Checking In with Anthony & Glenn

Peter Shaindlin, COO of Halekulani Corporation, discusses the importance of providing an iconic experience for guests and how luxury hospitality has evolved over time. In this interview you'll hear:

• Halekulani is a 107-year-old hotel with a rich history and tradition of hospitality.
• Luxury hospitality is about more than just the physical amenities; it's about creating a feeling and an emotional connection.
• Guests are looking for safe havens that provide respite from the craziness of the world.
• Halekulani offers two distinct experiences: the traditional luxury of Halekulani and the contemporary, accessible luxury of Ala Puna.
• Both Halekulani and Halepuna Waikiki place importance on human connection and delivering excellent service, but one is more traditional while the other more modern in its service approach.
• Shaindlin believes that luxury hotels should not lose their soulfulness and become purely transactional experiences.

Today, we're diving into the dynamic world of hotel branding with Dean Winter from Swire Hotels. They're reimagining luxury with their East Hotel Miami, embracing a fresh "alt luxury" approach. Here's what's changing and why it matters:

Evolution of East Hotels: Originally targeting corporate travelers, Swire Hotels recognized a shift in customer demographics and needs over their 14-year journey.

Introducing Alt Luxury: Catering to a younger, well-traveled audience (25-40-year-olds), they're blending luxury with informality. Think high-quality service minus the fussiness.

Connecting with Community: Emphasizing engagement and spontaneity, their hotels are becoming hubs for local activities like runs and cultural events.

Environmental Responsibility: No plastic, water filtration systems, and waste reduction are central to their sustainability efforts.

Future Expansion: Swire Hotels plans to expand across Asia-Pacific, aiming for 30+ properties under the East brand.

This shift isn't just about luxury; it's about creating meaningful connections and experiences. Stay tuned for more updates as Swire Hotels continues to redefine hospitality!

Jay Leonard, Complex GM of Wyndham Lake Buena Vista Resort Area Disney Springs, shares how he runs this complex at Walt Disney World, what challenges being near such an attraction brings, hurricanes, community involvement, and Jay's dedication to guest experience. Stay tuned for more insights and interviews on hospitality's leading show! 🎙️

Anthony and Glenn shoot the breeze today!

Charles Oswald, CEO of Aperture Hotels, talks about how they are bringing focus and depth to the complex and crowded field of hotel management. What was have they been able to stand out and what is their main focus through the rest of 2024?

Shannon McCallum, Vice President of Operations with Resorts World Las Vegas shares what it's like running the trio of hotels -- Las Vegas Hilton, Conrad Hotels & Resorts Las Vegas, and Crockfords -- at the casino resort. Plus, how the property continually evolves, the sharp rise of conventions, and a bit on leadership too.

Ashish Verma, Senior Vice President, Luxury Division, The Unbound Collection by Hyatt talks about how he under his leadership The Chatwal is now recognized among the top luxury boutique hotels, voted #1 of the 20 Best Hotels in New York City by Condé Nast Traveler in 2022 as well as one of the Best City Hotels in the Continental U.S. by Travel + Leisure in 2021. How was he able to make that happen?

Joelle Park, SVP & Chief Marketing Officer at BWH Hotels shares the company's strategy of leveraging its mothership brand through it's "Life's a Trip" campaign to promote all its brands. Plus, how AI affects advertising, staying authentic and why travel influencers actually matter.

Ben Weinberg and Mike Weiss, Founders of Trailborn, are talking about how they have created unique hotel experiences in the great American outdoors. Each Trailborn hotel puts guests at the heart of the country's most extraordinary outdoor destinations – from national parks to coastal cliffs, and snow-capped mountains to sun-soaked beaches. Trailborn combines elevated, thoughtful design with an authentically local experience to create a memorable stay for outdoors enthusiasts.

Last week at SonestaCon24 we had the chance to hear from Sonesta's CBO Elizabeth Harlow and CMO Chris Trick about how the company will define itself to the consumer. We discuss giving their customers access to things you can't buy with a relationship with Rolling Stone magazine, its rewards program and how they're leveraging micro influencers.