
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
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
.jpeg)
Teaser
Culinary jobsContent Type
BlogsPublish date
03/27/2025
Summary
Are you passionate about creating unforgettable dining experiences? Do you dream of honing your skills in a dynamic and inspiring kitchen? At Accor, being a Commis Chef is more than just a job—it’s

Teaser
Revenue Management jobsContent Type
Heartists®’ insightsPublish date
03/05/2025
Summary
As a child, I saw a globe and became determined to travel. As a result, I invested much time and energy in learning languages. I graduated from university in tourism economics and as part of that

Teaser
GeneralContent Type
Heartists®’ insightsPublish date
03/04/2025
Summary
At Accor, all our Heartists® are talents in the making. It is essential that each of them can cultivate their curiosity, by exploring new horizons and developing new skills, in order to be the adve

Teaser
Head Office jobsContent Type
BlogsPublish date
02/17/2025
Summary
You might already be familiar with Accor as a pioneer in the hospitality industry. Perhaps you have already enjoyed a stay in one of our lifestyle destinations, or heard about the latest initiative

Content Type
Heartists®’ insightsPublish date
02/11/2025
Summary
When it comes to career changes, few are as transformative as Olivier Eyriac’s journey. From a Carpenter in the construction industry to a Maintenance Manager in the hotel sector, Olivier has embra

Teaser
Finance & Audit jobsContent Type
BlogsPublish date
02/11/2025
Summary
At Accor, finance goes beyond numbers—it powers innovation, supports sustainable growth, and enables seamless guest experiences in over 110 countries. A career in finance at Accor opens the door t

Teaser
Tech and Digital jobsContent Type
BlogsPublish date
02/11/2025
Summary
What do you do in an IT job? Looking for a career in Information Technology that combines innovation, global opportunities, and the chance to shape the future of hospitality? At Accor, IT roles g

Teaser
Hotel Management jobsContent Type
Heartists®’ insightsPublish date
01/17/2025
Summary
At Accor, we believe in fostering talent, supporting growth, and empowering individuals to reach their full potential. As part of our commitment to career progression, we sat down with Rafael Fröh
Latest jobs
Salary
Location
Novotel Marsa Alam Beach Resort, El Qusseir, Egypt
Experience Level
Associate
Job Schedule
Full-Time
Brands
NOVOTEL
Job type
Permanent
Locations
Egypt
Job Category
Rooms
Description
To have a full working knowledge and capability to perform all duties and tasks in the assigned Place of Work to the standard set.To ensure that all VIP and Loyalty Program guest are being, met upon a
Reference
76b60b2f-e2a9-4a69-bb08-26234a9a49ce
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa sea & spa, Manama, Bahrain
Experience Level
Entry Level
Job Schedule
Full-Time
Brands
SOFITEL
Job type
Permanent
Locations
Manama
Job Category
Rooms
Description
Basic Job Responsibilities:• Evaluate the everyday status of all hotel occupancy and coordinate with various departments e.g. reservation, sales, and housekeeping to ensure optimal level of guest sati
Reference
b7926d2f-8344-4560-a6db-e9f02a6d050b
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Sofitel Shahd Al Madinah, Madinah, Saudi Arabia
Experience Level
Entry Level
Job Schedule
Full-Time
Brands
SOFITEL
Job type
Permanent
Locations
Madinah
Job Category
Sales & Marketing
Description
Role Overview:As a Sales Executive at Accor Group, you will be responsible for driving revenue growth through the acquisition and management of new business accounts. You will play a crucial role in d
Reference
cbd5fdf0-4ef9-4368-aaa2-edbcd9a93dd8
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Naama Bay Promenade Beach Resort, Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt
Experience Level
Mid-Senior Level
Job Schedule
Full-Time
Brands
ACCOR
Job type
Permanent
Locations
Sharm El-Sheikh
Job Category
Food & Beverage
Description
To ensure that all outlet kitchens adhere to company and hotel policies and procedures and minimums standard.To ensure that each outlet chef prepares and updates the relevant section of the department
Reference
6139dc79-9f83-4a91-900a-44c26ebd6ae0
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Naama Bay Promenade Beach Resort, Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt
Experience Level
Mid-Senior Level
Job Schedule
Full-Time
Brands
ACCOR
Job type
Permanent
Locations
Sharm El-Sheikh
Job Category
Food & Beverage
Description
We are seeking a highly organized and efficient Chief Stewarding professional to join our team in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt. As the Chief Steward, you will play a crucial role in maintaining the highest
Reference
dcc0852f-d4ea-4f4a-a88f-8319169833d5
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Fairmont Nile City, Cairo, Egypt
Experience Level
Mid-Senior Level
Job Schedule
Full-Time
Brands
FAIRMONT
Job type
Permanent
Locations
Cairo
Job Category
Rooms
Description
We are seeking a professional and customer-focused Front Office Agent to join our team in Cairo, Egypt. As the first point of contact for our guests, you will play a crucial role in creating a welcomi
Reference
46cd071c-468c-4b7f-84b5-bd8d0cf5383f
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Fairmont Nile City, Cairo, Egypt
Experience Level
Mid-Senior Level
Job Schedule
Full-Time
Brands
FAIRMONT
Job type
Permanent
Locations
Cairo
Job Category
Rooms
Description
We are seeking an exceptional Assistant Head Butler to join our prestigious team in Cairo, Egypt. As a key member of our Butler Services department, you will support the Head Butler in delivering unpa
Reference
8040e705-1f0a-4772-b34c-ef98a565f009
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Sofitel Cairo Downtown Nile, Cairo, Egypt
Experience Level
Executive
Job Schedule
Full-Time
Brands
ACCOR
Job type
Permanent
Locations
Cairo
Job Category
Culinary
Description
Plan and direct food preparation and culinary activitiesCreate and adjust menus in collaboration with other culinary team membersEstimate food requirements and food/labor costsSupervise kitchen staff’
Reference
ec45edb3-f1ec-487c-bdaa-decbe08879fc
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Sofitel Al Khobar The Corniche, Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia
Experience Level
Associate
Job Schedule
Full-Time
Brands
SOFITEL
Job type
Permanent
Locations
Al Khobar
Job Category
Rooms
Description
We are seeking a detail-oriented and efficient Assistant Housekeeping Manager to join our team at Sofitel Al Khobar , Saudi Arabia In this role, you will work collaboratively with the ExecutiveHouseke
Reference
3bf51373-e963-4eab-854d-94cc951e62bf
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Sofitel Al Khobar The Corniche, Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia
Experience Level
Associate
Job Schedule
Full-Time
Brands
SOFITEL
Job type
Permanent
Locations
Al Khobar
Job Category
Finance
Description
To balance and audit all Front Office postings and settlements.To verify that all departments have posted all their revenues.To verify, monitor and review all hotel reports and night audit reports.To
Reference
27a3c9c3-23c5-4ccd-9393-8011afdad5bd
Expiry Date
01/01/0001