Dany Luetzel: Accomplished GM at Éclat Beijing

Early Life & Personal Journey

Dany, could you begin by sharing a little about your background?

I grew up in Lucerne, Switzerland, a city where hospitality is woven into everyday life. My commercial apprenticeship at Hotel Union introduced me to every corner of the hotel world—from reception to accounting—and grounded me in Swiss values: precision, humility, and pride in quality. I continued my studies at the Hotel Management School in Lucerne, completed an Executive MBA in St. Gallen, and joined an exchange programme at Fudan University in Shanghai. Each step deepened my understanding of the craft and broadened my curiosity about the world.

What early life experiences shaped your outlook, your curiosity, and your approach to hospitality?

Switzerland taught me the importance of detail and consistency. Working in a family-run hotel showed me the emotional side of hospitality—the way great service quietly elevates everyday moments. International exposure fed my curiosity and helped me appreciate different cultures, perspectives, and expectations. All of these experiences shaped my view that hospitality is not just service, but human connection. These foundations gave me a deep respect for craftsmanship and genuine interpersonal care, and they nurtured a lifelong desire to create meaningful experiences for others.

You’ve lived and worked across different cultures and continents. When did your fascination with China begin, and what first drew you here?

My fascination began during my studies at Fudan University in Shanghai. The combination of ancient traditions, rapid modernisation, and extraordinary ambition captivated me. When an opportunity later came up in Chongqing, I knew it was the right moment to return. China had a unique energy that made me feel I could build something meaningful here.

Looking back, what moment or influence most shaped your path toward leadership in luxury hospitality?

Several moments shaped me. Mentors who believed in human-centred leadership. Pre-opening projects where I learned how to build culture from zero. And eventually, the opportunity to lead Hôtel Éclat Beijing—where creativity, freedom, and emotional intelligence converge. Leading Éclat became the moment where my personal values, professional experience, and love for hospitality aligned.

A Life in China

You have developed a deep affection for China – its culture, its pace, its people, its contradictions. What does living in China mean to you personally?

Living in China means being part of a society that moves with remarkable speed and ambition. It is a place of opportunity, challenges, and warmth. China has become my second home, shaping not only my career but also my family life, friendships, and worldview.

How has working in Beijing changed the way you understand service, creativity, and leadership?

Beijing taught me that service must be intuitive and culturally sensitive. Creativity here is bold, unexpected, and fast-moving. Leadership requires adaptability, emotional intelligence, and the ability to inspire diverse teams in a dynamic environment. It has encouraged me to trust my instincts while also embracing the pace and energy of the city. Working here has shown me that true leadership requires both vision and the humility to keep learning.

What has China taught you about resilience, innovation, and cultural intelligence?

China has taught me to embrace change rather than fear it. Innovation is part of daily life here, from technology to problem-solving. Cultural intelligence—listening, observing, respecting nuance—became essential. These lessons have shaped me both as a leader and as a person. They have also strengthened my belief that stepping outside one’s comfort zone is where true growth happens.

Discovering Hôtel Éclat Beijing

Éclat Beijing is unlike any other hotel in the world; part museum, part art gallery, part architectural statement, part sanctuary. What was your first impression of the property?

My first impression was that Éclat felt alive. It was not just a hotel—every corner told a story, every detail invited curiosity. It was clear that this was a place where imagination mattered just as much as efficiency.

What drew you to lead this hotel, and what excites you most about its identity?

Éclat’s boldness and creativity drew me in immediately. The hotel’s affiliation with Small Luxury Hotels of the World also appealed to me, as it offered the opportunity to be a true hotelier rather than working within rigid corporate structures. What excites me most is shaping experiences that are artistic, emotional, and memorable—experiences that move beyond standard luxury.

Éclat is known for its unconventional design, bold concepts, and playful sense of luxury. How do you preserve that spirit while also evolving it?

