Interview
Sergei Mukhamedjanov
Hello Sergei,
In the dynamic and demanding world of hospitality, Sergueï Mukhamedjanov stands out as a passionate and innovative leader. A graduate of the École Hôtelière de Genève, Sergueï has risen through the ranks of the hotel industry with unwavering determination and commitment. Today, as head of hotel operations at Stay KooooK, he is at the forefront of a hotel concept that shakes up conventions and offers an unparalleled customer experience.
In this exclusive interview, Sergei takes us behind the scenes of his impressive journey, from his early days as a night auditor to his current role fusing innovation and hospitality. He shares the challenges he has faced, the lessons he has learned and the aspirations that continue to guide him.
Discover the man who forges tomorrow’s trends, turning every challenge into opportunity and every opportunity into success. An inspiring testimonial for those aiming to redefine the standards of their industry.
Sergei, could you tell us what initially drew you to the hotel business, and what it means to be a graduate of the École Hôtelière de Genève?
I started working in the hotel industry even before I began my studies. My first job was as a night auditor, then I progressed to day receptionist. Over time, I realized that, despite my experience, I didn’t have a diploma. So the decision to continue my studies at the École Hôtelière de Genève was a natural one, as I already knew a little about the profession and wanted to consolidate my knowledge while opening up new professional opportunities.
And then, beyond my own ambition, there was also a more personal motivation, my mom wanted to see her son get a nice diploma – and I’m happy to have been able to make that wish come true! I’m very proud to have graduated from the École Hôtelière de Genève. I learned excellence, rigor and attention to detail, while developing management and service skills. This training has given me a solid foundation for working in the hotel industry, and has opened up many new opportunities for me.
From the time you left school in 2016 until today, you've held a variety of positions in the hospitality industry. What were the key moments or experiences that shaped your career up to your current position at Stay KooooK?
Since graduating from the École Hôtelière de Genève in 2016, I’ve had the chance to work in a wide variety of establishments, from 3-star to 5-star hotels. Each environment has enabled me to acquire different skills and taught me to adapt to varying standards. But one of the most memorable and formative experiences was working on a cruise ship.
Working on board, with 5,000 passengers, each with specific and sometimes unforeseen demands, taught me how to handle pressure effectively. Every day brought its own challenges and situations to be resolved quickly. This forced me to be extremely flexible and find solutions within very tight deadlines, while remaining calm and professional. On top of that, this experience enabled me to develop very strong bonds with my colleagues. Life on board creates a unique team spirit: we look out for each other, help each other out and spend a lot of time together, because once you’re at sea, there’s no escaping the reality of the environment. This kind of bond, reinforced by the particular working conditions, creates a cohesion that has brought me a lot, both personally and professionally. The experience really taught me how to work under pressure, adapt in all circumstances and strengthen working relationships with others. These skills continue to serve me well in my current position at Stay KooooK.
Stay KooooK has a unique concept in the hotel sector. Can you tell us about the concept and how it differs from traditional hotels?
Stay KooooK is much more than just a place to stay. It’s an experience that combines the comfort of a hotel, the friendly atmosphere of a hostel and the warmth of a chambre d’hôte. Here, each guest finds the right balance between intimacy and sharing, for a stay that’s just like them.
Whether for an express business trip, a weekend getaway or an extended stay, Stay KooooK is first and foremost a home away from home. Elegant rooms, modular studios with kitchens, or spacious apartments offer every guest flexibility and comfort. It’s the perfect place to relax, feel at home and enjoy a tailor-made stay.
What’s more, Stay KooooK’s hosts are always on hand to offer local advice and listen to everyone’s needs. And for added autonomy, the “Flat” offers stylish co-working spaces, a games room for relaxing between projects, a large shared kitchen for convivial meals, and modern facilities to personalize every moment of the stay.
Stay KooooK is the promise of a fluid, flexible and super-rewarding experience, far removed from the constraints of conventional hotels. A place where travelers can feel at home, without ever sacrificing quality.
What's the achievement you're most proud of at Stay KooooK, and what was a surprising obstacle you encountered along the way? How did you manage to overcome it?
The achievement I’m most proud of at Stay KooooK is undoubtedly the creation of a close-knit, dynamic team, where each member considers our establishment his or her own home. We’ve succeeded in creating a special working environment, where team spirit and versatility are at the heart of our daily routine. What’s truly gratifying is to see this approach reflected directly in our customers’ experience. Today, we are proudly rated highly on all booking platforms, and our establishment is perceived as one of the best places to stay in Geneva, which testifies to the strength and effectiveness of the collaborative, warm and family atmosphere we have created together.
However, along the way, we came across an obstacle we hadn’t necessarily anticipated: convincing our customers to adapt to the digital age. Many of them, especially those from generations accustomed to more traditional practices, are a little reluctant to the idea of using digital tools to manage their stay. Integrating these tools has therefore sometimes been a little more complex for some. This challenge prompted us to be creative and rethink our approach.
