ANDIAMO - Heather Ciszczon

Chief Development Officer at NuovoRE

Throughout your career, you've managed projects across various sectors including healthcare, hospitality, and residential. How did you adapt your approach to suit the specific needs and challenges of each sector?

Great question. My passion is hospitality, and it’s where I started, so right or wrong, I treated healthcare, and residential as hospitality too – how would a patient, a family want to feel? How do we use details to address emotional needs? I also started in healthcare when the industry was looking to hospitality for inspiration. When I got back to hospitality, my experience in healthcare brought a strong grounding in technical needs and coordination.

For you, what are the key elements of an exceptional hotel experience?

I absolutely need top-notch execution of service and design. I don’t have a favorite design style, I just want to be impressed by craftsmanship, and attention to details. Also, something memorable. My pet peeves are wrong color temperature and not getting bar/barstool dimensions right. 

Transforming communities through adaptive re-use is your company’s specialty: can you talk about the process to discover the right properties to bring to new life and how you work with the local municipalities?

Got an hour? Ha! We don’t have a magic matrix when we look at potential properties. There are so many factors that need to come together and each property (given that it’s historic and/or re-use) can weight the entire proposition differently. We do a lot of listening tours, talking to local leaders, and spend time in the market to understand neighborhood needs – that’s what we’re solving for in the end. Each municipality is different and that is challenging. We navigate each city one-by-one, and through our community impact lens.

Your most recent opening is the 21c Museum Hotel in St. Louis, a beautiful building with great character: what were the most difficult challenges you faced on that project?

AAGGHH! This project was such a toughie. We started pre-COVID, and we went on hold for one year to patiently (and successfully) wait out a historic state tax credit award. As we got into construction and started to peel back layers, we found old houses in the sub-basement, the building condition was worse than we anticipated. Container prices for FF&E went through the roof. Preserving  historic fabric and intent was difficult. The list of challenges was long, but we had a strong, amazing team (21c, JLL, PWWG Architects, Bill Rooney Studio, Hufft Design) with persistence.

Who has been your biggest inspiration throughout your career?

Gosh, I’ve worked with a ton of inspiring people, but I look to brands, properties, and companies for inspiration. The list is always changing, but I’ll steal from Frank Lloyd Wright and say “the next project.”

As the Chief Development Officer, what are your key responsibilities in driving the company’ strategy and how do you envision the company's growth in the next few years?

Historic adaptive re-use is extremely challenging, and I think a key responsibility is keeping my team motivated, on track, and ready to collaborate. They need clear, timely decisions with background intent to empower them. It’s also key to maintain the long-term view.

What is your favorite Bellino product and why? 

Como Luxury sheets. Looooove them. They are so soft, they repeatedly wash well and still look great, and they are sustainably resourced.

What activities or hobbies do you engage in that help you maintain a healthy work-life balance?

I am a Pilates fanatic. I’ve been practicing Pilates for almost 20 years. I typically try to find a local studio when I’m traveling. I’m also a fan of taking the stairs on my jobsites, but I have an altitude advantage being from Denver. ☺

Can you reflect on a time in your career when you faced a setback or challenge? How did you overcome it, and what did you learn from that experience?

Setbacks and challenges happen all the time. I think anyone in hospitality has to be resilient, like a rubber-ball. The best way to get through is to detach, but that’s so hard when you’re passionately engaged. I think you just gotta persevere, things tend to work themselves out.



What was the most memorable lesson or insight you gained from your experience at Hyatt that you continue to apply in your current role at NuovoRE?

Good technical services are the foundation of a good project, and you have to speak up when these more invisible/less sexy needs aren’t being incorporated.

3 favorite hotels and travel destinations around the world?

Top 4 ☺: San Ysidro Ranch (Santa Barbara), Rowland House, part of Inns of Aurora (Finger Lakes, NY), Six Senses Douro Valley (Portugal), Nine Orchard (NYC). 



What advice would you give to someone new to the hospitality industry?

You have to travel to really be able to design great hospitality experiences. Don’t get entrenched in trends, being timeless and memorable will take you further.

ANDIAMO - Blake Danner

Chief Operating Officer of AKA

For you, what are the key elements of an exceptional hotel experience?

The arrival sets the tone of the stay. As a guest my stay should be effortless, and I shouldn’t have to think about it a whole lot. An exceptional property anticipates my wants and needs and they are available when I am ready to interact with them.

Throughout your career, you've been involved in crafting and leading iconic hotels like the Ian Schrager ones, Nomad, Proper. What principles do you consider essential in creating and maintaining a strong brand identity in the hospitality industry?

Define a value proposition. Consistency across brand touch points. Be authentic and transparent. Be a storyteller for your brand. Continuously adapt and innovate; continuously monitor customer feedback and adapt.

What is your favorite Bellino product and why?

The 100% cotton Percale linens, for their incredible texture, comfort during sleep and durability. And they are easy to care for.

Among the many projects you've been involved in, do you have a favourite or memorable one? What made it special for you?

This is like asking a parent to pick their favorite child! One of my most memorable projects was being part of the opening of the St. Martins Lane in London. It was the first property that Ian Schrager had opened in London. I spent months in London and fell in love with the city and the hotel opened to much fanfare and great success. To this day it’s still one of my favorite properties.

What activities or hobbies do you engage in that help you maintain a healthy work-life balance?

I workout and lift weights regularly each week and it’s important when on business travel that we carve out time to keep our fitness routine in place. Additionally, I am avid spin cyclist having completed over 1000 Soul cycle classes.

3 favorite hotels and travel destinations around the world?

The Ned City of London, England, The Bodrum EDITION in Turkey, and the AKA West Hollywood in Los Angeles, CA.

Can you reflect on a time in your career when you faced a setback or challenge? How did you overcome it and what did you learn from that experience?

In my career I was in hospitality in New York City on 9/11 and of course in the industry when COVD hit.  What I learned is that the hospitality industry is incredibly resilient, and the human spirit wants to explore and travel and there will always be a need to meet in person.

Who has been your biggest inspiration throughout your career?


Ian Schrager.

In your roles at Sydell Group, Proper Hospitality and now AKA, you've led high-performing teams. How would you describe your leadership style and how do you foster a collaborative and innovative team culture?

My style is to hire the best business leaders you can find, set very clear expectations for them, give them the best tools that your company has available and continue to add to their tool kit, hold leaders highly accountable but stay out of their way and let them run their business.

What advice would you give to someone new to the hospitality industry?

Try to expose yourself to as many different products, brands, and style of hospitality. Resist the temptation to stay in your comfort zone. Today’s hospitality industry requires you to be flexible. 

ANDIAMO - Jeff David

Founder of Jeff David Hospitality

As the founder of Jeff David Hospitality, what motivated you to start a consultancy focused on leadership and innovation for start-ups in the service industry?

I had a moment in my life where I was going on to my 15th year as a GM, and half of those years I was fortunate to open some pretty prestigious properties in places like Aspen, Anguilla, Times Square etc. I even won the prestigious "Hotelier of the Year" award. I was on top of the proverbial mountaintop - but I realized I hated the view. I discovered in hospitality that the more I know I know about this business, the more I realize I don't know shit. With no disrespect to my fellow hoteliers, we are witnessing a shift and disruption in our industry, and I see GMs and companies not adapting quick enough - and I despised the ego and ignorance that came with hotel leadership. No one ever talks about that. I traded in being the smartest guy in the room to being the dumbest, and became an entrepreneur.

What is your favorite Bellino product and why?

I like the 300TC Hotel Sateen line. Back when I opened and lived at Proper Santa Monica in 2019, I was a lifetime percale fan as I like the feeling of a starched mens shirt as I crawled into bed. As I got older and my tastes change, I like Method Co.'s choice in a sateen as I feel better comfort as I like the room ice cold (as a contrast to my hot showers!)

The Knickerbocker has a rich history, originally opening in 1906. How did you balance preserving its historic charm while incorporating modern amenities and design elements to appeal to contemporary luxury travelers?

Back when I opened the Knick, I had a staff of about 300, and I wanted to use the hallowed address of 42nd and Broadway and the original vision of John Jacob Astor to create purpose in the culture, as if they were part of a bigger cause than just the resurrection
 of a legendary building. Fast forward over a hundred years later we see a different definition of luxury. The designers created size, space and silence, in other words a large, dark quiet room in Times Square! That created oasis provided a respite from that hustle and bustle of 70 million visitors a year - which I think is the penultimate in luxury.

You are currently working on an ambitious mixed use development in Atlanta: can you share any heads ups on the project and hospitality assets your company Method Co will be managing?

