In the heart of Romania’s capital, where the charm of history meets the rhythm of modern life, stands the Hilton Garden Inn Bucharest Old Town — a landmark that has witnessed more than a century of transformation. Behind its elegant façade is a leader whose journey mirrors the evolution of the hotel itself — one marked by resilience, authenticity, and a deep passion for people. Irina Semaca, General Manager of Hilton Garden Inn Bucharest Old Town, represents the very essence of modern hospitality leadership — compassionate yet driven, strategic yet human-centered.
Irina has devoted herself not only to driving business success, but also to creating meaningful impact within the communities she serves. Her leadership philosophy reflects a clear belief that businesses can be powerful instruments of positive change, demonstrating that prosperity and purpose can coexist.
A Journey Built Step by Step
Irina’s entry into hospitality wasn’t planned — it unfolded naturally. After graduating from the Bucharest University of Economic Studies, she joined the K+K Elisabeta Hotel as a receptionist. Her love for connecting with guests quickly surfaced, and she soon advanced into various departments, gaining an all-encompassing view of hotel operations.
Seeking new challenges, she moved to London for a role within the same brand before returning to Romania as Revenue & Reservations Manager at her original hotel. Her dedication and capabilities led her to become General Manager shortly after returning from maternity leave — a milestone that marked the beginning of a new chapter in her leadership journey.
In 2018, Irina stepped into an essential role as General Manager of Hilton Garden Inn Bucharest Old Town, part of the globally respected Hilton portfolio. During the pandemic, she also served as Cluster General Manager for both the Old Town and Airport properties, navigating unprecedented challenges with resilience and clarity.
Joining Hilton: A Natural Evolution
For Irina, joining Hilton was a strategic and meaningful shift. “Hilton’s values — genuine care, honesty, teamwork, and leading by example — define how I work with my team,” she says. Being part of one of the world’s most prestigious hotel brands allowed her to elevate standards, refine processes, and strengthen her commitment to delivering hospitality from the heart.
Leadership Rooted in People
One belief has guided Irina throughout her career: put people first. Her early operational experience taught her the realities of every role within the hotel — and the importance of understanding the people behind them.
“People drive emotions, numbers, and success,” she explains. “A happy team leads to happy guests, happy owners, and ultimately, a successful business.”
Her leadership style balances empathy with accountability. She believes that when team members feel valued, respected, and empowered, they naturally deliver exceptional service. This approach has shaped a workplace culture where collaboration thrives and excellence becomes the norm.
Motivating a Team in a Fast-Paced Environment
In an industry shaped by constant interactions and rapid decision-making, Irina creates a culture of psychological safety and belonging. “We spend a great part of our lives at work,” she says. “It’s my responsibility to ensure everyone feels valued, regardless of gender, nationality, religion, or sexual orientation.”
This inclusive philosophy translates into high team morale, strong retention, and a workforce that consistently delivers warmth and professionalism — even during high-pressure moments.
Developing People Through Growth and Balance
For Irina, continuous learning is essential. She has introduced a range of training sessions and workshops focusing not only on hospitality skills but also on mental health, stress management, work-life balance, and financial literacy.
“A happy, balanced employee is a productive employee,” she emphasizes.
Her investment in personal development strengthens the team’s confidence and capability, creating an environment where innovation emerges naturally and team members feel encouraged to grow.
A Hotel with Soul: History Meets Modern Hospitality
Hilton Garden Inn Bucharest Old Town is a property with a story — one that Irina proudly champions. The hotel stands inside a 139-year-old building, a historical monument built in 1886 that has witnessed wars, political change, and major cultural shifts.
“We love to share the history of our building,” Irina says. “Guests today are drawn to hotels with a story, and ours is truly unique.”
Post-pandemic, she has observed a shift in guest expectations. Travelers today seek genuine connection, sincere service, and experiences with meaning. At her hotel, the blend of heritage and heartfelt hospitality creates an atmosphere that deeply resonates with modern guests.
Sustainability and Social Responsibility: Core Commitments
Sustainability is deeply embedded in the hotel’s daily operations. Irina and her team work diligently to reduce food and water waste, minimize plastic usage, and incorporate locally sourced ingredients into their restaurant offerings. Currently, the hotel is working toward the Green Key Certificate, an internationally recognized eco-label that honors hotels committed to environmental responsibility and sustainable operations.
But Irina believes sustainability extends beyond environmental practices. The hotel is deeply involved in social responsibility projects focused on supporting children from disadvantaged backgrounds. Through partnerships with organizations such as Ana and Children Association, PAVEL Association, and Ajungem Mari, the team contributes to causes that align with their values and mission.
“These initiatives are close to our hearts,” Irina says. “Every child deserves a chance to a normal life.”
Preparing for the Future: Trends That Matter
Looking ahead, Irina identifies several key trends shaping hospitality:
1. Greater demand for empathy and genuine human interaction
2. Increased focus on sustainability and responsible travel
3. Rising interest in hotels with unique historical or cultural narratives
4. A balance between digital tools and human warmth
While she embraces technology that improves guest experience, she remains cautious not to let it overshadow the essence of hospitality. “We choose tools that help us focus more on people,” she explains.
Vision for Hilton Garden Inn Bucharest Old Town
Irina’s vision for the property is clear: to make it the first choice for travelers seeking both historic charm and contemporary comfort. The hotel’s growing reputation supports this goal — it currently ranks #3 out of 199 hotels in Bucharest on TripAdvisor, a testament to the consistency of its service and guest satisfaction.
“We’ll focus even more on responsibility — for our community, for our planet, and for the future of this wonderful hotel,” she says. “Sustainability and social impact will become integral to the experiences we deliver.”
The hotel is also strengthening its position among leisure, business, and “bleisure” travelers by offering heritage-driven experiences and aligning with the evolving expectations of international guests.
The Future of Leadership in Hospitality
As hospitality evolves, so must its leaders. Irina believes the successful leaders of tomorrow will blend emotional intelligence, strategic thinking, empathy, and adaptability. “Hospitality is about people,” she says. “Great leaders will be those who maintain human warmth while driving innovation and growth.”
Her advice to emerging leaders is simple yet powerful:
1. Cultivate empathy and emotional intelligence.
2. Strengthen both business and service understanding.
3. Stay curious and keep learning.
“The best leaders never stop growing,” she adds.
A Leader Who Embodies Heartfelt Hospitality
From her beginnings as a receptionist to leading one of Bucharest’s most distinctive hotels, Irina Semaca exemplifies resilience, authenticity, and purpose-driven leadership. Her people-first approach, commitment to sustainability, and passion for heritage-rich hospitality position her as a standout figure in Europe’s modern hospitality landscape.
Her story is not just one of personal achievement — it is a reminder of what makes hospitality timeless: genuine care for people.
