About Hansjoerg Maissen

A man with a career that has spanned the globe.
Hans carries with him more than 30 years of experience in the hotel industry, of which seven years were spent as managing director of the Hotel Bel-Air (Grand Hotel), Cap Ferrat, France and vice-president of operations for the Bel-Air Group during the two years the hotel was under Bel-Air’s management. He planned and executed a total refurbishment of the Grand Hotel du Cap Ferrat, bringing it back to its old splendor and regaining its status as of one of Europe’s most affluent resorts. Prior to his tenure at Grand Hotel du Cap Ferrat, Hans held various senior management positions throughout the world, including regional director for Marriott Hotels-Saudi Arabia. He oversaw the opening of three Marriott Hotels, as well as the opening of the Athens Marriott in Greece. Additionally, Hans held the position of director of food & beverage for the Trusthouse Forte Group of 380 hotels.

Hans Maissen was managing director of the Windsor Court Hotel in New Orleans for seven years. Under Hans’ tutelage, the luxury establishment became the number one hotel in the world, according to Condé Nast Traveler magazine’s 1998 Reader’s Choice Survey. It was also number one in America for 4 years from 1995 and 1998. The hotel’s Grill Room restaurant was awarded the prestigious Mobil five-star rating, one of only 14 restaurants in America.

Hans was responsible for the successful transition of the Four Seasons hotel in Newport Beach to the owner operated Island Hotel.  During his tenure, The Island Hotel was admitted into the prestigious Leading Hotels of the World and maintained its AAA five-diamond rating.

Hans began his career working in the kitchen of his father’s restaurant in Switzerland.  From there, he spent seven years in various kitchens throughout Switzerland before entering and graduating from the Zurich Hotel School. He then joined the Intercontinental Hotel chain in Geneva as a restaurant cashier and worked his way up within Intercontinental through all hotel departments in such countries as Switzerland, England, Germany and West Africa, ending up as manager of Intercontinental-Dubai, United Arab Emirates. During his time with Intercontinental, he handled the pre-opening and opening of the Intercontinental-Libereville, Gabon and Intercontinental-Hyde Park Corner in London.

Through his extensive hospitality career, Hans has earned numerous honors. Among them: a nomination in 1976 to the high distinction of Officer of the Franco-Britianique Association for civil services rendered to France. In 1994, Hans received the Medal of Tourisme from French Government and was honored General Manager of the Year by the “Master Guide.” The “American Travel Digest Publication” has three times named Hans one of the “World’s Fifty Best Hoteliers.”

Hans is fluent in English,French,German and Italian and has good knowledge of Spanish.

Employees and Associates say:

  • He is a great communicator
  • He has never, not met a budget or plan
  • He keeps tabs on everything from the strategic position of the new trash cans to the cleanliness of bathrooms – nothing, absolutely nothing, gets past him
  • His nickname is “Eagle Eye” for his attention to detail. He expects the best & clients anticipate that with him running things – they will get the best.