Atlanta is great and this project will be our largest to date as its a combined hotel, private club, short term furnished apartment rental, four restaurants and about ten-thousand square feet of private event space. It’s in the Old Fourth Ward on the Beltline near Ponce City Market....definitely the coolest place to be in the city. By the end of next year Method will be in 9 states with 22 restaurants and 11 hotels.

Who has been your biggest inspiration throughout your career?

Who hasn't been an inspiration! I think I get my flow
 and my energy from my staff and colleagues actually. I read a lot of biographies and I love watching inspiring historical speeches on YouTube, but nothing gets me up for the grind than the people who work in the foxhole with me.

How did your efforts to support the fight against guns and gang violence in the Caribbean shape your perspective on community engagement and social responsibility?

I lived in Virgin Gorda, Anguilla and got married in Nevis, so I always saw the locals point of view. It wasn't until 2010/2011, when one of my young staff killed another young man on my same team - both not even 20 years old - in an alleged right-of-passage drive by shooting. Later that year, my closest mentee who was like my little brother, Randy "Dolla" Audain, was shot during Carnival celebration, which was supposed to the most joyous and festive week in the Caribbean. I had to beg, plead and deal with my own money and energy to get him airlifted privately to Barbados for the closest trauma hospital. When we arrived, we were met with an overcrowded ER waiting room as it was filled with inmates suffering some nasty injuries from a prison brawl. After removing some shotgun pellets in the grey matter in his skull, he was stabilized and we headed home where I had to do a few roadside BBQs to raise money for the aftercare. It was then that I closed the hotel for a half day, got all the 500 staff together with the local clergy and government. It was not only for a moment of silence, but I think the whole island saw my temper as I cursed out and vowed to fight the violence myself if I had to. It was definitely a defining point of my life, and it was fueled with love and power simultaneously. I think I won Hotelier of the Year that year too. Twelve years later, I am proud to be on some executive boards for a few non profits, from first time black and brown homeowners, to advocating adoption for the underprivileged youth of this country. Some things are bigger than hospitality.

What activities or hobbies do you engage in that help you maintain a healthy work-life balance?

Sometimes I am in 3-4 cities a week, so balance is challenging. Going home to a small town on Cape Cod helps balance me as the benefit of living that town-and-country lifestyle helps me appreciate the fast and slow pace. When I am consistent in one city, I get in the habit of waking up at 4:30 am, working at 5:00, and shower and eat before I look at an email on my phone (outside my workout playlist of course). I also try to say a few decades of the rosary walking to the gym. Around 7:30am, I put my "leash" on which is the work and email part of my phone!

Can you talk about your inspiration behind co-founding a luxury hotel company based on solar-powered yacht residences to combat rising sea levels?

Yeah - that didn't take off as well as we envisioned, lol. I met these two incredible engineers that had a vision of sustainable marine boat living and their passion needed a buiness model. There were similiar prototypes in Dubai, but we didn't have Dubai-like funding. The prototype was too expensive at the time to scale, and too many developers could not think out of the box to give us a shot. The biggest hurdle was as real estate appreciated, sea vessels depreciated so it was a risk non-visionaries did not want to take

For you, what are the key elements of an exceptional hotel experience?


There are tangibles and intangibles, and its very subjective to the end user; and we all have our prejudices and preferences when the travel. Personally, really hot water and strong shower pressure is a must for me...when I find a hotel with that, I instantly rebook it. Universally speaking however, I believe it's consistency. I think the savvy traveler keeps a psychological score when they are in the hotel. If the service culture, cleanliness, decor, etc is consistent, they are more prone to be loyal. Quality and experience are important, but consistency is paramount.

Mentorship and giving back to the community are important to you. What is a meaningful mentorship experience you have had and how has it impacted you?

Mentorship is everything and its really what got me where I am. I wouldn't have the courage to leave my comfortable career and start my own business if I hadn't had some really impactful mentors in my life. Scott Case, the founder and CTO of Priceline.com was the one that really enlightened me to become a founder. Ric Elias from Red Ventures taught me about leadership, culture and purpose and Lenny Khler from Lubert Adler Philadelphia taught me about relationships and integrity over business. I can spend this whole interview mentioning other great leaders that I aspired to emulate, and I have devoted my life to mentor others to pay forward my gratitude. Where mentorship is a one-to-one symbiotic relationship, giving back to the community is a similar but different life pillar. That is taking that same altruistic DNA, and scaling it to impact others that are less fortunate. I guess that also stems from growing up in a Filipino immigrant household, where everyone does their part. My real devotion in life is to make a positive impact to others, whether it be mentees, employees or those in need. I feel blessed that I have a profession where I can influence others and leave this world with a better eulogy than resume.


When you opened the Knickerboxer, you wrote a handbook called the 'Knick's Guide to Being Good' for your team, can you share the opening letter from it?

Hello.

If you have received this book, then you are a part of our ever growing culture. The “good” that we refer to is just a simple way to say virtue or altruism. The word virtue means morally positive and the word altruism means selflessness. Think of the opposite of virtue as vice and the opposite of altruism as selfishness. These truths are universal throughout history. We are destined, as our address is the “Crossroads of the World,” to bring these fundamentals back to what hospitality really means in today’s society. It is a daunting task for such a sacred address and a building with such a profound and hidden past. We need to peel back the fundamentals of who we are as human beings to change the way we see things. We will create a culture in which everyone is equal under one rule: to protect each other from the vice and selfishness of this world, starting with how we treat each other. Using mutual respect, transparency, integrity and most of all good, I firmly believe we can change the world, one guest at a time.

Looking forward to the journey,

Jeff David

Can you also share the Six Laws of Good, as outlined in the Knick's Guide to Being Good handbook?

1. Everyone and everything is inherently good.

2. Good always gravitates towards good.

3. The mind and the heart are equal; listen to both.

4. Taking care of each other first is actually taking care of our guests.

5. Knowing why we’re here is more important than the “how” of it.

6. Good will always win.

What advice would you give to someone new to the hospitality industry?

Stay humble and conscientious, work your ass off, and always be intellectually curious - probably in that order.

ANDIAMO - Nicolo Rusconi

Owner of The Georgian Hotel

What was the inspiration behind the restoration of Santa Monica’s iconic property The Georgian?

The inspiration was the building’s history. The Georgian was one of the cultural epicenters of Los Angeles in the 1930s through 1960s and to be able to participate in the next chapter drove our creative process in a way where the stories of The Georgian were the foundation for the restoration. You can see these stories in the art, the furniture, the design motifs, the literary collection, and just about everywhere else in the building.

If you could describe The Georgian experience in 3 words, what would they be?

Magical, Romantical, Inspired

For The Georgian you chose our exclusive Cotton/Tencel blend: how important are good quality linens and how do they impact a guest's stay?

As they say, you spend 1/3 of your life in bed. Well equally for our guests at The Georgian (assuming they’re not intending on watching the sunrise after a night in The Georgian Room), a significant portion of their time at the hotel will be spent in bed. It becomes even more important for the weary traveler or the high productivity remote worker to get a good night sleep to not only operate at the top of their potential, but to feel good and refreshed when doing so. Great sheets can be the difference between waking up feeling disheveled and unrested or clean, comfortable, and confident. 

What are the key elements of a meaningful guest experience?

Proactive thoughtfulness and creative inspiration. It is our responsibility to not only be thoughtful about each and every guest that comes through our door but to do it proactively so that we can not only manage expectations for the hospitality experience, but surpass them every chance we get. The creative inspiration is what takes the guest experience to the next level - whimsical brass champagne carts, custom designed stuffed animals for the kids, and phone scripts from the 1930s are just a few examples of the creative ways we elevate the guest experience. 

The city of Santa Monica recently announced 14 new development projects across residential, retail, hospitality, fitness etc: normal post pandemic recovery or real economic boom?

We see what’s happening in Santa Monica more as a cultural renaissance than an economic boom (although they go hand in hand). We had one of the top art fairs in the world, Frieze, here this year, and some of the best food, cocktails, and hospitality concepts have opened locally in recent years. Santa Monica epitomizes the world-renowned California lifestyle and that’s what is serving as the foundation for the renaissance. Fortunately, the City has smart, motivated leadership, passionate local stakeholders, and inspired community advocacy groups that are making sure we continue moving in the right direction - one that pays homage to the rich history of the City. 

How easy or complicated is to create your own property and brand Vs developing hotels for other companies?

