Meet the Team: Stavros Deligiannakis – Hotel Manager at Lindos Princess Beach Resort & Spa
Meet our Team
Have you ever wondered who are the people at H Hotels Collection that make your moments matter? Meet Stavros Deligiannakis, Hotel Manager at Lindos Princess Beach Resort & Spa. Read his interview and find out more about his favourite things at H Hotels Collection.
Can you tell us a little about yourself and what inspired you to pursue a career in hospitality?
Having spent more than 20 years in the hospitality industry, all in senior management positions, I can honestly say that I found my true calling. Looking back, it feels as though this profession chose me as much as I chose it.
What continues to inspire me is the dynamic nature of hospitality. Every day brings new challenges, no two days are ever the same, and the opportunity to work with people from different backgrounds makes the experience both rewarding and exciting. It is this unique combination of complexity, continuous learning, and human interaction that still motivates me to walk into the hotel each day with the same enthusiasm and passion I had on my very first day.
What does a typical day look like for a Hotel Manager at Lindos Princess?
I start each day knowing that there is no such thing as a “typical” or quiet day. I also know that there is no fixed schedule—I stay at the hotel for as long as my team and our guests need me.
Managing a property the size of Lindos Princess, with its high standards and demanding operation, requires constant focus and adaptability. Every day brings countless decisions that must be made quickly, fairly, and thoughtfully, with a clear focus on achieving the best possible outcome for both our guests and our team.
No matter how busy my schedule becomes, I always make time to be present with my colleagues and as many team members as possible. I want them to feel my trust, respect, and support, because I firmly believe that people perform at their best when they feel valued. At the same time, I make it a priority to listen to our guests, their needs, expectations, and feedback, so that we can consistently deliver experiences that not only meet but exceed their expectations.
What makes Lindos Princess a unique destination for guests?
According to our guests’ feedback over many years, Lindos Princess has established itself as a little paradise for families, whether they are travelling with young children or teenagers, while at the same time warmly welcoming couples and other types of travelers. This reputation has made Lindos Princess a strong and trusted brand in the European tourism market, inspiring thousands of loyal guests to return year after year.
From morning until late at night, the resort offers an exceptional variety of experiences, from entertainment and activities to relaxation and outstanding dining. Although Lindos Princess is a four-star resort, our ambition has always been to deliver a five-star level of service. We achieve this through authentic Greek hospitality and, above all, through our people, whose passion, dedication, and commitment make a difference every single day.
What is your favorite spot within the hotel, and why?
My favorite place within the hotel is not actually a specific location, but rather the daily human connection and interaction I have with our guests and our team members.
Beyond that, I genuinely enjoy walking through our beautifully maintained gardens, taking in the atmosphere of the resort, and visiting our recently renovated rooms, which reflect our continuous commitment to improving the guest experience.
The beach is also one of my favorite spots. The deep blue sea and the unique natural beauty of the surroundings are places I make sure to visit every day. It is a constant reminder of the privilege we have to operate in such a wonderful destination.
If you could spend one day as a guest at Lindos Princess, what would your perfect itinerary look like?
I am certain that one single day would not be enough to fully experience everything Lindos Princess has to offer.
Starting early in the morning, I would enjoy a rich and complete breakfast at the main restaurant, taking the time to appreciate the variety and quality of the offerings. Then, I would head to the main pool to swim in its crystal-clear waters and relax under the generous Greek sun. With the pool bar just steps away, I would make sure to stay refreshed while enjoying some of the carefully prepared cocktails available.
I would definitely take part in the sports activities organized by our animation team around the pool, including a fun and competitive game of water polo. Later, together with my family, I would visit the children’s pool area and, of course, enjoy the excitement of the water slides.
A lunch break at Beach Restaurant would be essential, where I would discover the rich buffet selection and enjoy some of our guests’ favorite choices, including the famous pizza from the street food corner and a refreshing soft ice cream from the snack bar.
As the afternoon heat became milder, I would spend time enjoying some of the many activities available, such as basketball, mini football, beach volleyball, or tennis.
After a quick refresh in my room, the evening would begin with dinner at one of the two themed restaurants, having made sure to reserve a table in advance. The chefs’ creations offer exceptional interpretations of Greek and Italian cuisine, combining traditional flavors with modern and creative approaches. Choosing a wine from the carefully selected list of Greek and international labels would certainly be a pleasant challenge.
