
Meet Lília: Front Office & Reservations Manager at Novotel Lisboa
Today, we’re thrilled to share the inspiring story of Lília Dias, Front Office & Reservations Manager at Novotel Lisboa in Portugal.
Lília’s journey from a challenging upbringing to a flourishing career at Accor showcases her resilience, determination, and passion for hospitality.
Join us as we explore her path to success and the role Accor played in transforming her life.
Can you tell us about your early experiences in hospitality?
“I was born in Lisbon, and when I was about 15 or 16, I had my first experience in hospitality at the Marriott in Monaco, as some of my family had emigrated nearby due to the need for more opportunities and a better life.
At the time, I hadn’t completed compulsory education in Portugal since I became pregnant at 17 and had my baby in France, which is why I now speak good French.”
What brought you back to Portugal, and how did you start with Accor?
“As a result of not having the documents to stay in France legally, I was forced to return home. My family had a lot of financial and social needs, so it was imperative that I earn money to feed my daughter.
In the neighborhood where I grew up, there was an integration program for young mothers who hadn’t finished school, so I applied for it.
I looked around for something in hospitality. I didn’t know Accor at the time, but it was French, and that was a good start because I wanted to move to France.
I started at Mercure in 2004 as a trainee in the housekeeping department. Accor received me with great warmth and taught me almost everything I know. They took me on during a very difficult time in my life – I was young, and they were like my family.”
How has Accor supported your growth and development?
“When I started with Accor, they accepted me as I am and always gave me opportunities to grow. When I began at the hotel, the only words I could say in English were ‘Good Morning’ and ‘How are you’.
When I moved from the hotel floors to the restaurant and came into contact with people more often, that’s when I started learning English.
My current manager told me there are lots of opportunities with Accor in Portugal. With help, I prepared for an interview at the ibis hotel opening in Lisbon. I did the interview, then a position in the restaurant at Mercure turned up, and I was given the chance to take it.”
What do you enjoy most about your current role?
“I have a team of 13, plus me. It is a challenge to manage that many people, but I like that – it makes me happy that no two days are the same; it keeps me on my toes.
I need to discover something every day to learn and move on. I love connecting with people.
When I was young, I wanted to work as a flight attendant, meeting different people and destinations every day. When I started my career in hospitality, especially as a receptionist, I realized I could travel by staying in my city because our guests come from all over the world.”
How has working at Accor enriched your life?
“I am such a rich person because Accor invests in me so that I can learn and explore; they have given me things no amount of money can buy. I come from a small neighborhood where very few people have jobs. My role here has allowed me to make something of myself.
My proudest moment was when I moved up to the front office; being a reservations manager gave me the boost I needed, given that I love to organize and make things happen. Ultimately, I would like to be a general manager, and I’m sure I’ll get there!”
“Being a Heartist® is to use the best of yourself to provide a wonderful experience to other people. We all have difficult days, but I love what I do, and I do it with my heart.
I advise anyone new in the industry to take risks, learn as much as you can, and don’t be afraid of responsibilities and new challenges.”
If you’re inspired by Lília’s story and ready to embark on your own adventure in hospitality, explore job opportunities at Accor today.
Discover our latest news!
Latest thinking

Teaser
Sales and Marketing jobsContent Type
Heartists®’ insightsPublish date
06/09/2025
Summary
Not every career begins with certainty, but sometimes, the smallest nudge can spark something extraordinary. For Laura Wahl, that spark came from her mother, who saw her natural people skills and b

Teaser
Housekeeping jobsContent Type
Heartists®’ insightsPublish date
06/09/2025
Summary
What does it take to thrive in hospitality? For Halima Chelkha, the answer is passion. Now an Assistant Housekeeping Manager at Mercure Rif Nador in Morocco, Halima’s journey shows how a role in h

Teaser
Culinary jobsContent Type
BlogsPublish date
06/09/2025
Summary
Working in an Accor kitchen means stepping into a world where every moment counts and every skill matters. It’s fast, it’s challenging, it’s full of energy, and it’s where you transform raw ingred
+(2).jpeg)
Teaser
Food and Beverage jobsContent Type
BlogsPublish date
06/09/2025
Summary
Not every career begins at a desk. Some start behind a bar, where creativity flows as freely as conversation, and every shift is a chance to make someone’s day. At Accor, bar jobs are more than ju
.jpeg)
Content Type
BlogsPublish date
05/27/2025
Summary
At Accor, every Heartist® plays a part in creating exceptional experiences for our guests — and the Maintenance Technician is no exception. As the backbone of hotel operations, Maintenance Technic
.jpeg)
Teaser
HR jobsContent Type
BlogsPublish date
05/27/2025
Summary
At Accor, our Heartists® are at the heart of everything we do, and our Human Resources (HR) teams play an important role in shaping that success. Behind every thriving team and engaged Heartist® i
.jpeg)
Content Type
BlogsPublish date
05/27/2025
Summary
Step into any Accor hotel, and you’ll notice the polished floors, the perfect lighting, and the quiet hum of everything working just as it should. What you won’t always see is the team making that
.jpeg)
Teaser
Food and Beverage jobsContent Type
BlogsPublish date
05/27/2025
Summary
There’s something special about the way a great meal can bring people together. At Accor, food and drink go far beyond the plate, they’re an experience, a connection, and a chance to make someone’s