Creating a hospitality concept is relatively simple. Creating a hospitality concept that inspires people, makes them feel romance, and sparks their curiosity is much more difficult. I would say that it’s a much more linear creative process to restore an existing iconic hotel since there’s so much foundational brand and storytelling DNA already in existence. The most difficult part for any lifestyle hotel is to create a seamless and consistent story and identity that weaves throughout every element of the hospitality experience: design, branding, food, beverage, service, and more. These challenges exist no matter if we’re creating the brand in house or developing an existing brand, and it’s finding the ways to connect all of these elements cohesively that creates a truly special hotel. 

Who has been your biggest inspiration throughout your career?

I was very fortunate to meet my business partner and best friend, Jon Blanchard, when I first moved to Downtown Los Angeles over a decade ago. Our partnership in BLVD, The Georgian, and everything else we work on is what allows us to be so nimble and dynamic in our growth strategies while still allowing us to be creative. His love for hospitality and constant desire to create magical experiences have always been major inspirations for me. 

When did your passion of collecting rare and antiquarian literature begin?

I fell in love with reading at a young age. I spent many nights growing up in a warm bath by candle light late at night reading everything from the Lord of the Rings to The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire to The Hardy Boys. When out shopping for new books, I’d come across old, dusty versions of the books that I fell in love with and slowly begin buying my favorites. Now after many years of traveling around the world and always popping into the local bookstores in whatever city I may be in, my collection has grown to include hundreds of first editions, rare prints, and signed copies.

3 favorite hotels and travel destinations around the world?

Blue Lagoon Iceland, Residenza Napoleone III in Rome, and North Shore Kauai where my wife is from.

You co-founded BLVD Companies in 2009 and developed extremely successful properties, how do you see the company growing in the next 10 years?

Over the next 10 years, we plan to open other historic properties around the country like The Georgian but also more affordable hotels that still incorporate the BLVD creative hospitality philosophy. We also have a vision for a large mixed use development that we are opportunistically searching for. With that said, we never want to sacrifice the attention to detail that we give every project, so we will continue to be selective around the projects we pursue. 

ANDIAMO - Cory Schisler

Co-Owner of The Madrona

If you could describe The Madrona experience in three words, what would they be?

Magical, Inspiring, Uncommon.

You developed the hotel with interior designer Jay Jeffers and his brother: how did the partnership come about?

Jay and I had been friends for about a decade when we ended up going into lockdown at his house in St. Helena. During that time, one of our friends became the real estate agent for the previous iteration of The Madrona and encouraged us to get out of the house and head over to Sonoma to see his new listing, mostly for something fun to do. We had no intention of purchasing the hotel but we both fell in love with it; seeing how much life we could bring to it. So we started scheming and tossing around creative thoughts, getting his brother Kyle involved on the finance side to help round out the team. Less than a year later we were holding the keys thanks to our early investors and a team of people around us to help along the way. It was very serendipitous.

What are some of the most important elements of a great customer experience?

For The Madrona, it’s all about creating moments of magic for our guests. We spend a lot of time thinking about how to showcase our eight acre property in unique ways that surprise and delight. I’ve been a firm believer that one of the greatest drivers of a great hospitality experience is removing barriers for a guest to enjoy their stay fully; always finding ways to say yes and then go above and beyond after that (You want to order snacks and cocktails to enjoy on a bench in the garden? Of course we can do that). That’s where our team embraces this creative spirit that compliments all of the amazing design and landscape.

How did you preserve The Madrona’s rich history while giving the property a fresh makeover? 

I credit Jay’s design with a lot of this. He and his team cataloged the hundreds of furniture pieces that came with the property, whittling it down to the best pieces, including a few dozen that were original to the estate. He also embraced the Aesthetic Movement that was popularized at the time the mansion was built, featuring whimsical animal motifs and a ton of exciting artwork. On the architecture front, we brought in a historical consultant to help us restore some areas of the property back to their original glory, including building back a huge section of the mansion’s front porch that rotted away decades ago. It was important for all of us to take the storied past of this estate and let that inspire every aspect of the concept. 

You have a beautiful vegetable garden on property: are the products used at the restaurant and what are the most popular dishes?

The gardens have been this amazing collaborative effort between our culinary and beverage teams, all with the oversight and planning of our farmer Aris Curtis. Every month they look a year out on the calendar and plan menus and cocktails around what our land is producing and then put in their wish lists for obscure varieties. We have one dish called The Madrona Salad that is made exclusively with ingredients from our half acre of gardens. We also had an epic tomato season which yielded one of the most tasty salads I’ve ever had.

You mentioned that, after two decades of opening hotels and restaurants for others, opening the doors to your own hotel has been the hardest and most emotional one, can you explain why?

I’ve always loved this industry, and specifically hotel & restaurant openings. It became a special focus of mine from my early days at Viceroy Hotel Group. After leaving my in-house role and taking on consulting projects, I continued that trajectory. But every time I would consult on a new opening, there was only so much I could do creatively. Some of my best ideas never got implemented and I could only affect the success of a launch so much in a scope of work that was pretty focused. The Madrona was the chance for me to fully create the concept alongside Jay and Kyle to do everything we’ve always wanted to do. I say it’s the hardest and most emotional because I’ve poured all of my energy into this thing for over two years; giving so much creative thought and meaning to every aspect of the experience. It’s become very personal, which makes it harder to look at it objectively sometimes (I’m getting better at that part).

How important are good quality linens and how do they impact a guest's stay?

Ohhh, at its baseline, hotels are here to provide a safe and comfortable haven for our guests. I look for a bedroom setup that invites guests to sleep in just a bit longer than they normally would or delight in a decadent afternoon nap; that is the luxury of it. Having the perfect linens on a great mattress is key to that.

What is your favorite Bellino product and why? 

For The Madrona we tested out at least a dozen different types of sheeting and even more towels. We landed on the 200 thread count Hotel Percale sheets and Vista towels. Those sheets are the perfect blend of having an immediate feeling of softness with the crisp white sheet vibe of a classic European hotel. 

5 favorite hotels and travel destinations around the world?

Can Cera in Mallorca is one I just returned from. It’s rare that I step into a hotel and feel that amount of excitement and inspiration from the moment I opened the door. They did everything right. Beyond that I love to travel to Mexico City for an easy weekend from the West Coast as well as a longer trip to Japan, mixing in a classic Ryokan in the country with some time in Tokyo eating everything I can. Skiing in New Zealand’s south island was intense given the terrain, but the landscape is breathtaking. 

What advice would you give to someone new to the hospitality industry?

Diversify the roles and brands you work for. Being able to see so many different operations, especially in a variety of locations, allowed me to hone my skill set and discover what I wanted my life within this industry to look like.

ANDIAMO - Sarah Dandashy

Travel Expert and Creator

You mentioned the 'right attitude’ is what allowed you to succeed. What are your tips for developing the right attitude in any job? 

It really comes down to taking pride in being of service. You can look at your job in many ways, but if you look at your role as an opportunity to make a difference in someone’s life, that is huge! From offering a complimentary drink at the right moment to helping someone plan the perfect proposal, when you understand that you can make a positive impact on someone’s life it changes your approach to your work. It’s more than a can-do attitude, it’s a make-magic attitude! ;)

Can you share a magical moment while working as hotel concierge?

My favorite story is shared in the book! I was asked to get someone into the Magic Castle in Los Angeles. Due to the time of year, they were not available but I was able to secure and plan out a private magic show in the guests’ suite. I love this story because it took a situation that could have been a “no” and end of discussion, and it turned the opportunity into something more than any of us had expected. I know for a fact it is an experience they talk about with their friends to this day. And that to me is so magical—on multiple fronts!

5 favourite hotels around the world?

Oh boy, this is a tough question!! Being a hotel person, I enjoy all different types of hotels. Personally, I love hotels that really have fun with their personality. But I also love hotels that are historic. I’ll list 5 hotels, but know that my list is far longer than this and also includes so many different types too (Not just 5-star properties!).

Fairmont Banff Springs, Four Seasons Philadelphia Comcast Center, Waldorf Astoria Berlin, Brenners Park Hotel, Baden-Baden, Majestic Hotel, Kuala Lumpur.

How do you hope your new book ‘Hospitality from Within’ will impact the hospitality industry?

My goal is to hopefully be a source of inspiration. For those of us that have been in the industry for some time, maybe it reminds us of the little things we can do that can have a big impact on the guest experience. And as a result, the joy it can create for both us, as service providers, and for the guest. For those new to the industry, I hope it gives some sort of guideline or framework of how to go above and beyond moving forward. Think of it as a little mini 5-Star service training that is applicable to any facet of the industry.

The one thing you always pack for your travels? And the one you always forget?

