With a portfolio of elegant boutique properties at the heart of Valencia, MYR Hotels has become a benchmark for stylish, authentic hospitality in Spain’s third-largest city. At the forefront of its success is Cesar Rionda, a seasoned hotelier with over two decades of experience across Europe and the Caribbean.
Currently serving as General Manager of MYR Hotels, Cesar brings to the role a rare balance of operational rigour and emotional intelligence—qualities shaped by a career spanning boutique independents, major international chains, and leadership posts in France, the UK, the Dominican Republic, and across Spain. What defines him most, however, is his people-first mindset: an ability to lead through clarity, empathy, and unwavering standards.
We sat down with Cesar to learn how he keeps MYR Hotels ahead of the curve, why humility matters more than ever in hospitality, and what advice he’d offer to the next generation of hotel leaders.
What inspired you to pursue a career in hotel management?
It was the human element that drew me in. I’ve always been fascinated by how even the smallest act—a warm greeting, a thoughtful gesture—can completely transform someone’s experience.
Early in my career, I saw how meaningful hospitality could be, and I realised that this wasn’t just a job—it was a profession built on purpose and connection. I was inspired by the dynamism of hotel life and the opportunity to create lasting memories for people from all walks of life.
That sense of meaning continues to fuel my work every day.
How do you balance emerging trends and evolving guests’ preferences?
We listen—closely and continuously. Guest preferences are evolving at speed, and trends come and go. But what never changes is the importance of truly understanding what matters to your guests.
We use a mix of feedback, data, and frontline team insight to anticipate guest needs before they’re even articulated. Whether it’s the increasing demand for sustainable amenities, personalisation through tech, or streamlined check-in experiences, we adapt quickly—but never at the expense of the human touch.
Comfort, efficiency, and authenticity remain our guiding principles. It’s about innovation with intention.
Looking back, is there anything you would have done differently?
Of course, there are always things you could have done differently—and better. But I genuinely believe each experience has shaped my perspective.
Working in such varied environments—from the Caribbean to Catalonia—taught me to adapt quickly, lead multicultural teams, and relate to guests from all corners of the globe. That exposure was invaluable.
If I could go back, I might have embraced risk earlier. The times when I pushed myself out of my comfort zone were the moments that brought the greatest growth.
What defines your management style?
Three words: clarity, empathy, and consistency.
I believe in leading by example and fostering a culture where everyone understands their purpose within the bigger picture. I’m approachable and hands-on, but I also set clear expectations and hold the team to high standards.
Empathy plays a central role in my leadership. Understanding people—both guests and staff—makes it possible to build trust, solve problems proactively, and create a positive work environment. That, in turn, leads to better guest experiences.
Ultimately, I see my role as empowering others to succeed—offering direction when needed, and stepping back when it’s time for them to shine.
What are your strategic goals and vision for the hotel, and how does that integrate into the hotel group’s aims?
At MYR Hotels, our strategic focus is clear: to remain a benchmark for both business and premium leisure travel in Valencia and beyond. That means continuously refining our service offering, investing in guest personalisation, and deepening our commitment to sustainability.
We’re exploring new technologies to enhance guest comfort and operational efficiency, and we’re elevating our brand positioning to ensure every stay feels tailor-made.
These goals reflect MYR’s broader mission—to grow responsibly, innovate consistently, and create long-lasting relationships with our guests and partners. Every property under the MYR banner must reflect the city’s energy while offering an experience that is unmistakably personalised and of premium quality.
What advice would you give to someone starting out?
Start with humility and stay curious. The hospitality industry rewards those who are resilient, passionate, and willing to learn from every experience.
Don’t worry about the glamour—focus on the foundations. Whether you’re making beds or managing bookings, each role teaches you something vital. There’s value in understanding every layer of hotel operations.
Invest in your emotional intelligence. Relationships—internal and external—are everything. The best hoteliers are those who can empathise, adapt, and connect with others on a meaningful level.
Finally, don’t be afraid to start at the bottom. That’s where the view is clearest, and the growth is most profound. Every step counts, and each one prepares you for the next.