountains and the river.”
Q: Did you always know you wanted to be in the hospitality industry?
A: Not really. I grew up in the hospitality world because my parents worked here, so it wasn’t exactly a choice I made. As a child, I imagined myself more in construction and design. But today, I feel like I’ve truly found my path in continuing my family’s legacy.
Q: What’s the experience like for guests checking in?
A: I like to welcome guests personally. When they arrive, I handle their reservation, show them to their rooms, and make sure everything is perfect for their stay. Using Amenitiz has made this process much more efficient. I discovered Amenitiz while searching online for a property management system (PMS), and it’s been an essential tool ever since. It helps me manage reservations efficiently and save a lot of time, especially during busy check-in or check-out periods.
Q: How has Amenitiz helped you manage L’Ardésia?
A: Before Amenitiz, we were doing everything manually: pen and paper, old-school style. Now, I can see all arrivals, departures, and current guests in a compact view. It even calculates the tourist tax automatically, which is a huge time-saver. The system is very intuitive, and it integrates all online booking platforms seamlessly.
“Before Amenitiz, we were doing everything manually. Now I save a huge amount of time, plus the system is very intuitive”
Q: What is your vision for L’Ardésia?
A: My goal is to keep evolving the hotel while preserving its identity. I want L’Ardésia to be a warm and unique place where guests feel good as soon as they walk in. Every detail, from the rooms to breakfast service, is designed to make people feel welcome.
Q: What advice would you give to new hoteliers?
A: My advice is to throw yourself fully into your project and give it everything you’ve got, because heart and passion are key. Hospitality is a world that requires dedication, but it’s incredibly rewarding to see guests enjoy the space you’ve created.
“My advice: throw yourself into your project with heart and passion.”
Q: How does it feel to continue the family legacy?
A: Nowadays, my family is no longer in hospitality, so I hope they are proud to see me carrying on our legacy in my own way. Running L’Ardésia is not just about business; it’s about honoring the hard work of generations before me while making the hotel my own.
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 reservations efficiently and focus on creating a memorable guest experience, you too can simplify your hotel operations without sacrificing the personal touch. **Book a demo today** with no obligations, and see how Amenitiz can help you save time, stay organized, and elevate your guests’ experience.
👉 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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