Ohhh, I always bring, aside from the usual like chargers, blazer, laptop, curling iron… but the one thing I always bring…. Running shoes! I like to stay active, and sometimes it’s hard to squeeze in a workout, but when I can, I love to go for runs in the neighborhood. And running sneakers are a must! Now, on the opposite side of the spectrum, I always forget to bring a bluetooth speaker! I love music and all too often, I want to play some music—but not from my phone. And it is something I never remember to bring.

You’ve been recently trying Bellino Percale Sheets. How is the experience?

I absolutely LOVE the sheets! Believe me, I stay in a lot of hotels and it is like bringing the hotel experience home. They are so crisp and comfortable. I stay cool during the night. I’m honestly thinking of getting a second set!

In your list of seven pillars of hospitality, why is ‘Genuine and Authentic Engagement’ ranked at the very top?

Great question. At the end of the day, all of our interactions have to be real and come from an authentic place. This is the cornerstone to all of the other pillars. You can’t listen properly or anticipate needs or really commit to any of the other pillars without the basis of being authentically engaged.

As travel and hospitality expert, TV personality, public speaker and author, what is the best advice you can offer someone new to the industry?

Always go above and beyond. You never know who you’re going to work with again, and the best thing you can do is build a solid reputation for yourself. Our careers lead us in very unusual paths, but if you always make a point to go above and beyond, that will always come back to you tenfold!

You were raised in Jeddah, London, Atlanta, DC, and New York, which city do you have the fondest memories in while growing up?

Oh goodness! All of them. I mean, I have amazing memories of Jeddah as a kid. I lived there until I was 6. But equally, I had some amazing moments in London. I lived a good part of my childhood in Atlanta which was a great foundation for me. It was a great place to be a kid and to have some stability. I went to Georgetown in DC—so college memories are the best. And I lived in NYC fresh out of college. I have family in the city, so I spent much of my life in and out of NYC. At the end of the day, living in all of these places exposed me to so many individuals of different backgrounds, from cultural to socio-economic. Without a doubt it made me a natural fit for the hospitality industry where we are encountering so many different people on a regular basis.

ANDIAMO - Jessica LaRosa

General Manager of Esmé Hotel

The Esmé offers incredible bars such as Bar Pintxo and El Salón and restaurants, what sets these apart from others?

Our property consists of 8 historic Spanish-Mediterranean style buildings that make up a little hidden Village in the heart of South Beach – that was the original intention nearly 100 years ago, and what we’ve recreated with Esmé. As a whole, we have this unique footprint that naturally begs for authentic outlets to drink and eat. Bar Pintxo is the most casual of the bunch, and probably my favorite. You’re greeted by a bounty of traditional (and some non-traditional) Pintxos, which are a regional style of Spanish tapas on skewers; pick a few plus a pint or a fizzy wine and head out to the breezy paseos to have a leisurely midday bite. El Salón, on the other hand, is the intimate cocktail bar where you can’t help but feel glamorous sipping one-of-a-kind cocktails crafted with our own proprietary spirit blends. Our rooftop, aptly named The Roof, is where our buildings are connected by bridges to bring the pool, lounge, dining area and bar together, creating a cohesive roof deck that serves as an oasis, no matter the type of hang you’re in the mood for. To enhance the charming village vibe behind our walls, we wanted to deliver an experience that also speaks to Miami culture when creating the menus for these spaces, which have prominent Latin flavors featured in most dishes.

The Esmé Hotel is located in a stunning area in Miami Beach, what are a few of your favorite places and activities to do around the hotel?

We’re about 4-5 minutes from the sand, so of course heading to the ocean or biking along the boardwalk are great ways to enjoy South Beach. But there’s also great shopping at Lincoln Road, which is one of the country’s first pedestrian outdoor shopping plazas, just a short walk from Esmé, and The Bass contemporary art museum is another favorite – the building itself is gorgeous!

What is one of the most special features the Esmé Hotel Offers and which is your personal favorite?

My favorite feature of the hotel is the paseos that connect the buildings together. It’s such a uniquely calming experience, especially for South Beach, to stroll the romantic walkways lined with café tables that stretch the length of the property. You’re bound to stumble upon the activity of the hotel, like an acoustic guitarist serenading happy hour at Bar Pintxo, or just find a corner to post up with a coffee and a book.

What is your favorite Bellino product to help ensure guest satisfaction and overall experience?

This is a tough one! I would have to say our Bellino bathrobes are key to a luxurious experience. With an absorbent terry terrycloth inside and cozy soft-touch outside, it’s a pampering on it’s own. That being said, a post-sun nap in Bellino linen sheets is heavenly. 

How important are good quality linens and how do they impact a guests stay?

I always preach to my team that at the most basic level a good night’s sleep is the foundation of the hotel experience, so a comfortable bed made up with quality linens is paramount. Whether guests are traveling for work or leisure, they expect and deserve to be well-rested. I’ve always enjoyed working with Bellino because I know they deliver a product that maintains that luxurious feel, and it really adds value from a guest perspective. We get rave reviews on our bedding, and I know it’s one of the reasons that our guests return to Esmé. 

Does the area surrounding the hotel have a unique story behind it?

Esmé is located on Española Way, which was developed during Florida’s first “land boom” in the 1920’s by N.B.T. Roney, one of the most prolific builders at the time. His vision was to create a bohemian artists’ village, and he chose the Spanish style of architecture to model the area after, which predates the Art Deco buildings that Miami Beach is now known for. Over the years, the street has seen a lot of excitement, from Al Capone’s gambling syndicate in the 1930’s in the building that is now Esmé’s Casa Matanza, to Desi Arnaz bringing the rhumba to the dance clubs along the stretch in the 40’s, and Miami Vice filming here in the 80’s. We’re always learning new bits of history about Española Way.

The guest rooms are divided between Esmé Village and Casa Matanza: what are the main characteristics?

The entire property is filled with a huge variety of patterns, textures, colors, tiles, and organic elements. The Village rooms have two primary color pallets, a deep emerald green and a rosy pink, creating a feminine and whimsical, yet very modern and sophisticated guest room design. At Casa Matanza, our standalone building that’s across Drexel Avenue on Española Way, the color scheme is more bold, with unexpected, interesting patterns to compliment custom mahogany millwork. All rooms are equipped with the comforts of a proper boutique hotel stay – in-room coffee, convenient bedside charging pads and digital tablets for hotel information, luxe bath amenities and, of course, dreamy Bellino linens and towels.

How would you describe the design inspiration behind this location and the details that went into it?

The designer behind Esmé, Jessie Schuster Design, masterfully created an environment that takes visitors on a journey through her modern interpretation of classic design elements, really emulating the intention of the brand through design, which is to create an experience that nods to the rich history of the buildings and the surrounding area, but filtered through a modern lens.

The hotel is owned by Infinity Collective: can you tell us about the company?

Infinity Collective is a real estate development and investment firm, and Infinity Hospitality is the collective’s hospitality group that owns and operates unique hotel and F&B concepts deeply rooted in location, history, and brand. At our core, we deliver hospitality with four key elements—identity, authenticity, integrity, and service

You moved to Miami to manage Esmé after many years of hospitality experience in New York City: what have been the main challenges and plus points so far?

Most New Yorkers are skeptical to leave, and I was no exception, but making the move has really opened my eyes to why Miami is dubbed the Magic City. I love the culture down here, and of course you can’t beat the weather. Adapting to a slower pace was a challenge early on, but it’s something that I appreciate now. I got very lucky when building the team at Esmé, because I’m now surrounded by so many passionate, warm, talented people, that I don’t really feel so far away from home.

Stacy Shoemaker Rauen

Editor in Chief of Hospitality Design Magazine & Senior Vice President of Design Group

What’s your educational background and how and when did you join your company?

I went to Northwestern University and earned my bachelor's and master's in Magazine Journalism. I started with Hospitality Design magazine, March 11, 2002. I had applied for another job at the same company, and after that one wasn't the right fit, they kept my resume on file. Michael Adams, my former boss and the editor in chief, picked my resume out of a pile since we both went to Northwestern.

You are an avid speaker at industry events, Editor in Chief at Hospitality Design, Mom of 3 and SVP of the Design Group at Emerald, what are some key things you do tO keep yourself balanced?

Is there balance, hahaha. I am lucky to have an amazing family and friends, many in the industry, who I get to see on a regular basis, so work doesn't feel like work. I love traveling with my husband and three boys, as they are the perfect age. I also have an amazing trainer (who I work out on Zoom wherever I am) and run outside as much as I can. Working out can be meditation for me.

Is there a particular edition of Hospitality Design that had a significant impact in your career?

