Practice Hospitality https://www.practicehospitality.com/ Partner and Vice President of Brand + Development Kate Buska guests on A HOTEL PODCAST to share insights into the hospitality firm's individualized approach to hotel management. Buska also speaks on two standout properties from the agency's portfolio, Flagstaff, AZ retro roadside destination Americana Motor Hotel https://www.americanamotorhotel.com/ and Oregon coastal escape The Drifthaven at Gearhart https://www.thedrifthaven.com/.
A HOTEL PODCAST host Jaime Black checks in with Brent Hall, Director Of Sales & Marketing at The Alexander https://www.thealexander.com/, about the hotel's extensive art collection that extends throughout the property. Hall shares insights about a number of The Alexander's most prominent installations, including flying birds made out of vinyl records found in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. The Director Of Sales & Marketing also details the hotel's beehive-based sustainability efforts and shares his picks for a first time visit to Indianapolis.
A HOTEL PODCAST visits The LaSalle Chicago https://thelasallechicago.com/ to connect with hotel GM Stefan Gruvberger. The General Manager speaks on the hotel's mission to provide time as a luxury to its guests. Gruvberger also details The LaSalle's wellness https://thelasallechicago.com/wellness/-focused offerings like yoga and meditation, as well as Grill On 21 https://www.grillon21.com/'s sustainability efforts across their menu. Finally, the GM credits the hotel team for the property's designation as https://mlchicagosocial.com/best-of-chicago-2023's Best New Hotel https://mlchicagosocial.com/best-of-chicago-2023 in 2023.
A HOTEL PODCAST connects with Dr. Vanja Bogicevic https://www.sps.nyu.edu/homepage/academics/faculty-directory/20535-vanja-bogicevic.html, Clinical Associate Professor of Hospitality Marketing at NYU https://www.nyu.edu/'s Jonathan M. Tisch Center of Hospitality https://www.sps.nyu.edu/homepage/academics/divisions-and-departments/jonathan-m--tisch-center-of-hospitality.html. Dr. Bogicevic speaks on the mission of the Tisch Center of Hospitality, and how the division of NYU https://www.nyu.edu/'s School of Professional Studies https://www.sps.nyu.edu/ utilizes emerging tech, professional mentors, and entrepreneurial projects to educate the next generation of hospitality industry leaders. She also delves into her role heading up the Hospitality Innovation Hub Experiential Learning Lab (HI Hub Lab) https://www.sps.nyu.edu/homepage/academics/divisions-and-departments/jonathan-m--tisch-center-of-hospitality/hospitality-innovation-hub/learning-lab.html, an academic facility that provides students with opportunities to connect with thought leaders from the hospitality industry, and more.
visits Short Stories Hotel in West Hollywood, CA, where Leo Grifka, Owner and CEO at real estate development companyGrifka Group https://grifkagroup.com/, gives Jaime Black the story behind the boutique property. Grifka tells the story of developing and opening Short Stories Hotel at the former site of the Farmer's Daughter Hotel. The hotelier also details why a personalized hospitality experience for all guests is a priority for Short Stories in an age of ever-increasing automation.
Jeremy Selman, Principal at asset management companyHN Capital Partners https://hncapitalpartners.com/, guests on . Selman details the history behind LA's Hotel Per La https://www.hotelperla.com/, including the building's earliest days as the Bank of Italy and then the Bank of America a century ago. The hotelier also shares how 649 S Olive St pivoted from NoMad Los Angeles to its current Hotel Per La identity, and reveals his ambition for the property to be the hotel of Downtown Los Angeles.
In one of two interviews recorded at the Waldorf Astoria Chicago https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/chiwawa-waldorf-astoria-chicago/, KTGY https://ktgy.com/ Simeone Deary Design Group https://www.simeonedeary.com/ Senior Interior Design Manager Jessica Alexander tells A HOTEL PODCAST about the design firm's work on the luxury Chicago property, and how it was a return given the agency's history with the property. Alexander details renovation efforts ranging from the hotel's rooms and suites to the F&B offerings https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/chiwawa-waldorf-astoria-chicago/dining/ like the new Peacock Lounge and the return of beloved Gold Coast institution Bernard’s https://bernardschicago.com/,
In one of two interviews recorded at the Waldorf Astoria Chicago https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/chiwawa-waldorf-astoria-chicago/, Catie Walsh, Director of Sales & Marketing at the hotel, speaks about the recent renovations to the hotel, done by KTGY https://ktgy.com/ Simeone Deary Design Group https://www.simeonedeary.com/. Walsh also shares how the hotel's courtyard is like a private escape from the city, and details how the Waldorf Astoria Chicago celebrates the holidays.
