Overlooking the Mediterranean in the heart of one of the world’s most dynamic coastal cities, The David Kempinski Tel Aviv brings European heritage, Israeli spirit, and world-class service together under one roof.
Leading the team behind this flagship hotel is Guy Klaiman, a hospitality veteran with more than 30 years’ experience, a deep passion for people, and a track record of launching and leading landmark properties from London to Jerusalem.
With a foundation in hospitality education from Israel’s Tadmor School and further certifications in tourism management, he has built his career from the ground up—through almost every hotel department. His leadership journey includes milestones at Hilton London Tower Bridge, The Ritz-Carlton Herzliya, and the award-winning Waldorf Astoria Jerusalem. Today, he leads with empathy, precision, and a passion for creating experiences that guests carry long after checkout.
What inspired you to pursue a career in hotel management?
It started with curiosity. I’ve always loved people, culture, and the rhythm of travel—and the hotel world brings all of that together in a beautifully dynamic way.
What drew me in was the magic of service: the choreography of operations, the power of small gestures, and the opportunity to create moments guests carry with them. That sense of purpose has kept me inspired ever since.
How do you balance emerging trends and evolving guests’ preferences?
You stay close to the guest.
Trends can inform us, but guest feedback grounds us. People today want more than efficiency—they want relevance, sincerity, and meaning. At The David Kempinski, we focus on personalisation, seamless technology, and new experiential touchpoints—always grounded in authentic, heartfelt service.
Innovation only works when it enhances the guest experience. That’s our north star.
Looking back, is there anything you would have done differently?
Early in my career, I operated within very rigid frameworks, which limited how boldly I could lead. Over time, I’ve learned that many of the best ideas come from outside traditional boundaries—and even outside the industry.
If anything, I would have embraced creativity and cross-functional thinking earlier. That mindset has made me a better leader today.
What defines your management style?
I lead from within—not above.
I believe in being present, involved, and approachable. My role is to remove obstacles, support the team, and create a culture where people feel empowered to do their best work. Respect, accountability, and shared purpose define how we lead together.
What are your strategic goals and vision for the hotel, and how does that align with the group’s aims?
Our vision is to maintain The David Kempinski Tel Aviv as a market leader while evolving what luxury means in this city.
We’re deepening our offering through curated cultural experiences, elevated gastronomy, and closer engagement with Tel Aviv’s creative spirit. As Kempinski expands in the region, this property will continue to serve as a flagship—setting the tone for service, quality, and innovation.
What advice would you give to someone starting out?
Stay curious, stay grounded, and never stop learning.
Hospitality is a people-first industry. Build strong relationships, take pride in every detail, and understand that even the smallest tasks can shape a guest’s experience.
Be patient. Challenges will teach you more than comfort ever could. And most importantly—love what you do. That energy is contagious, and it’s what makes a career in hospitality so rewarding.