Oh, so many of them. My first as editor in chief, March/April 2014, which was such an honor and a privilege (and a lot of responsibility) to take the reins of a magazine I had loved and worked on and evolved for 12 years. Annual guest editor issues with the likes of Ian Schrager, Venus Williams, Kit Kemp of Firmdale Hotels, and Neil Jacobs of Six Senses, as it is always amazing and inspirational to collaborate with such visionaries. Some of the early issues in 2019, as we tweaked the magazine's look ever so slightly to be more streamline and allow the beautiful projects and products we showcase to be the spotlight. Our award-winning May 2020 issue as it was the first issue we fully produced at home after COVID shut the world down (thanks to my amazing team). I could go on…

How do you stay connected with your readers and help them feel engaged in what is happening?

We have active advisory boards, we are constantly reaching out about projects/ideas, and we host many events throughout the year (some bigger, some smaller) to get to know readers on a more personal level. My team and I are curious by nature, so we are always researching and asking questions to find what is new and next.

Favourite type of hotel and travel destination?

Anything on the beach.

What are your top three must-haves in a hotel?

Seems simple but good food, good lighting, and a good bed and shower. Well, I guess that's four.

On a scale from 1 to 10, how important are soft and luxurious sheets at home and in a hotel experience?

Is that a trick question? Definitely a 10.

Do you have any nighttime rituals after a long day to ensure a restful sleep?

I wish. I am just glad I get to go to bed after a long day of work and parenting.

What do you love most about hospitality?

The people. I truly don't think there is another industry with so many incredible people who truly love what they do.

How do you hope your work will impact the future of this industry?

I hope that what we do at Hospitality Design not only connects the industry, but also inspires, educates, and is a time capsule of sorts of where the industry has been and where it is headed. We want to introduce new ideas and innovation and ask the important questions to push the industry forward, as well as celebrate the great work that is happening now.

The Equestrian Hotel

ANDIAMO! New Property

If you could describe the World Equestrian Center in only three words, what would they be?

Unique, Comfortable, Elegant.

What is the primary inspiration behind the design of the Equestrian Hotel?

The inspiration for the Equestrian is a combination of European architecture with a touch of southern ambiance.

What are a few of your personal favorite amenities that the hotel offers?

I enjoy the variety of dining, shopping and high-end spa services available at the Equestrian.

Is there anything in particular that makes the Equestrian Hotel unique?

The Equestrian is a luxury hotel that is surrounded by a world-class horse facility. It is designed with the rider in mind and offers stunning views of the World Equestrian Center – Ocala Grand Arena.

What is the first thing you do when you wake up in the morning?

I drink Italian coffee and watch the news.

You use our Quilted Coverlets in your hotel, how does this add to customer satisfaction and overall experience?

In our experience, the guests have been raving about the coverlets and have been buying them for their personal homes.

Can you tell us more about the Equestrian Center dining experience?

We offer a variety of cuisine options including a fine dining restaurant (Stirrups), a gastro pub (Yellow Pony Pub & Garden), and an authentic French Patisserie (Emma’s). Each offers menus and products carefully curated by world-class chefs.

This hotel is located in Central Florida, what are some special features in the surrounding area that a customer could experience?

Central Florida offers tons of outdoor activities that range from horseback riding, kayaking, hiking, paddle boarding to enjoying the Disney theme parks.

How do you see this hotel growing in the future?

We have already planned to add more retail shopping options within the hotel, as well as more special events, like art gallery receptions, wine dinners, and our Winter Wonderland Christmas celebration, for guests to enjoy without leaving the property.

Ric Owens of Roberts Design Group

Larry Spelts

Skyline Lodge

Larry Spelts of Skyline Lodge

What sets Skyline Lodge apart from other mountain resort getaways?

I think it is a combination of the architecture and the interior design. So many mountain lodges tend to rely heavily on rusticity and decorate with a lot of “mountain kitsch” whereas at Skyline Lodge, our 1920s architecture designed by John Kelsey, a student of Frank Lloyd Wright, combined with the interiors being very minimal and clean, uncluttered, sets us apart.

There is a sense of warmth and whimsical comfort when you visit Skyline Lodge, how is this achieved through your in room partnerships?

With great intention, we set out to not take ourselves seriously and have a brand tone and attitude that is playful and casual. To that end, we have a mascot, Butler the bear, who is featured prominently in all of our branding and on our collateral at the property.

If you could describe Skyline Lodge in one sentence, what would it be?

A well-designed and authentic place from which to discover the natural wonders of the southern Appalachian mountains.

For this property you chose our 200 thread count percale sheets; how important is bedding to you?

For me the three most important things we must have are very nice bed linens, a great shower, and very good coffee - so very important.

Outside of the lodge, what are some special local features for guests to explore?

Hiking and white water rafting on the nearby Chattahoochee River.

If you had to choose a unique design feature at Skyline Lodge, what would it be?

The significant amount of native granite quarried nearby and used in the original construction that is prominently visible today. There are two huge fireplaces in the bar lounge that best showcase the granite.

Skyline Lodge offers such unique experiences, what are a few of your favorites?

Mushroom foraging without a doubt because the Nantahala National Forest where we are located just four miles from Main Street in charming Highlands, NC is actually one of only 7 temperate rainforests on earth. This results in a plethora of mushrooms in the summer including my favorite, Chanterelles. Also, being as we are a very food & beverage focused company, the experience of bringing foraged mushrooms back to the lodge and giving them to the culinary team at Oak Steakhouse which is located in Skyline Lodge and having them prepare them and serving them with my meal in the evening is such an authentic dining experience. Of course, we require that any foraged mushrooms that we prepare were foraged with the guidance of a certified mushroom forager.

The lodge’s restaurant is the 7th “Oak Steakhouse” location: what are the most popular and unique specialties?

I love how each of our Oak Steakhouses share some common items but then each has a substantial part of the menu that is uniquely chef driven at each location. My favorite dish at Oak Steakhouse Highlands is the confit chicken that is then roasted. The caramel cake for dessert is not to be missed!

This is your companies first hotel: what is the vision for this new division and where do you see it in a few years?

We have another mountain lodge under contract to purchase and we are also involved in planning several new hotels in interesting locations all over the US. These opportunities were not planned by us as specific goals but simply came to us naturally. Organic growth is best, we think.

Maggie Houston

Arlo Midtown

Maggie Houston of Arlo Midtown

How important are good quality linens and how do they impact a guest’s stay?

Very important.  One of our staples of an ‘Arlo Experience’ includes a quality sleep experience.  Bellino Linens help make our job easy.

Arlo Midtown offers “Arlo Bikes”, how does this special feature amplify the Arlo Midtown guest experience?

Arlo Hotels has partnered with Priority Bikes since our first location opened in SoHo. Our guests love borrowing our bikes to explore other neighborhoods outside of Midtown. I believe our bikes help our guests feel a bit more of a local and give the freedom to explore areas of our unique city that aren’t as easily navigated by public transportation.

What is your favorite Bellino product to help ensure guest satisfaction and overall experience?

I really love the linens. They feel so wonderful against the skin and are a fan-favorite of our guests.

What is one of the most special features this location offers?

The hotel features a jaw-dropping nine-story atrium framed by a custom wooden sculpture wall. Inspired by both the Hudson River as well as the flowing curtains of Broadway, it is really a beautifully-unique aspect of our hotel.

There are numerous Arlo Hotels, what sets Arlo Midtown apart from the other properties in the area?

Our hotel offers such a nice reprieve from the hustle and bustle of the Times Square area.  We have beautiful greenery throughout the building as well as a very lush terrace and rooftop that allows our guests to enjoy a bit of natural escapism after a day of urban exploring.  

Can you tell me about the restaurants and lounges within this location and how they add to the Arlo Midtown experience? Do you have a favorite?

Nearly Ninth Bar, Lounge + Restaurant is an all-day destination that seamlessly blends sustainable comfort foods, handcrafted cocktails, and extensive wine and beer lists. The Terrace at Nearly Ninth is my favorite.  While the lush green plants and trees are very Instagrammable, the space includes great working and lounging areas which are ideal for work or play. Nearly Ninth Coffee Bar is a well-stocked pantry with fantastic coffees and a host of eclectic local snacks from some of the New York City’s finest purveyors. The Rooftop at Nearly Ninth feels more like a lush rooftop garden offering delectable light fare and a satiating selection of craft beers, curated wines, and inventive cocktails.

Does this location or area have a unique story behind it?

No.

How did you discover the world of working in hospitality and what is the most rewarding aspect of your work?

I discovered hospitality completely by chance.  After an injury cut my career as a professional modern dancer short, I began working in the restaurant industry.  A wonderful concierge with whom I build rapport, suggested I transition to hotels and the rest was history.  I love the welcoming nature of our industry and that no two days are ever the same.  I have made lasting friendships with colleagues as well as guests and appreciate how much this industry has broadened my horizons and helped shaped who I am today.  

