An interview with Alexandra de Brito

Who: Alexandra de Brito
What: Housekeeping Manager
Age: 53

What does your function entail? 
I am the lady of the house. I care for the cleaning of public area’s and all the rooms. I take care of all the ordering, and manage the housekeeping staff. All housekeeping staff comes from an external company, but they all feel like a part of the hotel and the loyalty remains the same. You see, our work is not only about cleaning; it is about leaving a good impression. This is our house, and that is a truly important feeling. I believe in good, positive energy. I think of myself as the mother of the team, and what I do as a housekeeping manager feels as if I was raising my own child. I prepare my team for the future and accompany them in their growing process.

How long have you been working here?
I just came back to The Dylan Amsterdam in June. However, I used to work here 5 years ago. I left then, because I wanted to grow within this business and became a regional manager at a cleaning company where I oversaw eight 5-star hotels in Amsterdam. I learned a lot, but at one point realized that I wasn’t happy anymore. So, one morning I opened my laptop and I saw they were looking for a housekeeping manager at The Dylan Amsterdam. They will not take you back, my husband said. People do not go back to the same place twice. But, I told him, I am going home. And I did.

Where do you live?
I am originally from Portugal, but I have been living in The Netherlands for about 20 years now. I live in Purmerend with my husband and my 15-year-old daughter.

What do you like to do in your spare time?
I like to cook; more specifically Portuguese food. And I love to dance, but I don’t go out anymore. Not because of my husband, he is very calm and relaxed. I am very busy, energetic, and noisy. I speak loud. I cannot handle myself sometimes. I am a very dedicated old-fashioned crazy woman. And he gives me all the freedom.

How do you start your day?
I am a control freak, so I want to do the openings at 8 am myself. But I like to come in at 7 already, when everyone is still sleeping. I start with a coffee, and take the time to prepare myself, I check how things are going and say hello to the people who come in. This is important to me, I also love to have lunch together, to embrace my people, spend time with them and get to know them. That little hour between 7 and 8 is my favorite moment; it makes me feel prepared and confident for the rest of the day.

Imagine; if you didn’t live here anymore, and you were just passing through. You have one day in Amsterdam. What would you do?
Shopping – in the Kalverstraat. I just love to buy clothes, I do this often. I go on my own and I like to plan my shopping in advance; on this and this day I am going, I know what I want and where to get it. I do a lot of shopping.

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View from luxury boutique hotel, The Dylan Amsterdam. A view on the secluded garden.

As a proud member of The Leading Hotels of the World. The Dylan offers the opportunity joining Leaders Club, a remarkably uncommon loyalty program. 

A view from one of the rooms in luxury boutique hotel The Dylan Amsterdam, member of the leading hotels of the world. View on the building and the secluded garden.
The leading hotels of the world. The Dylan Amsterdam is a member of this.

As a proud member of The Leading Hotels of the World, The Dylan offers the opportunity joining Leaders Club, a remarkably uncommon loyalty program.

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