A HOTEL PODCAST travels to West Hollywood for the rockstar experience at Hotel Ziggy https://hotelziggy.com/. Hotel manager Chance Reno speaks on the influence of the legendary Sunset Strip on the hotel, from the decor of lobby and guest rooms to the hotel hosting live performances with emerging artists to providing guests with guitars and other instruments they can play while on property. Reno also reveals how his previous experience with the Four Seasons impacts his approach to professional hospitality in the present while also emphasizing individuality among the Hotel Ziggy staff.
In an interview recorded at the Waldorf Astoria Chicago https://www.waldorfastoriachicagohotel.com/, Stefanie Hajer, Creative Brand Director, Interiors at KTGY https://ktgy.com/ Simeone Deary Design Group https://www.simeonedeary.com/, talks to about a number of the firm's hospitality projects. Hajer delves into the stories behind branding for projects like Detroit Foundation Hotel https://detroitfoundationhotel.com/ and the forthcoming Louisville Tribute Marriott, as well as restaurant concepts Basan https://basandetroit.com/, Revel Steak https://www.motorcitycasino.com/RevelSteak.aspx, and Kindling https://www.kindlingchicago.com/.
In the second of two interviews recorded at the InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile https://www.icchicagohotel.com/, Alexandra LaLoggia, Director of Sales & Marketing at the hotel, checks in with to talk about the past, present, and future of the InterContinental. LaLoggia shares insights into the storied history of the property at 505 N. Michigan Avenue in Chicago. From the building's prohibition-era time as the Medinah Athletic Club to the regal junior-size Olympic pool to the time capsule still embedded in the hotel's exterior today. She also speaks on how the hotel's history informs both the recent renovations by KTGY https://ktgy.com/ Simeone Deary Design Group https://www.simeonedeary.com/ and the guest experience in the present.
In the first of two interviews recorded at the InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile https://www.icchicagohotel.com/, Sara Talleux, Associate Principal @ KTGY https://ktgy.com/Simeone Deary Design Group https://www.simeonedeary.com/, talks to about the agency's recent renovation work on the InterContinental. Talleux speaks on incorporating a "Mediterranean Melange" into the hotel's design work, drawing on a mix of Moorish, Greek, Turkish, Persian, and Celtic influences in the renovation. She also speaks on KTGY Simeone Deary Design Group’s work with other hotel properties, including the Thompson Austin Hotel, https://www.hyatt.com/thompson-hotels/austh-thompson-austinThe St. Regis Chicago https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/chixr-the-st-regis-chicago/overview/, and Crossroads Hotel https://crossroadshotelkc.com/ in Kansas City, MO.
Check into LondonHouse https://londonhousechicago.com/ in Chicago when General Manager Juan Leyva and Director of Sales and Marketing Don Barnett guest on A HOTEL PODCAST https://ahotelpodcast.substack.com/. The LondonHouse leads share their respective career journeys that brought them to the hotel and delve into the hotel's extensive history, going all the way back to the founding of Chicago. Barnett and Leyva also talk about LondonHouse's impressive rooftop lounge https://londonhousechicago.com/rooftop/, specialized amenities in the hotel's rooms, and more.
Ron Swidler, Chief Innovation Officer at The Gettys Group https://www.gettys.com/, guests on A HOTEL PODCAST for a wide ranging interview on all things hospitality. The CIO reveals how he first joined the hotel branding, design, development, and procurement agency, and shares insights on notable portfolio projects, including the Bellagio in Las Vegas and the Tribune Tower in Chicago. Swidler also delves into the Hotel of Tomorrow Project https://hotel-of-tomorrow.com/, and shares how the think tank of hospitality professionals are looking at technologies like AI, VR, AR, and more.