Kirsten Harlow Foster

Of Hotel Darby

Kirsten Harlow Foster of Hotel Darby

Hotel Darby is centrally located near beautiful hiking trails near New York and Pennsylvania, what are a few of your other favorite activities for people to enjoy?

Hotel Darby marks a significant moment for our team and Foster Supply. As our first hotel in Pennsylvania, we have the opportunity to deliver our signature experience and continue to work with our friends and neighbors in the Narrowsburg and Callicoon areas, but now we have expanded the experience to include even more great local restaurants, shopping and activities in Pennsylvania towns like Hawley and Honesdale. We always aim to showcase a new aspect of the region with each of our hotels, and Hotel Darby will do just that.

Steps from the Delaware River, Hotel Darby guests can take a leisurely float, rent a kayak or a canoe and simply explore! A 3 minute walk from the hotel, and just across the bridge, Narrowsburg, NY is the closest town center. Once a thriving logging community, Narrowsburg now acts as a playground to outdoor enthusiasts: Kayakers, Anglers, Hikers, and Birdwatchers, as well as a haven for patrons of the arts. A bustling Main St. is home to many shops and restaurants. Further North along the Delaware River, guests can explore Cochecton and Callicoon in New York and Milanville in Pennsylvania. Head West and take a ride to nearby Honesdale and Hawley, PA. Our team will equip guests with day trip itineraries with activities throughout the area.

On property, guests can spend the afternoon (or early AM) bird-watching in the back meadows; shoot pool in our Billiard Room with a few friends while sipping on local brews or strike up some friendly competition with a round of whiffle ball or corn hole outdoors; enjoy a cocktail & light snacks at the bar or take it to-go and have a picnic on the grounds. And of course, it wouldn't be a Foster Supply property without an indoor wood stove & outdoor bonfire :)

Where did you draw inspiration from for this Hotel design?

As with all Foster Supply hotels, Hotel Darby’s design was led in-house by the group’s co-owner, Kirsten Harlow Foster, and embraces its building’s history. Its design and purpose have been carefully composed to bring the building’s origins into its next chapter. A nod to the building's 1960s roots, the hotel features a playful mid-century modern design with bold pops of oranges and blues against cane woven textures. The bar and common spaces feature custom pieces designed and built on property. The hotel’s 27 rooms range from a mix of King and Queens, as well as suites with connecting bunk rooms - all featuring Bellino Fine Luxury Bed & Bath Linens! All are outfitted with en-suite bathrooms, and most have well-appointed workspaces.

What can guests expect from their stay?

Anchored to 17 acres of land, we encourage guests to explore the local surroundings which includes a private walking trail system for, a large barn outfitted with gear and outdoor games for guests to grab and enjoy at their leisure, and various outdoor gathering spaces including fire pits, gardens and a hammock grove.

Hotel Darby also features a grab & go style dining experience alongside bottled and canned cocktails - perfect for grabbing ahead of a day trip to a nearby town, a hike on the grounds, or lounging in the hammock grove. The menu will focus on Tinned Fish such as Yellowfin Ventresca, Sardinillas, and Boquerones.

Hotel Darby is surrounded by small, local businesses, what are a few of your favorites?

We truly love them all! Like all Foster Supply hotels, the Hotel Darby team offers guests with day trip itineraries detailing activities throughout the area including brewery tours, antique shopping trails and hiking excursions. We're constantly updating them with the latest openings & hidden gems!

What sets Hotel Darby apart from other hotels?

We want our guests to fall in love with this area that we all call home. With Hotel Darby, we hope to offer a place that encourages curiosity, exploration and adventure. It's a place to drop your bags, rest & recharge, and hit the country roads (and rivers).

How do you create a unique and memorable experience for your guests?

Our guest wants to get back to basics. They want simplicity, some space to breathe and a moment or two of slowing down. They also want to be treated like family. Our teams work very hard at making sure we deliver that experience and take care of each and every person that walks through our doors - however long or short their time spent on our properties may be.

What is your favorite Bellino product and how does it add to the guest's experience?

We love the bed linens, and we receive consistent feedback from our guests about how comfy the beds are!

Hotel Darby is the latest addition of your company Foster Supply: can you describe its philosophy in 3 sentences?

Hotel Darby offers a comfortable home base for guests to explore the area and nearby towns throughout Pennsylvania and the Western Catskills in New York State. A place to rest your head after a day's excursions (and we made sure it's extra comfy & cozy so you can recharge for the next day's adventures!).

Your portfolio is rapidly growing, where do you see your company 10 years from now?

Sullivan County is home to us, and we've worked alongside other local businesses in the area to help to drive economic growth over the years. We hope to continue to contribute the same commitment to each new area we become a part of. We have some exciting projects in the pipeline over the next few years including an 80-room hotel featuring a restaurant, bar, spa, and multiple event spaces in the heart of the city of Newburgh, NY. We've also seen growth & tremendous opportunity in the wellness space, and are developing a spa resort in Neversink, NY in the former New Age Health Spa.

Ben Thiele

General Manager of Alila Marea

Ben Thiele, General Manager of Alila Marea

What is the “Alila Experience”?

The hallmark of Alila is the combination of innovative design and crafted luxury in unique locations, set apart by an unprecedented level of personalized hospitality, private spaces and bespoke journeys. Alila Marea Beach Resort is all of this and more.

What can guests expect from a stay here?

Whether riding the consistent ocean waves, biking along the scenic coastline, swimming and bodysurfing, practicing yoga, or simply relaxing and reflecting with a glass of wine, Alila Marea offers an escape that can be as laidback or as active as you choose.

If you had to pick one unique amenity you offer, what would that be?

Simply the access to the ocean. A rare opportunity to sleep to the sound of the waves in understated luxury.

What made you choose Encinitas and such a special location atop a coastal bluff?

Encinitas is a special place. Casual vibes wrapped in warm, elevated comfort create a beautiful balance for our guests.

VAGA, the hotel's restaurant, explores San Diego’s vibrant combination of cultures through the art of native chef Claudette Zepeda: what are the most popular and unique dishes in the menu?

The menu is a love letter to San Diego, often described as internationally fluid. Chef Claudette Zepeda takes her inspiration from the many destinations she’s had the opportunity to visit.

The SPA is a key features of your brand and property: what makes it so special?

One of the many unique features of the spa is the way we tie the southern California locale to the treatments we provide with indigenous touches to treatments and products to connect guests deeper on their journey.

Your beds are dressed with our linen blend, 65% cotton/35% tencel: what made you select this special and innovative product?

When you are welcoming guests into your home, you want every touch to be as comfortable as possible. This product allows guests to feel a bed experience that rivals any linen in the world.

Natural stone, warm woods, clean lines, ocean views: can you talk about the inspiration and design process to create your resort?

Alila Hotels blend seamlessly into its environment, not looking to change the landscape, but to blend and become one.

Marea is the brand’s third US property (first new built) and the 16th worldwide: where do you see Alila in a few years?

Alila will continue to grow throughout the Americas as guests look for unique experiences that leave them with the opportunity to indulge, invigorate, and be inspired.

Jason Reeves

Developer and Owner of Highlander Mountain House

JASON REEVES, DEVELOPER AND OWNER OF HIGHLANDER MOUNTAIN HOUSE

If you could use only 3 words to describe your Highlander Mountain House, what would they be?

Layered, Warm, Soulful.

What makes Highlander Mountain House unique?

It’s a modern take on an English country house hotel transposed into the Southern Appalachian mountains. With a heavy dose of music, art and literature for spice! A place where guests can feel the layers of history.

THE RUFFED GROUSE

Which Bellino product is your favorite?

I love them all but we use the percale linens and the guests consistently rave about them!

How do you unwind after a long day?

Surfing when at the beach or hiking/fly fishing when in the mountains.

Where is your favorite place to spend time at Highlander Mountain House?

In front of the massive wood burning fireplaces- they’re the heartbeat of the hotel.

What is the first thing you do when you wake up?

Kiss my daughter and grab a cup of coffee and a newspaper.

What is currently inspiring you within the travel and hospitality industry?

Smaller more intimate lodging experiences that connect guests to the context of their surroundings.

How did you discover and decide to develop a property in that area (highlands, NC)?

The landscape and the layers of history in the mountains of Western North Carolina totally inspired me. Hospitality to me is pure storytelling and I wanted to share the myriad of compelling influences and stories from this region with our guests.

HIGHLANDER MOUNTAIN HOUSE

As a developer, describe the 3 most important aspects you look for to embark on a new project.

