Future of Hotels: AI, Culture & Human Connection | Mario Mendis | Five Star Conversations

In this episode of 5 Star Conversations, we sit down with international hotelier Mario Mendis, whose 26-year journey in hospitality began humbly as a kitchen hand in Brisbane. Mario shares how his early exposure to the industry through his father, combined with hands-on experiences in Sri Lanka and Dubai, shaped his deep-rooted passion for food and beverage. These formative years helped him build a global career that spans Australia, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia—including his transformative role as General Manager of Sofitel Saigon Plaza, where he spearheaded post-COVID recovery by reinventing the hotel’s lifestyle and wellness offerings.

Mario reflects on the evolution of hospitality, especially the need for hotels to adapt with creativity and resilience. He discusses how partnerships with external lifestyle and wellness brands helped reposition properties for new demographics—citing unique ventures like speakeasy barbershops and infrared saunas as game-changers. His belief in F&B as the soul of a hotel is clear, with an emphasis on authenticity, ambiance, and innovation. These elements, he argues, are not only vital for guest experience but also instrumental in building the hotel as a destination in itself.

Looking to the future, Mario shares both excitement and caution around emerging technologies like AI and robotics. While acknowledging their potential to improve operational efficiency, he stresses the irreplaceable value of emotional intelligence and genuine human connection in hospitality. He offers powerful advice for aspiring hoteliers—championing what he calls the “Three Ps”: passion, patience, and perseverance. For Mario, success isn’t just about climbing the ranks, but about building meaningful relationships and embracing every part of the hotel ecosystem with curiosity and care.

Mario Mendis' Bio:
Mario Mendis is an accomplished international hotelier with a 26-year career that began humbly in Brisbane as a kitchen steward in 1999. Since then, he has held senior leadership roles across luxury city and resort hotels in Australia, Sri Lanka, Dubai, Bermuda, Thailand, and Vietnam. Most notably, he served as General Manager of the iconic Sofitel Saigon Plaza, where he led the hotel through a post-COVID transformation, reinventing its lifestyle offerings and repositioning the property to meet the evolving demands of both local and international guests.
In addition to his operational leadership, Mario has been a strong advocate for the broader hospitality industry. As former Chairman of EuroCham Vietnam’s Tourism & Hospitality Committee, he actively championed key policy reforms around visa access, sustainable tourism, and medical and retirement travel. His commitment to diversity is equally evident—signing the Women’s Pledge for Gender Diversity in Vietnam and mentoring future industry leaders through guest speaking roles at RMIT Vietnam.
Mario’s passion for hospitality is deeply rooted in family tradition, with his father also having enjoyed a distinguished hotel career. This heritage has instilled in him a strong sense of cultural connection, service excellence, and innovation. Whether judging on Top Chef Vietnam or guiding multicultural teams across the globe, Mario brings strategic insight, adaptability, and a genuine enthusiasm for elevating guest experiences and industry standards.

Podcast Contact Details:
Email: Brendon@Technology4hotels.com.au
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/brendongranger
Phone: +61 2 8317 4000
Phone: 1300 503 657 (Australia only)
Web: www.Technology4Hotels.com.au

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