Meet Giselle Azenha

When Giselle chose to study tourism at university, it was with one clear goal in mind: to work in a hotel. That dream took shape in 2016, when she joined Accor as part of the reservations team at ibis. It didn’t take long before she was drawn to the pace and human connection of the reception desk. There, she found what she loved most: welcoming people from all over the world and helping to create moments guests would remember.

“When I arrived here in 2022, I was the Quality Supervisor of the hotel. And my boss gave me the confidence that I could achieve more,” Giselle shares. That belief helped unlock her next chapter. Today she is Front Office Coordinator, leading a team with the same commitment and care that helped her rise. Giselle approaches every role with a willingness to learn and a focus on doing things well, earning the confidence of her leaders and opening doors for her own development.

At the front office, Giselle is a steady presence in a space that never stands still. She supports the team, engages with guests, and ensures that every detail from check-in to check-out reflects the hotel’s high standards.

For her, being a Heartist® means more than being part of the team. “It is welcoming guests and colleagues and making them feel welcome in our daily routine.” It’s also about staying curious and embracing the moments that keep the work meaningful and dynamic. For example, she challenges herself to learn a new word in another language every day. And she has a go-to line when welcoming someone new: “Welcome to hospitality, where no two days are the same.”

Recognition also matters to Giselle. She beams with pride when her team members receive positive reviews from guests. And celebrating those wins is part of her leadership style: congratulating the team, and when possible, sharing a moment together over a quick coffee.

When asked what people misunderstand about her role, she’s quick to clarify: “we have many responsibilities apart from sitting in a chair.” There are layers of responsibility, decisions made in the moment, and a constant need to stay attentive. But the lessons go beyond the hotel. Her experience has taught her to be careful with people ౼ to observe more, to listen closely, and to act with intention.

Those who work with her might say she works too much. But for Giselle, it’s all part of doing a job she loves ౼ one that brings her closer to people, challenges her to grow, and connects her to a purpose she felt from the very beginning.