Good bones, Good Location, and Compelling Vision- I can usually feel what I think an older property wants to be and envision how it will be used by the guests. The challenge is making it happen. But my vision is always very vivid to begin with.

Developing a property in a remote location versus a big city: can you describe advantages and disadvantages?

I seek to develop unique destinations within destination markets. And they are always places I want to be whether in the mountains, in a city or at the beach. And my rule of thumb is build the place where you want to stay. So it’s ultimately about trusting in your own taste and experiences.

Avi Brosh

Founder of Palisociety

AVI BROSH, FOUNDER OF PALISOCIETY

How did you decide on Santa Barbara as the location for this new property?

The opportunity presented itself and the building was a great fit for our portfolio of “Palihouse” branded hotels.

Does the building have a unique story or what inspired you to create and manifest it?

Palihouse Santa Barbara was formerly the site of The Santa Barbara School of the Arts.

PALIHOUSE, Santa Barbara

What can guests expect from a stay here?

Palihouse Santa Barbara offers guests an intimate and elegant coastal hideaway in the heart of Santa Barbara’s downtown Historic Presidio Neighborhood.

Offering 24 spirited and handsomely appointed guest Rooms and Suites, all situated amongst a tranquil Mediterranean style courtyard, sparkling pool area and a delightful garden café, cocktail bar and lobby lounge, Palihouse Santa Barbara has been designed to appeal to the most astute tastemakers and discerning travelers.

Infused with timeless traditions and our fêted trusty service, Palihouse Santa Barbara invites guests to experience the heartfelt expressions of a residential-style boutique hotel, without having to compromise on location, style or amenities.

What is one of the most special amenities you offer?

Outside of beautiful Bellino Linens, our guests receive a welcome bottle of Prosecco and we host a complimentary evening Cocktail Hour every Wednesday – Sunday. We also have a unique Honor Bar room, for guests looking for a late-night snack or digestif once the bar is closed. 

You design all hotels internally: what are this one's noteworthy features or products? 

Custom and vintage furnishings and artwork.

Our design for this property is best described as Vintage Preppy meets American-Riviera, featuring a spirited romantic twist and plentiful “Palisociety” flair. Interiors reflect our penchant for mix-matched furnishings consisting of highly-curated new and vintage pieces and special unexpected touches throughout.

For this property, you chose our crispy percale linens: how important are bed and sleep in your vision?

Very important of course!

Can you tell us about the Mediterranean style café?

The Mediterranean-style garden courtyard doubles as the dining area for the hotel’s café, which features an all-day menu and cocktails, beer, and wine.

You have locations in California, Florida, Washington, and soon Oregon, how do they differ from each other?

What is different about them is that they each reflect what is valuable about the communities in which they are located. What is consistent is that they are independent in spirit and each has its own richly textured aesthetic that Palisociety has become known for.

You recently acquired the ARRIVE portfolio, what did you like about the brand and properties?

The properties were wonderfully located and were in markets we were not yet in, so it accelerated our growth.  We were drawn to how welcoming the design and vibe was, and we knew we could provide our operational and branding expertise to improve the performance of the hotels and grow the brand over time.

Where do you see Palisociety in a few years?

To be a leading “neighborhood hotel” brand.

Bashar Wali

Founder of This Assembly & CEO OF Practice Hospitality

BASHAR WALI, FOUNDER OF THIS ASSEMBLY & CEO OF PRACTICE HOSPITALITY

What are your top three must-haves in a hotel?

For me personally? Water pressure, water pressure, water pressure. Seriously. In the sink so I can actually wash my hands, in the shower so I can take a REAL shower and come on, no one (and I mean no one) wants to have to hold down the handle to flush a toilet. There are better ways to save the planet.

What is the first thing you do when you wake up?

Check my phone. I am a social media hound and I’m not ashamed. If you don’t follow me @BasharWali you should. See? Shameless. If I could be connected while I sleep, I would. It’s invaluable in keeping up to date on news, industry trends and what is happening in our world and culture - and I don’t want to miss a thing.

DINING AT HOTEL COLEE

Is there a future for boutique hotel companies or will the usual big brands take their space?

You know, there is a future for independent thinkers. I have said it for years now, in this industry we are a bunch of lemmings, following one another, trying to one up one other. But it has gotten to where the one upping and the out doing, it stopping being about a great stay and stopping being about the guest, it was only about beating out the other guy. Will boutiques ever go away? No, and I certainly hope they don’t. Especially if you are a thoughtful player like Firmdale Hotels that stays above the fray and just does what they do, and does it really well. They aren’t going anywhere.

How did you discover and ultimately join the hospitality industry?

Pure luck. I came here to my beloved United States from Syria at 17 years old for college. The first school that accepted me was (thankfully) Johnson & Wales. I am not a believer in fate or kismet or whatever, but I fell into this industry and fell in love.

ROOFTOP AT HOTEL COLEE

Do you have any nighttime rituals to ensure restful sleep?

I WISH! And in fact, I’m taking suggestions. You can send them to me @BasharWali. (There I go again. Shameless.)

What is the biggest thing you’ve learned from being the president and CEO of Provenance Hotels?

Oh man, how much time do you have? Really the biggest thing is, almost everything is irrelevant without the right people. You can have the best building, with the best rooms in the best city, neighborhood all of that. And it can be sunk before it opens if you don’t have the right people in leading the way. Even if you get those elements right, what if you open the doors with staff that doesn’t care, that doesn’t believe? You aren’t ever going to see real success. It always comes down to investing and involving the people in your vision. They need to have as much pride in what you are doing as you do, or you have lost before you started.

HOTEL COLEE

What motivated you to found The Assembly and Practice Hospitality?

It was time for me to really bring the change I have been preaching in so many interviews to life. And I felt the best way to do that was from the ground up, with the right team, creating something we put part of ourselves in from the beginning.

In your WTF speech, you mentioned that you don’t stay at one hotel more than once. What has been your most unique hotel stay and why?

Unique is relative. And I will tell you why. There is a stay I will always remember, in fact I talk about it often. It was my “Blackish” moment. That day, a desk agent took the time to find a show I like, love, and leave me a note telling me when it is on and tell me what channel. That was unique because in all my travels, even though that didn’t cost them anything, that moved me more than all the amazing décor I’ve seen and all the lovely wine and cheese that has been wasted on me.

HOTEL COLEE

With so much change this year, what advice would you give to someone just starting out in the hospitality industry?

This may sound trite but believe me, it’s not: stick with it. Will this be the last pandemic? I hope so, but this isn’t our first or last trip through the wringer. 9/11, COVID, the Great Recession - we are in a volatile industry. That’s the nature of it and you have to be able to weather the storm. It’s why hotel people are so strong and so resilient.

This pandemic has decimated the hospitality industry but also shown its true essence: strong culture, will to serve, hard work, resiliency, community, kindness. Do you think a new movement will start from this?

Maybe people are just seeing how hotel people have always been. Responsible leaders take care of their people but, no matter who is in charge, people will always take care of each other, that isn’t anything new. There is a certain kind of person that works in hotels for the long haul and they aren’t the kind of people that will turn their back on you. Now if that starts a movement of people being nice to each other, then great, and hey, happy to give the credit to the pandemic or pretty much anyone.

EVENT SPACES AT HOTEL COLEE

Gabriella Khalil

Founder of Palm Heights Grand Cayman

If you could use only 3 words to describe Palm Heights, what would they be?

Inspiring, Paradise, Bespoke

What is something that makes Palm Heights unique?

The hotel has an amazing collection of books and magazines spanning from vintage, 1st editions and rare collectables that cover just about every subject. Guests can relax in the lounge and read or pop over to the bookstore on property called LibraryFetishdotcom and borrow any book throughout their stay.

PALM HEIGHTS - LOUNGE

Which Bellino product is your favorite?

Definitely the bedding. It is amazingly soft but also breathable as the hotel is in the Caribbean it is important to be cozy but also cool.

How do you relax and unwind after a long day?

If I am in Cayman I love to watch the sunset. Every night it is different but always spectacular. It is a beautiful and calming way to wind down.

SEVEN MILE BEACH

Where is your favorite place to spend time at Palm Heights?

I love the hotel beach bar called Coconut Club. It is located directly at the beach and has this amazing travertine bar which faces the water. The ocean view is so vivid and beautiful that sitting there with a cocktail in hand is definitely a highlight for me.

What is the first thing you do when you wake up?

I start every morning with a cup of hot English Breakfast tea and milk. It doesn't matter where I am, this is my go to in the morning.

What is currently inspiring you within the travel and hospitality industry?

