ABOUT THE AUTHOR
JAN KIRSTEIN
The Swedish author has 40+ years of international experience, in 17 locations, working with hotel management companies, directly with hotel owners, plus experience as asset manager. This has given him a unique insight in the life as an international hotelier, hence being the ideal person to communicate, in an interesting way, the challenges and opportunities of a hotelier. His assignments have covered Europe, North Africa, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, East Asia, and Australia.
WHAT THEY
DON'T
TEACH
YOU AT
HOTEL
SCHOOLS
Notes from 4 Continents
Certain aspects of business must be experienced and cannot be taught in the school environment. This is the essence of “What they don’t teach you at the Hotel School”. The book captures, in a structured way, the real life as an international hotelier, with its pros & cons, opportunities & challenges. The content is based on the author’s 40+ years of experience as a hotelier with impressions, learnings, feedback, stories, and anecdotes from four continents.
Testimonials
“With over 40 years of industry insight and experiences, Jan Kirstein is an entertaining storyteller who paints an interesting and valuable picture of the multi-faceted working environment for the most important role within any hotel — the role of an excellent General Manager who team members look up to as they always did under his leadership.” Geoff Ballotti, President and CEO, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts
“Excellent background for hotel executives.” William E Heinecke, founder and chairman of Minor International (Minor Hotels, Minor Food, and Minor Lifestyle).
“Kirstein’s book does not only give valuable advice for anyone whose aim is to become an international hotelier, but also covers the important subject of asset management. Should be a must read for anyone in the hotel industry, a current or future hotelier” Andrew Humphries, former COO and ACEO, Katara Hospitality
“It’s not just a book; it’s a mentor, offering guidance and inspiration for hoteliers at every stage of their career journey. Trust me, you won’t be able to put it down!” Andy Kunz , Managing Director, Thailand & Bhutan – Como Hotels & Resorts
“Certainly, a well written book and required reading for anyone considering an international hotel career or someone who is just starting out in the hospitality industry.” Jorg Heyer, Market Vice President of Operations – Central Florida at Marriott Vacations Worldwide
“This book gives a good insight into what you need to learn and think about when you go into the hospitality sector and learn to adapt to different cultures and problems. Also how this can affect your business if you are not tactic and a problem solver. I would recommend this book to anyone looking to understand more about the hotel sector. Entertaining read!” Amazon Customer
“15 years as General Manager, still I read different sections of Jan Kirstein’s book on a regular basis. I am being reminded of many essentials, and I learn every time I pick up this book. It consistently supports me in my day-to-day challenges as General Manager. A masterpiece, a must read for current, and future hoteliers” Lars Kerfin, General Manager, Le Meridien Saigon
“I recently started my first job after graduating from EHL, as Duty Manager for a top class international hotel company. I am now convinced that the combination of studies at EHL, on the job training, and the true insights of this book by Jan Kirstein is the ultimate recipe for my future success as a hotelier” Hugo Tydén, EHL graduate 2024
“What They Don’t Teach You at Hotel Schools” is an engaging exploration of the hotel industry, authored by a seasoned hotelier with over 40 years of international experience. The book effectively bridges the gap between academic training and practical knowledge essential for thriving in hospitality. The author shares structured insights into the life of a hotelier, highlighting its challenges and rewards while providing relatable anecdotes from his experiences across four continents. Overall, “What They Don’t Teach You at Hotel Schools” is a must-read for anyone interested in the hotel industry, offering wisdom, humor, and an authentic look at the life of a hotelier.”
Pierre Barthes, RVP and GM at Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group (retired)