Meet the Team: Panayotis Hatzilazarou; Board Member & Chief Operations Officer

Have you ever wondered who are the people at H Hotels Collection that make your moments matter? Meet Panayotis Hatzilazarou, Board Member & Chief Operations Officer. Read his interview and find out more about his favourite things at H Hotels Collection.

Please present yourself to us.

My name is Panayotis Hatzilazarou, and I am the COO and a member of the Board of Directors at H Hotels Collection. Additionally, I have developed the IT and Quality departments within the group. I have a passion for exploring the hospitality industry for new trends and innovations, which I then implement in our company. This is greatly supported by my love for travel and new technologies.

Why do you love working at the H Hotels Collection?

I love working at the H Hotels Collection because it truly feels like being part of a family. The company is built on strong foundations and fosters deep bonds among its employees. I believe there is no challenge too great for this team, something that has been proven time and again over the years.

Which is your favourite hotel of the H Hotels Collection?

My favorite hotel is the Princess Andriana, not only because I was involved throughout its construction, but also because I took on the responsibility of its operations and setup in the subsequent years until it became self-sustaining.

Which is your favourite room type within the Collection?

My favorite room type is the Mayia Suite, as it is spacious, features a large swimming pool, and offers an incredible view of the sea.

What is your favourite cocktail and at which bar?

My favorite cocktail is the Margarita, and my favourite bar is the Del Mar Main Bar at the Mayia Exclusive Resort & Spa, where I enjoy visiting at sunset hours.

Which is your preferred restaurant of the group?

My favourite restaurant within the group is the Impressions Restaurant at the Boutique 5 Hotel & Spa, where I enjoy dining to the sound of live saxophone music on certain evenings.

Where is your favourite selfie spot of our hotels?

My favorite selfie spot is the grand, illuminated staircase that runs through the Mayia Exclusive Resort & Spa.

Please tell us a few things about the digital upgrade process of the H Hotels Collection.

The digital upgrade within our group occurred in three stages. It began during the construction of the Princess Andriana Resort & Spa and Boutique 5 Hotel & Spa in around 2010, when it was decided that our entire group would implement unified operating systems aligned with cutting-edge technology of that time. Initially, we invested in hardware such as WiFi antennas, switches, IP telephony, IP TV, servers, etc., from reputable vendors, and in software for our core programmes like PMS & POS, which could now support multi-property operations.

Subsequently, we focused on apps that facilitated hotel operations, ensuring processes were followed more efficiently, minimising errors, maintaining records of all critical issues, nearly eliminating paper usage, and adding value to our guests’ experience. Finally, in the third stage of our digital upgrade, which we are currently undergoing, we are investing in the security of our systems, upgrading what we already have, and selecting new programmes and partners that can provide solutions to ensure we are prepared for any new challenges that may arise in the future.

Could you describe the new App, the IPTVs in the rooms, Digital Signage and WiFi hotspot and how they are all connected with the brand?

The new application is built upon the experience we have gained from creating previous applications. It is a fresh and flexible product that aligns with the operations and all services provided by the hotels, offering guests the ability to access any information they need about the hotel they are staying at, as well as the option to make purchases, book services, and reservations. Additionally, this app is designed to be used by our guests even after they depart from the hotel, allowing them to stay informed about our latest news and receive offers and privileges through our loyalty programme. The most important aspect is that the app, IP TV software, digital signage, and WiFi hotspot are essentially operated through a unified software system, providing guests with a seamless experience with multiple functionalities without needing to switch between different programmes or gather information from various platforms.

What are the future plans for further digitalising the group?

Our future plans for digital upgrades focus more on services supported by AI and IoT, while continuously maintaining our existing hardware and software at a high level.