Teaser
GeneralContent Type
BlogsPublish date
03/27/2025
Summary
At Accor, we believe that a fulfilling career goes hand in hand with making a positive impact on the world. Sustainability in hospitality is at the heart of our values, and we’re proud to be leadin
__original+(1).jpeg)
Teaser
Revenue Management jobsContent Type
BlogsPublish date
03/27/2025
Summary
What is a Hotel Revenue Manager? A hotel revenue manager at Accor is a strategic leader who drives profitability and shapes the future of the hotel’s financial success. This role goes beyond numb
Latest jobs
Salary
Location
PULLMAN NINH BINH, Hoa Lư, Vietnam
Experience Level
Mid-Senior Level
Job Schedule
Full-Time
Brands
PULLMAN
Job type
Permanent
Locations
Vietnam
Job Category
Rooms
Description
We are seeking an organized and efficient Assistant Laundry Manager to join our team in Hoa Lư, Vietnam. In this role, you will support the Executive Housekeeper in overseeing daily operations, ensuri
Reference
fec793e3-fa72-4921-83ab-13a00cb5e821
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
PULLMAN NINH BINH, Hoa Lư, Vietnam
Experience Level
Mid-Senior Level
Job Schedule
Full-Time
Brands
ACCOR
Job type
Permanent
Locations
Vietnam
Job Category
Culinary
Description
The Kitchen Coordinator / HACCP Supervisor is responsible for ensuring the smooth daily operation of the kitchen through effective coordination and the implementation of food safety and hygiene standa
Reference
39d9f26b-51be-422f-8f98-3bc387ada4e6
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Banyan Tree Doha, Doha, Qatar
Experience Level
Mid-Senior Level
Job Schedule
Full-Time
Brands
BANYAN TREE
Job type
Permanent
Locations
Doha
Job Category
Rooms
Description
As an Executive Housekeeper you are responsible for cleanliness maintenance and management of all guestrooms, functions, public areas and back of house areas to the Housekeeping and Laundry operationa
Reference
26b19332-e952-4294-87e7-c8534a12b9a1
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
PULLMAN NINH BINH, Hoa Lư, Vietnam
Experience Level
Mid-Senior Level
Job Schedule
Full-Time
Brands
ACCOR
Job type
Permanent
Locations
Vietnam
Job Category
Information Technology
Description
As the IT Supervisor, you will ensure the efficient operation of the hotel's IT infrastructure, systems, and networks. You will oversee system installations, upgrades, maintenance, and troubleshooting
Reference
3b479352-9c7a-4898-8393-15d146a3252f
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
PULLMAN NINH BINH, Hoa Lư, Vietnam
Experience Level
Mid-Senior Level
Job Schedule
Full-Time
Brands
ACCOR
Job type
Permanent
Locations
Vietnam
Job Category
Food & Beverage
Description
Job Purpose:To provide efficient administrative, organizational, and operational support to the Food & Beverage Department, ensuring smooth communication between F&B outlets and departments, while uph
Reference
c7480648-28f4-4db8-8ab5-572f6a95ba95
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
PULLMAN NINH BINH, Hoa Lư, Vietnam
Experience Level
Not Applicable
Job Schedule
Full-Time
Brands
ACCOR
Job type
Permanent
Locations
Vietnam
Job Category
Talent & Culture
Description
We are excited to announce an opening for a Talent & Culture Coordinator position in our Baghdad, Iraq office. As a key member of our Human Resources team, you will play a crucial role in fostering a
Reference
5a5d6aa9-69c1-4464-8899-6d2a67966da3
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Novotel Goa Panjim, Panaji, India
Experience Level
Mid-Senior Level
Job Schedule
Full-Time
Brands
ACCOR
Job type
Permanent
Locations
Panaji
Job Category
Sales & Marketing
Description
Constantly investigate and assess market conditions and competition to determine effective and productive sales programs.Establish and maintain relationships with all the current and prospective custo
Reference
63f8479f-9310-4176-bae4-7718493a8993
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
PULLMAN NINH BINH, Hoa Lư, Vietnam
Experience Level
Mid-Senior Level
Job Schedule
Full-Time
Brands
PULLMAN
Job type
Permanent
Locations
Vietnam
Job Category
Talent & Culture
Description
The Learning & Development Manager is tasked with nurturing a culture of continuous learning at a hotel. This role involves designing, implementing, and evaluating training programs that align with th
Reference
d0b6c1ae-36a8-4bc6-97b7-bcaf1b121b0c
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
PULLMAN NINH BINH, Hoa Lư, Vietnam
Experience Level
Mid-Senior Level
Job Schedule
Full-Time
Brands
ACCOR
Job type
Permanent
Locations
Vietnam
Job Category
Engineering & Maintenance
Description
Engineering Duty Manager in a hotel oversees the maintenance/ operator, safety, and efficiency of the property's technical operations. Their responsibilities typically include: - Managing engineering
Reference
b799484e-e4df-43fe-8970-3c2121d3c89a
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Novotel Goa Panjim, Panaji, India
Experience Level
Executive
Job Schedule
Full-Time
Brands
ACCOR
Job type
Permanent
Locations
Panaji
Job Category
Sales & Marketing
Description
Plan & initiate action plan to approach and secure new business for the organizationTo determine effective and productive sales programsRelationship building with all the current and prospective custo
Reference
00500a60-163d-4c1a-9fa2-1374c46fa9f6
Expiry Date
01/01/0001