After dinner, the choices would be equally difficult: enjoying one of the high-quality animation shows at the amphitheater, experiencing live music performances at the beach restaurant, or simply relaxing with a final, expertly prepared cocktail at the peaceful main bar.
After such a full and memorable day, the beautifully renovated rooms, with their excellent comfort, efficient air conditioning, and welcoming beds, would provide the perfect environment for a restful night and the energy needed for another day filled with unique experiences.
What has been the most rewarding moment in your career so far?
It is difficult to identify a single defining moment, because there have been many throughout my career. When I look back at some of the most important people in my life, many of whom have become lifelong friends, I realize that I met them through my work in hospitality. That, in itself, is one of the greatest rewards this career has given me.
Another deeply rewarding moment is when former colleagues reach out and tell me they would like to work with me again. For me, there is no greater compliment. It reflects the trust, respect, and relationships that have been built over the years.
On a daily basis, however, my greatest satisfaction comes from seeing happy guests leave the hotel, already looking forward to returning the following year. Knowing that we have created memories they want to relive is what makes all our efforts worthwhile.
Finally, the end of every season is always an emotional milestone. Looking back with my team and seeing that we have achieved our goals together, makes every challenge, every sacrifice, and every demanding moment worthwhile. Success in hospitality is never an individual achievement; it is always the result of a dedicated team working together with passion and commitment.
How do you motivate your team during busy or challenging periods?
During busy and demanding periods, I remind my team that we are strongest when we work together. Hospitality is a team effort, and when we face challenges as one united team, there is nothing we cannot overcome.
I always want every team member to know that they are never alone. There is always someone beside them, ready to support, guide, and help whenever needed. Creating an environment built on trust, respect, and collaboration gives people the confidence to perform at their best, even under pressure.
I also believe that motivation comes from leading by example. By staying calm, being present, and supporting my team throughout the busiest days, I hope to inspire the same positive attitude and commitment that our guests experience every day.
How do you measure success in your role beyond financial performance?
In hospitality, financial results are important, but they are not the only measure of success. Equally important are the qualitative indicators that reflect the true guest experience. Guest satisfaction, their willingness to recommend the hotel to family and friends, and their desire to return year after year are the foundations of long-term success. These are the factors that enable Lindos Princess, and H Hotels Collection as a whole, to remain competitive in an increasingly demanding market while ensuring sustainable growth for the future.
Another key measure of success is our ability to attract, develop, and retain talented people. Our employees are our greatest asset, and it is our responsibility to create an environment where they can grow both professionally and personally. By investing in their development, recognizing their contribution, and improving their overall quality of life, we strengthen our culture and continue to be an employer of choice for the next generation of hospitality professionals.
Finally, I believe that true success is inseparable from responsible business practices. Protecting the environment, supporting the local community, and preserving Rhodes as one of the world’s leading tourism destinations are responsibilities we all share. Long-term success is achieved when we create value not only for our guests and our company, but also for our people, our community, and future generations.
What advice would you give to someone starting a career in hospitality?
Hospitality is an excellent career choice for young people entering the professional world. It is a dynamic industry that offers stability, continuous learning, opportunities for growth, and the chance to build a rewarding and meaningful career. For those who are willing to invest in themselves, the opportunities are truly limitless.
More importantly, however, hospitality is a profession of service. Beyond technical skills, the most valuable qualities are a genuine desire to care for others and an understanding of the true meaning of hospitality. Kindness, a positive attitude, patience, empathy, and a sincere smile are qualities that guests will always remember.
My advice to every young professional is to stay curious, work with passion, and never stop learning. Every guest interaction, every challenge, and every new experience is an opportunity to grow, not only as a hospitality professional, but also as a person.
Looking ahead, what excites you most about the future of Lindos Princess?
As I often tell my team, the best is yet to come for Lindos Princess.
Following the successful completion of our two-year renovation project, which transformed all 639 guest rooms, our investment journey continues with the redevelopment of the hotel’s remaining areas. This is an exciting new chapter that reflects our commitment to continuous improvement and innovation.
Our guests can look forward to fresh, modern experiences across every aspect of the resort. While embracing the latest hospitality trends and anticipating the evolving expectations of tomorrow’s travelers, we remain firmly committed to the values, authenticity, and tradition that have defined H Hotels Collection for so many years.
Our commitment to continuous improvement, service excellence, and innovation is unwavering. I am confident that the future holds exciting opportunities, and I look forward to sharing this journey with our guests, our team, and everyone who is part of the Lindos Princess family.
