Sebastian Weidtkamp

General Manager | Hospitality & Brand Strategy Leader | Driving Guest Experience, F&B Innovation & Sustainable Growth at SANA Hotels

Berlin, Berlin, Germany

About

With more than a decade of experience in the hospitality industry, I am passionate about creating authentic guest experiences that combine excellence, innovation, and a strong sense of teamwork. As General Manager at SANA Berlin Hotel, I lead a dedicated and diverse team that continuously redefines what modern hospitality means. Together, we are shaping the hotel into a vibrant lifestyle destination that unites exceptional service, creative F&B concepts, and a strong commitment to sustainability. My leadership is driven by strategic thinking and a genuine commitment to people. I believe outstanding performance comes from a motivated team, a shared vision, and the courage to evolve. Drawing on insights from the Cornell General Managers Program, I integrate modern leadership, data-driven decisions, and brand-focused strategies into daily operations. Fluent in German and English, I bring the authentic spirit of Portuguese hospitality into one of Europe’s most competitive markets, ensuring SANA Berlin reflects the warmth, excellence, and values that define SANA Hotels.

Experience

  • SANA Hotels (10 yrs 4 mos)
    • General Manager
      Oct 2016 - Present · 9 yrs 10 mos

      As General Manager of SANA Berlin Hotel, I lead all operational and strategic aspects of one of Berlin’s most dynamic lifestyle properties. My focus lies in delivering outstanding guest experiences, driving sustainable growth and profitability, and strengthening SANA’s brand presence in the German market. Under my leadership, the hotel has evolved into a contemporary destination that captures the energy of Berlin while embodying the authentic warmth of Portuguese hospitality. Current priorities include the strategic repositioning of our F&B concepts, the renovation of key guest areas and sustainability initiatives. Working closely with corporate leadership in Lisbon, I ensure that SANA Berlin’s continued growth aligns with the group’s long-term brand vision and reflects operational excellence across all departments.

    • Director of Operations
      Apr 2016 - Oct 2016 · 7 mos

  • Food and Beverage Manager Pre-Opening at Four Points by Sheraton Kaluga
    Dec 2014 - Mar 2016 · 1 yr 4 mos

    As part of the pre-opening Executive Team, I led all F&B activities including concept design, staffing, supplier selection, and full operational setup in a highly challenging market environment. Reporting to General Manager Toni Toshev, I worked closely with Starwood Hotels & Resorts to ensure brand compliance, profitability, and team readiness for a successful opening. This assignment strengthened my expertise in international project management, operational strategy, and cross-cultural leadership under demanding conditions.

  • Food & Beverage Manager at Sheraton Bratislava Hotel
    Apr 2012 - Nov 2014 · 2 yrs 8 mos

    As part of the Executive Committee, I led the hotel’s full F&B operation, including restaurant, bar, banqueting, and in-room dining, during an international assignment as Expat Manager. I reported first to General Manager Simone Dulies and later to Ingo Hörnecke, following a leadership transition during my tenure. Throughout this period, I focused on elevating service quality, enhancing guest satisfaction, and driving revenue growth through innovative dining concepts and operational excellence, consistently upholding and strengthening Sheraton’s brand standards.

  • Sheraton Essen Hotel (7 yrs 8 mos)
    • Food & Beverage Manager
      Apr 2009 - Mar 2012 · 3 yrs

      Progressed from F&B Management Trainee to Assistant F&B Manager and ultimately F&B Manager. Worked under two General Managers, Peter B. Kuntze and Roland Ohlberger, gaining valuable insight into different leadership styles and operational approaches. Developed extensive experience in team leadership, budget control, guest relations, and task-force assignments for pre-opening projects across Europe, including Le Méridien Istanbul Etiler, Four Points by Sheraton Zaporozhye, and Costa Navarino Resort in Greece.

    • Assistant Food and Beverage Manager
      Aug 2006 - Mar 2009 · 2 yrs 8 mos

    • Food & Beverage Management Trainee
      Aug 2004 - Jul 2006 · 2 yrs

  • Task Force Pre-Opening at Le Meridien Istanbul Etiler
    Jan 2012 - Feb 2012 · 2 mos