Midweek Interview with Marjolein Chandler

We chat with the director of conventions and catering, Four Points by Sheraton Sydney, Darling Harbour.

The challenge for the industry is… delivering the right service at the right price.

The things I like about my job…the unpredictability, the customer service, meeting and exceeding customers’ expectations and future planning.

And the frustrations are …not enough hours in the day.

If I didn’t work in hotels I would be…a baker, growing up in a bakery, it is still in my blood.

Favourite airline? Singapore Airlines, as the have the best service and fly directly to Amsterdam with a short layover in Singapore.

My proudest moment was… winning the Business Development Person of the Year at the MEA conference back in 2010.

The naughtiest thing I ever did was….. Growing up in Holland during my studies, I had over five bikes stolen from me. One evening, I needed to get home so I “borrowed” a bike which wasn’t locked. Before I could return it, somebody took it from me.

I try to relax by…spending quality time with my husband and our beagle Archie.

The last time I feared for my life was…last week, on top of Mount Wellington in the freezing cold with heavy winds and vertical drops.

If I can, I always try to avoid…full buses.

I really wish I had… more time to visit places and countries, Iceland, Spain, Italy, Barbados, Caribbean.

The best advice I’ve ever received was… “We are not saving lives” or “it is just a job”.

I don’t understand why people…neglect and are cruel to animals.

My greatest weakness is… hagelslag (chocolate sprinkles).

And my greatest strength is…my dedication and passion for hospitality and guest satisfaction.

If I won a $1 million lottery (aside from travelling), I would…ensure my family and friends are provided for.

If I was prime minister I would…spend more money on the infrastructure in Sydney, I’d love to see more trains and new train lines to certain areas, ie inner west.

If I could be someone else for one day I would be …our beagle Archie, getting spoilt every minute of the day.

I’ve always wanted to travel to… Broome.

My favourite holiday was… too many to mention, from a honeymoon in the UK to staying in caves in South Africa…

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Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au

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