The key is to honour Éclat’s artistic DNA while allowing it to evolve through fresh collaborations, curated events, and subtle reinventions. We maintain its spirit by protecting its soul—its creativity, its humour, its sense of discovery—while ensuring it remains relevant to modern travellers.

Becoming the First IncluCare Verified Hotel in China

Éclat Beijing recently became the first hotel in China to achieve IncluCare Verification, a landmark moment for inclusive hospitality in the region. What inspired you to pursue this?

I have always believed that true luxury should be inclusive. IncluCare represents this philosophy in a concrete, meaningful way. Pursuing verification felt like the right step to elevate the way we think about hospitality in China.

What did the verification journey reveal to you about the guest experience, your team, or the hotel itself?

It revealed areas where we excelled and areas where we needed to grow. It encouraged us to re-examine every step of the guest journey through the lens of accessibility. It also strengthened our culture—turning inclusion into a mindset rather than a requirement.

Were there parts of the process that challenged your assumptions or pushed the team in new directions?

Certainly. We learned that intentions alone are not enough. Inclusion requires structure, training, and behavioural change. It challenged us and ultimately made us stronger and more aware. The process also invited us to reflect deeply on long-standing practices and encouraged a fresh, more empathetic perspective across the entire team.

What does this certification mean for Éclat’s future, and what does it say to the wider Chinese hospitality industry?

Since certification, several travel agents have reached out to understand what IncluCare means. This demonstrates the rising interest in inclusive hospitality in China. We are honoured to contribute to a movement that improves the travel experience for many—and, in a broader sense, supports a better life for all mankind. For the wider industry, it signals that accessibility enriches luxury rather than limiting it.

Rethinking Luxury Through Inclusion

Luxury hospitality is evolving rapidly. How do you define “inclusive luxury”?

Inclusive luxury means welcoming every guest with dignity, care, and respect. It is luxury rooted in empathy—where comfort and belonging are part of the experience. Inclusive luxury removes friction and elevates the emotional connection between guest and brand. When a hotel embraces inclusion, it creates a deeper sense of ease and authenticity.

What misconceptions do leaders still have about accessibility, and how do you challenge them?

Some leaders see accessibility as a burden or a compromise. I challenge this by showing that inclusion drives loyalty, improves reputation, and enriches the emotional experience. Accessibility is not an obligation – it is a value. Once leaders see how inclusion enhances both guest satisfaction and operational flow, their perspective shifts entirely.

How do you ensure that inclusion is not just a standard, but a culture lived by your team every day?

Through everyday habits: training, awareness, communication, and leading by example. Inclusion becomes part of our identity when it becomes instinctive. These behaviours are reinforced through consistency rather than grand gestures. Over time, they create a culture that feels authentic and lived, not forced.

Leadership & Philosophy

You are known for an unusually human-centred approach to management. How would you describe your leadership philosophy?

My leadership philosophy is rooted in humanity, clarity, and trust. I believe in empowering people, supporting their growth, and creating a culture where creativity can thrive.

What do you believe is the most critical skill for a general manager today?

Adaptability. A general manager must navigate rapid change while staying emotionally intelligent, culturally aware, and forward-thinking. They must lead with curiosity and remain open to learning, as the industry evolves constantly.

What has been the most transformative leadership lesson of your career so far?

That authenticity is the foundation of trust. People follow sincerity, not hierarchy. The best teams grow from mutual respect and honest communication.

Art, Culture & Guest Experience

How do you curate or shape the emotional atmosphere of the hotel?

Through a holistic approach that blends art, music, scent, lighting, textures, and personal interaction. The goal is to evoke emotion—Éclat should feel intimate, inspiring, and alive the moment someone enters.

What do you hope a guest feels the moment they walk into Éclat for the first time?

Wonder, followed by comfort and curiosity. Under my leadership, the hotel was recognised as the No. 1 Hotel in China and 37th in the world in the 2023 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards, placed among the Top 10 in 2024, and awarded the Michelin One Key in 2025. These accolades reflect the emotional resonance we aim to create.

Is there an artwork, suite, or design detail that holds special meaning for you personally?

