Michelle Walder

General Manager at the nomad hotel new york

If you could use only 3 words to describe The NoMad Hotel, what would they be?

Mysterious, enchanting, timeless.

What makes The NoMad unique?

The Nomad Team that brings the building to life. We also always let the guest lead the experience which is unique in terms of style of service.

THE NOMAD NYC - DINING

Which Bellino product is your favorite? 

They make the best duvet covers!  Growing up in a Swiss family, I have a slight obsession with high quality bedding, especially Duvet covers.

How do you unwind after a long day?

I love taking a nice long walk with my rescue pup, Giuseppe after work. It’s always a moment that reminds me to be present and focus on the moment.

THE NOMAD NYC - GRANDE

Where is your favorite place to spend time at The NoMad?

Honestly, this might be an expected answer, but the Library is so special to me.  The room oozes grace and elegance and transforms you to another time as soon as you sit down.  The shelves are lined with real books of history, stories, recipes, philosophy etc and the furniture and carpets are all antique and tell their own stories. The room just always makes think of the ecosystem of work and stories that are in that one single space and its inspiring. 

What is the first thing you do when you wake up?

I make and drink celery juice, followed by Green tea.

THE NOMAD NYC - LIBRARY

What is currently inspiring you within the travel and hospitality industry?

The creativity that the hospitality industry, especially the restaurant industry, has shown during the pandemic has been very inspiring.  The beauty of our industry is that we are quite used to adapting and pivoting and are not afraid to roll up our sleeves to get work done.  The ideas and quick thinking that came out of the worst times of this pandemic are really very inspiring to me and I think the industry should be very proud of that.

How did you discover and ultimately join the hospitality industry? 

Hospitality was somewhat of a family-industry so I began working for my family’s restaurant and hotel at the age of 13 and my older sister, who is now a GM as well, had a huge influence on me to work in the industry. I tried to step away a few times early on in my career, but quickly realized that I love the ability to help people and serve others, even in the smallest of ways.  That instant gratification and ability to impact others, is very addicting.

THE NOMAD NYC - CLASSIC

With so much change this year, what advice would you give to someone just starting out in the hospitality industry? 

 Stay open minded and be flexible in your career now more than ever.  The most successful people I have witnessed during this very difficult time, are those that are willing to work any job and do whatever it takes for the good of the team and the company.  Whether you were trained for a job or not, show determination to learn it and help.  Those that have a job in hospitality right now will have an invaluable experience of working through this pandemic that will help you be a better manager in the future. Also, do not be afraid to join other industries for the time being even if you did not originally plan on that trajectory.  Every industry has elements that you can apply once you are back in Hospitality and therefore is valuable.

We know you are launching your own clever start up: can you tell us about it?

Yes! I have been working on a user-friendly website called the C-Card. The website is for Cancer patients and their caregivers to access discounted rates at trusted Hotels in cities with the largest cancer centers.  Having gone through my own two cancer experiences, I very quickly learned that the expenses that are incurred by patients just simply to travel to hospitals are unbelievably high. There are some great charity housing locations available, but the application is an extensive process. This website, called the C-Card, makes it a much quicker process and will hopefully help a lot of patients and their families 

THE NOMAD NYC - CUPOLA