Dominik G. Reiner

The city may be small, but Dominik G. Reiner finds plenty to love and admire about his new home Zurich. Reiner’s current drink of choice: a Manhattan – ‘Now that I am here, I obviously mix it with a Swiss vermouth!’

It has been less than a year since Dominik G. Reiner left his long-time home Munich to take on the role of General Manager at Mandarin Oriental Savoy in Zurich. Reiner has been with the group since he started his first full-time job at Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park in London. The last six years, he spent in his native Bavaria, running the show at Mandarin Oriental Munich. And now Zurich. He loves it here. ‘The city is fantastic, and so are the people. They seem even more open-minded and cosmopolitan than in Munich, if you ask me.’ Also, for adventurous types like him, he says, there’s no better place to be. Adventurous in theory, at least. Reiner hasn’t yet made it to the ski slopes, and the mountain biking he was planning to get into has so far remained just that: a plan. Work keeps him busy. Reiner shrugs. The time will come.

Talking to Reiner is as enjoyable as it is easy. Here is a man who is used to making conversation with strangers. Something that one learns in his line of work – or, in his case, something that one is born with. ‘When I enter a room or meet people, things immediately catch my eye. But I think it has less to do with my job than with a personal inclination, an interest in beautiful things, in people and good manners, in noticing small things.’ And as such, it is no surprise that when asked about his personal style, Reiner speaks with captivating passion. ‘I like to dress smartly, but with a certain level of coolness. In that regard, my time in Berlin certainly had a decisive influence on me.

I prefer ­wearing things you won’t find on the racks of any random shop in the city centre. Cool jeans, sweatshirts, or my Adidas x Gucci sneakers, which are certainly not completely mainstream. A touch of individuality is definitely important to me.’ The same goes when it comes to suits. The blue and white houndstooth jacket Reiner was wearing that day is by US-label Stitched. ‘I like my suits to be on the fashionable side, a bit unique, and a bit fun! I often wear patterns, especially at work.’ Another nod to his time in Berlin.

After four years at the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, Reiner treated himself to his very first watch, a Rolex Oyster Perpetual, and had it engraved with the dates of his time in the British capital. He still wears it every single day.

‘We were literally told not to wear classic suits in black or blue – unlike our highly esteemed owners at UBS across Paradeplatz,’ he says laughing. And adds: ‘Feel free to print that!’

But he is by no means a man opposed to classics. When asked about a dream money can buy, he doesn’t have to think long: ‘I would love to have outdoor furniture from Ligne Roset or Roche Bobois for our terrace overlooking Lake Zurich, knowing full well that my two young daughters might jump around on them from time to time or leave traces of their sausage sandwiches all over them!’ Sophistication is important, but Reiner knows when to let go. Case in point: Back in Munich he would venture to noble Dallmayr for his beloved coffee beans. In his new home and with a lack of time to find out about its more special addresses, Lidl in Horgen will do. For now, at least.

‘At Mandarin Oriental, we don't see ourselves as a classic grand hotel. That means that when it comes to fashion, you are allowed to be a little daring.’