The Penthouse Suite holds special meaning—the Fazioli piano, the artwork, the energy of the space. The Swiss Chalet is equally meaningful, as I was personally involved in its interior design and arrangements, creating an authentic Swiss chalet experience. Enjoying a warm Swiss fondue with Swiss white wine there in winter evokes a sense of home, comfort, and joy.

Challenges, Change & Resilience

What has been the most challenging chapter of your China journey – and how did it shape you?

A thirty-three-hour power outage in Chongqing during full occupancy required a calm and safe evacuation. Later, a fire forced a temporary hotel closure – fortunately without injuries. The pandemic added further challenges. These experiences strengthened my crisis-management skills and deepened my appreciation for resilience, teamwork, and preparedness.

What keeps you motivated during periods of change or uncertainty?

Purpose—the belief that hospitality can bring comfort, joy, and connection to people when they need it most. Seeing the impact of our work reminds me why this profession matters. Difficult moments often clarify the deeper meaning behind what we do.

How do you maintain balance and perspective as a leader in a high-performance environment?

Through simple pleasures: a good glass of wine with friends, memorable meals, time with family, travel, and sincere conversations. These moments bring balance, clarity, and joy.

The Future of Hospitality

Where do you believe hospitality in China is headed over the next decade?

Chinese travellers increasingly seek comfort, ease, and experiential journeys. They want authenticity, cultural richness, and emotional connection. Boutique hotels will play an important role alongside major hotel brands.

What role do innovation, art, technology, and inclusion play in that future?

They are essential pillars. Innovation keeps hospitality relevant, art gives it identity, technology ensures seamlessness, and inclusion ensures that hospitality stays human and meaningful. When these elements work in harmony, they create experiences that stay with guests long after they leave.

What excites you most about what comes next, for yourself, your team, and Éclat Beijing?

The belief that Éclat’s artistic DNA has the potential to expand beyond Mainland China. Travellers around the world are looking for hotels with personality, culture, and depth. Bringing Éclat’s unique identity abroad is an inspiring vision for the future.

Human Details

What’s something people might be surprised to learn about you?

After my apprenticeship, I purchased four SMART cars and, together with my team, drove them through Lucerne to promote the opening of the city’s first internet bar. At the time, one hour of internet cost 20 Swiss francs—about 19 GBP—and people happily paid. It taught me early lessons in creativity, entrepreneurship, and courage.

What brings you joy or grounding when you’re not at the hotel?

Good food, good wine, time with family, travel, nature, and meaningful conversations. These moments remind me of the importance of connection and living at a gentler pace.

A recent moment, inside or outside Éclat, that reminded you why you love this work.

The monthly Caviar and Champagne Dinner I created in 2020, now nearing its sixtieth edition, has become a beloved tradition. Hosting these evenings, caring for every guest, and watching people unwind reminds me why hospitality is not just a profession—it is a calling.

Quick-Fire

• A piece of art at Éclat you never tire of seeing: The Salvador Dalí sculptures, which reveal something new with every glance.
• A city in China that moves you: Chongqing. What was supposed to be a two-year stint with Kempinski turned into four unforgettable years. It is the city where my professional journey in China truly began and, more importantly, where I met my future wife — with whom I now have two amazing daughters. Chongqing will always hold a very special place in my heart.Your definition of inclusive luxury Luxury that welcomes, respects, and uplifts every guest equally: It creates a space where people feel effortlessly comfortable and truly seen.
• A quote or philosophy you live by: Service is not what you do—it is how you make people feel.
• A destination on your personal wishlist: Kyoto — timeless, serene, and endlessly inspiring.

Closing

What do you hope TILT readers take away from your story?

That hospitality is a deeply human craft rooted in empathy, creativity, and purpose. Inclusion and cultural intelligence are not trends; they are the foundation of meaningful luxury.

Finally, what’s one question you wish people asked you, but rarely do?

“How do you want to change the industry?” Because vision is the starting point of transformation.

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