Tradition meets Passion
“International guests expect a holistic and personal luxury experience at Park Hyatt – one that resonates with the spirit of Vienna.”
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CLAUDIO HONSAL
The New Face: Bastian Baumann, passionate hotelier and
the new General Manager of Park Hyatt Vienna.
Hospitality runs in Bastian Baumann’s blood. He attended the same hotel and tourism school in Bad Gleichenberg as his father before him, driven from the start by a deep passion for the industry. After completing his college-level tourism training, Baumann set off for international adventures – holding key roles at 5-star luxury hotels in Dubai, Doha, Frankfurt, and Singapore, as well as Vienna’s own Imperial and Bristol. In 2018, he joined the Hyatt Hotels Corporation as part of the pre-opening team at Andaz Munich Schwabinger Tor, followed by his promotion to General Manager at Andaz Dubai The Palm in 2022. Since 2025, the native Styrian has taken the helm as General Manager of Park Hyatt Vienna.
After several years abroad and two years in Dubai, does this feel like coming home?
In a way, yes. I started my career at the tourism school in Bad Gleichenberg, then went abroad and spent almost 15 years working internationally. That experience taught me exactly what global guests are looking for – and what we need to offer them here at Park Hyatt Vienna. Once you’ve seen a bit of the world, you can deliver that level of service more intuitively.
What would you say is the biggest difference between luxury hospitality in places like Dubai or Singapore compared to Vienna or Austria?
It’s less about the hotels themselves and more about the destination. Vienna is a European metropolis, but it’s not frantic. Dubai, on the other hand, never sleeps – it’s wired for opulence: the flashiest restaurant, the tallest tower, the largest mall. In Vienna, guests come for culture, art, and a more traditional interpretation of 5-star service.
What makes Park Hyatt Vienna so special to you?
It’s not just the majestic building or the historic Lobmeyr chandeliers. It’s the people who bring this place to life. People with consistency, quality, and a deep connection to the house – they embody it. That’s the real difference between a 5-star hotel and a true luxury experience. That soul can’t be replicated.
One of the GM’s favorite spots at the Park Hyatt – The Bank Brasserie & Bar.
Park Hyatt Vienna has had female GMs since its opening 11 years ago. Will the hotel become more masculine under your leadership as its first
male GM?
I don’t view leadership through the lens of gender. My predecessors brought this hotel to where it is today, and I’m proud and grateful to build on that. What matters is the leadership style, team spirit, and vision for the property. I draw inspiration from my international experience – and I’m excited about what we’ll achieve together as a team.
Are there any changes you plan to make to the Park Hyatt Vienna?
There are always plans – but first, I want to acknowledge what my predecessors accomplished: not only establishing the Park Hyatt as a luxury hotel, but making it a meeting place for Viennese locals and international guests alike. That’s not easy for a new hotel. My vision is to build on that. What does the guest of the future want? What kind of experiences can we offer? Guests today are younger, more well-traveled, and they expect more. Even a grand, heritage luxury hotel must adapt. Are they still looking for opera tickets – or perhaps a day trip to the Wachau Valley with wine tasting? It’s about creating unforgettable experiences.
Do you already have a personal favorite spot in the hotel?
Several, actually. I love good food, so sitting in The Bank Brasserie & Bar and people-watching – that’s something I really missed. I also like to walk through the hotel and pause on the grand staircase, just to take in the ceiling frescoes, the
paintings, the art and culture that surround us here. You can feel the tradition in every corner. It’s a place to let your soul breathe. That’s what makes me proud to lead this hotel.
Hyatt’s global motto is “We care for people so they can be their best” – what does that mean to you?
It sounds simple, but it’s a deeply complex principle. People aren’t just our guests – they’re also our employees, suppliers, partners. Everyone who walks through our doors. Caring for people means understanding their individual needs and creating an environment where everyone can thrive. That’s what I try to embody every day – and what our positive company culture supports so well.
In your eyes, what defines a true 5-star luxury hotel? What must it absolutely have?
International luxury travelers visiting Vienna want a complete experience – one they’ll forever associate with this city. They want to stay in a prime location, sleep well, eat well, and immerse themselves in the culture. To me, true luxury is never just about appearances. It’s the personalized service, the sense of care that every single guest receives. That’s what creates the atmosphere they remember.
Do you spend your own vacations in 5-star hotels?
I travel a lot – and yes, especially for city trips, I do enjoy luxury hotels. I’m always curious: how does a hotel operate on the other side of the world? What can I learn? Even on holiday, I’m passionate about the industry. But I also love rural escapes – staying on a farm, or among the vineyards. That’s how I unwind.
Did you always want to work in hospitality?
I studied at the hotel management school in Bad Gleichenberg – just like my father. Maybe it’s in my DNA. Hospitality and tourism always fascinated me. I love working with people, both professionally and personally. So why not turn that passion into a career? Of course, back then, I never imagined becoming a hotel director – but life took its course, and I ended up in a job that’s truly from the heart.
Thank you for the conversation.
