Behind the doors of Casa Palacio María Luisa, a former 19th-century palace turned five-star grand luxury hotel in Jerez, lies not just history, but an embodiment of modern Spanish elegance.
At the helm is Almudena Moreno, a hotelier whose hands-on journey from reception desk to general management now extends across the Kaizen Hotels portfolio as Chief Operating Officer.
With over two decades of experience, including 16 years at NH Hotels and a pivotal operations role at FIBES Sevilla, Almudena brings a deeply rooted understanding of Andalusian hospitality combined with a strategic mindset shaped by real-world operations. Since joining Kaizen Hotels during the height of the pandemic, she has helped steer a growing collection of distinctive properties—each unique in character, but united by craftsmanship, warmth, and attention to detail.
We caught up with Almudena to explore her leadership philosophy, her vision for sustainable excellence, and why true hospitality is still built on heart and hard work.
What inspired you to pursue a career in hotel management?
I actually came into hotel management by chance. While studying tourism, I was recruited for an internship in hotel reception—and from the moment I stepped behind that desk, I was hooked.
There was something about the rhythm, the variety, and the sense of purpose in making guests feel welcome and well cared for. That passion has stayed with me ever since.
How do you balance emerging trends and evolving guests’ preferences?
We try to give guests what they expect from us—whether it’s considered “trendy” or not. That means staying true to the identity and soul of each property, while listening closely to guest feedback and market shifts.
It’s not about chasing every fad, but about continuously refining our offer to stay relevant without losing authenticity.
Looking back, is there anything you would have done differently?
Probably yes, but I don’t waste time looking back. My philosophy is to keep looking forward, keep learning, and keep evolving.
Every experience, even the challenging ones, adds to your toolkit. That’s what ultimately shapes you as a manager and as a person.
How would you define your management style?
Rather than defining it with a label, I’d say I try to be three things: a good hotel manager for my guests, an effective leader for my team, and a strategic partner for my company.
I aim to lead with presence, perspective, and purpose. I strive to listen, to support, and to set standards that reflect the quality we want to deliver.
What are your strategic goals and vision for the hotel, and if appropriate, how does that integrate into the hotel group’s aims?
At Kaizen Hotels, our vision is to consolidate each property as a benchmark of excellence, authenticity, and distinctive guest experience in its destination.
We want to grow sustainably—building a collection of iconic hotels that each reflect their own identity while upholding the same uncompromising standards of quality and service. At Casa Palacio María Luisa, this translates into creating emotional experiences that combine tradition, sophistication, and Andalusian soul.
Everything we do is aligned with the group’s long-term goals: to differentiate ourselves through experience, detail, and a deeply human approach to luxury.
What advice would you give to someone starting out in the industry?
Only pursue this career if you’re truly passionate about it. Hospitality is beautiful, but it also demands sacrifice—long hours, high expectations, and constant energy.
Start from the ground up. Learn from each role. Understand every department, because that’s how you build empathy and effectiveness as a leader.
And above all, never lose the passion for service. That’s what makes the difference—day in, day out.