Doing business in Mexico isn´t easy, but Steve Krisztin has found success by providing a great product and outstanding customer service provided by his dedicated team
Hotel Cielo and Carboncitos are well known in Playa del Carmen. I was honored to get the behind the scenes scoop with the man responsible for the success of both businesses, Steven Krisztin. Steve bought into Hotel Cielo 13 years ago as a 10% absentee partner. Within the first year, after he took control, Hotel Cielo tripled its sales, and Carboncitos’ quadrupled, all with no experience in Hotel/Restaurant management. Let’s get to know the man responsible for all this success.
Where are you from originally and how did you find yourself in Playa del Carmen?
New York. A good friend sold me the dream.
How long have you been here?
Living here, six years
Do you feel it is easy to run a business in a foreign country?
Not in this country. It’s very tiring and tough to get used to their systems, especially if you are from the U.S.
How long have Hotel Cielo and Carboncitos been open?
13 years in January.
What has been the key to your success for the two businesses?
Hard work, determination and there are no substitutes for great customer service and quality.
What advice would you give to anyone who wants to start a business in Playa?
Think very hard about it, study the environment. And ask a million and one questions. Do not get all sucked up into the “I’m going to be working in the Caribbean, how cool!”
What makes Hotel Cielo and Carboncitos different from other hotels and restaurants here in Playa?
I would have to say, besides providing clients with a great product, our customer service really sets us apart. We treat all of our guests as if they were family. Our staff is awesome. Many long term employees have eight, nine, 10 and 12 years with us, and they are now part of our extended family, and we could not be as successful as we are without them.
What has been the most fun of starting this venture?
I would have to say that just living in the Caribbean and not knowing a word of Spanish went taking on this venture.
If you haven’t had the pleasure of visiting Hotel Cielo or Carboncitos, they are located on Calle 4, just a few meters off of Fifth Avenue. Visit them on Facebook/Hotel Cielo Playa del Carmen and Facebook/Carboncitos.
