Ionela Constantin

Ionela Constantin's story
My passion for cooking was instilled in me by my mother. She taught me so much; she was my role model and I am deeply grateful for all the patience and trust she showed me. At the tender age of 17, I began my culinary journey while still in high school, not knowing where life would take me. After finishing school, I worked in the kitchens of several restaurants.
My career journey began in 2006 when I started working in the kitchen of a four-star hotel. This was my first step into the hospitality industry and it provided me with invaluable experience in a professional kitchen environment. In 2008, I transitioned to what was then the Royal Hotel, now known as Mercure, where I’ve been fortunate to grow and evolve ever since.
Over the course of nine years, I worked my way through all the different stages of kitchen training, from entry-level positions to more advanced roles. Each step allowed me to hone my skills, gain a deeper understanding of kitchen operations and develop the leadership qualities needed to eventually become a head chef. The experience was both challenging and rewarding and it shaped me into the chef I am today.
What I love about Accor and the hospitality industry is the opportunity to be part of a global family that values excellence, innovation, and genuine service. Accor’s commitment to quality and sustainability inspires me to improve and create memorable experiences for our guests. Hospitality is about making people feel welcome and that is what I truly enjoy – seeing guests enjoy the results of our hard work and dedication.
I would recommend the hospitality industry to others because it offers endless opportunities for personal and professional growth. It is a dynamic field where you can constantly learn, meet diverse people and make a memorable experience to someone.
For me, being a Heartist® means putting passion, care and authenticity in everything I do. It is about connecting with others and creating beautiful experiences. As a Heartist®, I strive to make every guest feel valued and special.
One of the highlights was becoming the head chef at Mercure Bucharest Unirii after years of dedication and hard work, which truly felt like a culmination of all my experiences in the industry. Another proud moment was receiving recognition from my colleagues and guests for my pastries, especially my amandine, which they fondly call the best they have ever had. Most of all, I take pride in being part of a team that is like family, where we support each other and work together to create exceptional experiences for every guest.
My advice to new starters is to approach every opportunity with passion and a willingness to learn. Stay humble, be open to feedback, and build strong relationships with your colleagues. Success takes time, so stay dedicated, consistent, and always remember to enjoy what you do.
- Ionela Constantin
- Executive Chef
- Mercure Bucharest Unirii (Romania)