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.