We have taken the time to accompany each customer in a relaxed and pleasant way, to explain how the digital tools work, showing them how simple it is to use them. The aim is always to make them autonomous and independent during their stay, while offering them a smooth and enjoyable experience. Thanks to this personalized approach, many guests now feel more confident and better prepared to take full advantage of everything our establishment has to offer. It’s a real pleasure to see our guests enjoying this new way of staying.
“Hospitality isn’t just about managing tasks, it’s about creating an atmosphere where everyone feels good, both inside and outside the hotel.”
How has your experience in a variety of roles, from reception management to reservations and customer service, influenced your approach to hotel management?
My journey through different roles, such as reception, reservations management and customer service, has taught me that it’s essential to understand not only customer expectations, but also the needs of the team. Every situation, every person, can be unique, and it’s important to remain flexible and attentive. For example, when a customer arrives for check-in and seems agitated or unpleasant, it’s crucial not to judge too quickly.
We don’t know what they’ve been through before: perhaps a 10-hour flight, unpleasant conditions, a rental car that’s not ready, or hours of waiting at the airport. In these moments, the reaction of a manager or employee can transform the customer’s experience. Hospitality isn’t just about managing tasks, it’s about creating an atmosphere where everyone feels good, both inside and outside the hotel. Putting people at the center, whether for customers or colleagues, means delivering a quality experience and creating a pleasant working environment for all.
The hospitality industry is constantly evolving. How does Stay KooooK adapt to new trends and innovations? What role do you play in this process?
Stay KooooK is truly at the cutting edge of innovation in the hotel sector. We offer a completely different experience, enabling our guests to enjoy total autonomy, from the moment they book to the moment they check out. In a world where technology and flexibility are essential, we have been able to integrate these elements to transform our guests’ experience.
I’m convinced that the hotel industry is currently undergoing a veritable revolution. Traditional 3-star hotels, with their rigid processes and sometimes disconnected from modern expectations, will gradually disappear. In their place, concepts like Stay KooooK are emerging, offering far more value for the same price. Our focus is on innovation and freedom. Our customers are free to manage their stay as they see fit, with every comfort and technology at their fingertips. It’s this flexibility that makes Stay KooooK a leader of change in the hotel industry.
Where do you see your career in the next few years, and what aspirations do you have for the future, both professionally and personally?
In the years to come, I see myself continuing to lead Stay KooooK Geneva City, constantly enriching our innovative vision. My ambition is to make our establishment the undisputed leader in our segment, and why not even surpass some of the city’s 4-star hotels. This requires an ongoing commitment to perfecting the customer experience, integrating cutting-edge technologies, and creating an exceptional environment where autonomy and flexibility are the foundations of our offering. My aim is to ensure that every customer has an unrivalled experience, while preserving the warm, human spirit that makes Stay KooooK so special.
In the longer term, my wife and I have a shared dream that’s very close to our hearts: to own our own hotel. We fell in love with the concept of Italian agritourism, and the idea of transforming a large, beautifully renovated farmhouse into a luxury hotel by the sea represents the pinnacle of our journey for us. This place would be the perfect balance between calm, nature and luxury, offering an unforgettable experience to every visitor. For us, this project would be much more than just a hotel: it would be a true place to live, share and discover, where every detail would be thought out to create a unique and authentic atmosphere. It’s a dream we’ve been nurturing for a long time, and one we hope to realize one day, bringing to bear all our expertise, creativity and passion for the hotel business.
What advice would you give current students at the École Hôtelière de Genève to help them maximize their studies and prepare effectively for their entry into the professional world?
1. Embrace innovation and technology: The industry is evolving fast, so understanding how technology can improve the customer experience and make it easier to manage establishments is essential. It’s not just about knowing how to run a hotel, but also how to integrate modern tools to stay competitive.
2. Stay curious and learn beyond the classroom: Hospitality is a huge field. Participating in internships, projects or events can really enrich the experience and open doors. The more you’re exposed to real-life situations, the more you’ll understand what’s really going on in the professional world.
3. Work on people skills: The human side of hospitality is super important. Whether you’re managing a team or interacting with customers, knowing how to listen, inspire and work together is key. Don’t neglect the interpersonal aspect, as this is often what makes the difference in this profession.
In short, be ready to innovate, stay curious, and above all, cultivate a collaborative and human attitude. The hotel business is evolving, and the best professionals are those who know how to adapt and connect with others.
To conclude, is there a personal anecdote or message you'd like to share with our readers that might inspire those who aspire to follow a career similar to yours?
To conclude, I’d say that hospitality isn’t just a job, it’s a passion. It can be difficult at first, but every obstacle is an opportunity to learn and grow. If you want to succeed, be yourself, believe in your vision, and above all, never lose sight of the human side of this business. Technology and innovation are important, but it’s passion, empathy and human connections that really make the difference. Stay true to your convictions and every little step will bring you closer to your dreams.