I am feeling inspired by seeing the creativity put forth by the hotel industry that has been hit hard by the pandemic this past year. From virtual wellness, to interesting takeout options and various "experiences" for guests to take home until they can travel again, I feel inspired and love to see how hotels are adapting across the board.

What is your favorite design aspect of Palm Heights?

I love the actual design objects which were sourced around the world. There are lots of vintage pieces and furniture which all help tell an authentic and beautiful visual story. The vintage 1970's Ettore Sottsass rug which greets guests when they enter the lobby is one of my favorite pieces at the property.

PALM HEIGHTS - TWO BEDROOM BEACHFRONT TERRACE

With so much change this year, what advice would you give to someone just starting out in the hospitality industry?

I would say to always be creative and ready to adapt. We are living in an ever changing world right now and hospitality is definitely feeling the effects of this. I think that staying creative and coming up with ideas, experiences and an authentic connection to guests makes a big difference.

Where do you see the hospitality industry progressing towards in five years?

I think bespoke wellness will become a larger part of hotel experiences. I also think that people may start to take longer trips once travel resumes again. We have all experienced the pandemic differently but I think that mostly everyone feels that travel and vacation is something to cherish (more than ever before).

PALM HEIGHTS - EXTERIOR

Sara Ruffin Costello

DECORATOR of The Chloe, DESIGNER, WRITER, CREATIVE CONSULTANT

If you could use only 3 words to describe The Chloe, what would they be?

Clubby. Old world. Artistic

What is something that makes The Chloe unique?

Access to what feels like a sprawling private house in New Orleans.

THE CHLOE - PRIVATE DINING

How do you unwind after a long day?

I’ve been making my way through the entire Marvel series with my 9 year old son since the beginning of Covid. Three more to go.

Which Bellino product is your favorite?

The sheets are divine. The embroidery is special. But the towels! WOW!

THE CHLOE - UPTOWN KING ROOM

Where is your favorite place to spend time at The Chloe?

The weather is so nice right now. October and November in New Orleans is exceptional, so without a doubt the front patio.

What is the first thing you do when you wake up?

I wish I could say exercise or meditate - but its check messages and clean the kitchen.

What is currently inspiring you within the travel and hospitality industry?

Just went to Turkey. Drove a boat up to a restaurant called Azur on the bosphorous where we ate seafood with friends under the stars. Charming little unique spot. Not too done. The opposite of a place created from a CAD layout.

How did you discover and ultimately join the hospitality industry?

My friend - Robert Le Blanc - the owner of The Chloe casually asked if I’d do the place. I have never done anything in hospitality before. Always been a dream, and this was the perfect project to get experience

With so much change this year, what advice would you give to someone just starting out in the hospitality industry?

The Chloe is doing something interesting with their staff which is much less than they would have under normal circumstances. With the limited number of people, everyone is doing everything. Servers are dishwashers and bed makers. It’s kind of like how you operate at your own house!!! It works too! Everyone feels intimately involved with the place.

THE CHLOE - AVENUE KING

Michelle Walder

General Manager at the nomad hotel new york

If you could use only 3 words to describe The NoMad Hotel, what would they be?

Mysterious, enchanting, timeless.

What makes The NoMad unique?

The Nomad Team that brings the building to life. We also always let the guest lead the experience which is unique in terms of style of service.

THE NOMAD NYC - DINING

Which Bellino product is your favorite? 

They make the best duvet covers!  Growing up in a Swiss family, I have a slight obsession with high quality bedding, especially Duvet covers.

How do you unwind after a long day?

I love taking a nice long walk with my rescue pup, Giuseppe after work. It’s always a moment that reminds me to be present and focus on the moment.

THE NOMAD NYC - GRANDE

Where is your favorite place to spend time at The NoMad?

Honestly, this might be an expected answer, but the Library is so special to me.  The room oozes grace and elegance and transforms you to another time as soon as you sit down.  The shelves are lined with real books of history, stories, recipes, philosophy etc and the furniture and carpets are all antique and tell their own stories. The room just always makes think of the ecosystem of work and stories that are in that one single space and its inspiring. 

What is the first thing you do when you wake up?

I make and drink celery juice, followed by Green tea.

THE NOMAD NYC - LIBRARY

What is currently inspiring you within the travel and hospitality industry?

The creativity that the hospitality industry, especially the restaurant industry, has shown during the pandemic has been very inspiring.  The beauty of our industry is that we are quite used to adapting and pivoting and are not afraid to roll up our sleeves to get work done.  The ideas and quick thinking that came out of the worst times of this pandemic are really very inspiring to me and I think the industry should be very proud of that.

How did you discover and ultimately join the hospitality industry? 

Hospitality was somewhat of a family-industry so I began working for my family’s restaurant and hotel at the age of 13 and my older sister, who is now a GM as well, had a huge influence on me to work in the industry. I tried to step away a few times early on in my career, but quickly realized that I love the ability to help people and serve others, even in the smallest of ways.  That instant gratification and ability to impact others, is very addicting.

THE NOMAD NYC - CLASSIC

With so much change this year, what advice would you give to someone just starting out in the hospitality industry? 

 Stay open minded and be flexible in your career now more than ever.  The most successful people I have witnessed during this very difficult time, are those that are willing to work any job and do whatever it takes for the good of the team and the company.  Whether you were trained for a job or not, show determination to learn it and help.  Those that have a job in hospitality right now will have an invaluable experience of working through this pandemic that will help you be a better manager in the future. Also, do not be afraid to join other industries for the time being even if you did not originally plan on that trajectory.  Every industry has elements that you can apply once you are back in Hospitality and therefore is valuable.

We know you are launching your own clever start up: can you tell us about it?

Yes! I have been working on a user-friendly website called the C-Card. The website is for Cancer patients and their caregivers to access discounted rates at trusted Hotels in cities with the largest cancer centers.  Having gone through my own two cancer experiences, I very quickly learned that the expenses that are incurred by patients just simply to travel to hospitals are unbelievably high. There are some great charity housing locations available, but the application is an extensive process. This website, called the C-Card, makes it a much quicker process and will hopefully help a lot of patients and their families 

THE NOMAD NYC - CUPOLA

Gregory Day

GENERAL MANAGER AT THE MALIBU BEACH INN

If you could use only 3 words to describe Malibu Beach Inn, what would they be?

It’s really just two:  Barefoot Luxury

What is something that makes Malibu Beach Inn unique?

Our size and proximity to the water.  There are lots of boutique hotels, so ‘size’ may seem a pedestrian comment, but when you add the guest-to-staff ratio we provide, the intimacy and personal attention to detail are, we believe, second to none.  We are also unique in our proximity to the ocean.  No hotel in all of southern California is directly on the water like we are.  Many of course have beautiful ocean views and some are even ‘on the beach’.  However to be directly on the water (so close that the direct stairway access to the beach can be 30% covered during high tide), is a competitive advantage we (and of course our guests) enjoy.  Also, every room has an ocean view, which, let’s face it, is why you want to stay at a hotel at the beach.

MALIBU BEACH INN - BACK PATIO

Which Bellino product is your favorite?

The bed linens are what do it for me.  The weight is perfect.

How do you unwind after a long day?

It depends on the day!  Usually it is with my family with a nice bottle of wine, and or my favorite cocktail (a Negroni).

MALIBU BEACH INN - KING PREMIER OCEAN FRONT

Where is your favorite place to spend time at Malibu Beach Inn?

On the oceanfront terrace with a glass of Rumors Rosé watching the waves crash In whilst our guests relax on the sun loungers.  To see the Whales and Dolphins playing in the distance; It’s transformative.

What is the first thing you do when you wake up?

Lately I hit the snooze button (truthfully more than once).  But once I get up and moving, I will do my morning workout with Peloton.

MALIBU BEACH INN - OCEANFRONT

What is currently inspiring you within the travel and hospitality industry?

During the pandemic, it has been the camaraderie between hoteliers and travel advisors, and to a degree even the guests.  Let’s face it, nothing is as it was; we have all had to adapt; to help each other.

How did you discover and ultimately join the hospitality industry?

A total accident.  I was at a New Year’s day house party; There was alcohol involved, and the next thing I knew, Monday, I was in a hotel manager’s office talking about becoming the assistant manager in the hotel’s coffee shop.  That was over 30 years ago.  I suppose overall it has worked out well; which is good because I have no other skill set at this point.

With so much change this year, what advice would you give to someone just starting out in the hospitality industry?

It’s a wonderful industry; A wonderful community.  It is hard work, but if you enjoy people, and in particular pleasing people; Creating memories, you will never really work a day in your career.

MALIBU BEACH INN - SPA