Joyce Kiehl, Director of Communications at Visit Greater Palm Springs https://www.visitgreaterpalmsprings.com/, and Nina Ruggiero, Digital Editorial Director at Travel + Leisure https://www.travelandleisure.com/ and co-founder of Be A Travel Writer https://www.beatravelwriter.com/, guest on A HOTEL PODCAST to talk about the Meet The Mentors https://www.visitgreaterpalmsprings.com/press-releases/post/visit-greater-palm-springs-launches-meet-the-mentors-program-for-aspiring-travel-writers/ program. The experience happens this month in Greater Palm Springs, with aspiring writers being paired with travel industry professionals for an in the field journalism experience. Kiehl speaks on the origins and objectives of the Meet The Mentors concept, and shares insights into the reality of Greater Palm Springs beyond the Instagram aesthetic. Ruggiero explains the benefit of developing a niche as a travel journalist, and reveals the types of teachings and takeaways available in her Be A Travel Writer course.
Zoltan Payerli guests on A HOTEL PODCAST to talk about the The Emily Hotel https://emilyhotel.com/ in Chicago's in demand Fulton Market neighborhood. The General Manager speaks on The Emily's ambition to be a place for all, and how being one of Chicago's only independent hotels connects to that goal. Payerli also shares his views on managing a property in one of the city's top F&B neighborhoods, and details the hotel's partnership with the Rooftop Cinema Club https://rooftopcinemaclub.com/chicago/venue/fulton-market/.
The Siren Hotel https://www.ash.world/hotels/the-siren/'s GM, Mary Beth Bennett, guests on A HOTEL PODCAST https://ahotelpodcast.substack.com/ to delve into the past and present of the downtown Detroit property. Bennett details the hotel's history as the Wurlitzer Building nearly a century ago, and fills in the different eras that brought the property to the present as the Siren Hotel. The GM also speaks on the Siren's F&B options, and emphasizes the importance of building authentic relationships and partnerships with Detroit’s creative communities.
Outbound Hotels https://www.outboundhotels.com/' Head of Marketing Bridget Russo and outdoor experiential company Kinsfield https://www.linkedin.com/company/kinsfield/about/'s Co-Founder Mike Raspatello guest on A HOTEL PODCAST https://ahotelpodcast.substack.com/ to discuss the Outbound Music Series https://www.outboundmusicseries.com/, which brings indie artist Andrew Bird https://www.andrewbird.net/ to Outbound properties in California https://www.thesierranevadaresort.com/ and Wyoming https://www.virginianlodge.com/ this September. Russo and Raspatello also discuss the importance of experiential hospitality and live events, the focus on connecting with the communities around each Outbound property, and more.
A HOTEL PODCAST https://ahotelpodcast.substack.com/ kicks off with two interviews focused on the Angad Arts Hotel https://www.angadartshotel.com/ in St. Louis! Jenna Phillips, the hotel's Director Of Sales & Marketing, guests on AHP to speak on the Angad Art Hotel's art-centric identity and social media branding. The marketing specialist also details how Angad Arts Hotel connects to the culture-focused Grand Center Arts District neighborhood in St. Louis, and speaks on the various formats of art installations that can be found throughout the hotel.
A HOTEL PODCAST https://ahotelpodcast.substack.com/ kicks off with two interviews focused on the Angad Arts Hotel https://www.angadartshotel.com/ in St. Louis! On this episode, Arts Relations Manager Vanessa Rudloff speaks about her work connecting with artists to showcase their work at the hotel, revealing how she turns the entirety of the hotel into a gallery experience. She also delves into the hotel’s Biannual exhibit https://www.angadartshotel.com/event/eighth-biannual/, which kicked off this spring and brings over thirty art pieces from almost as many artists to all corners of the hotel’s twelfth floor.
A HOTEL PODCAST is a new digital series from Dynasty Podcasts https://dynastypodcasts.substack.com/, which has been producing podcasts, live streams, events, and more since 2005. The series will feature podcast interviews with innovators in the hotel and hospitality industries, in addition to offering visuals showcasing unique properties, including hotels, motels, campgrounds, homestays, and more. AHP will launch its first season on Wednesday, July 12th, with a feature on the Angad Arts Hotel https://www.angadartshotel.com/ in St. Louis. Subsequent episodes will showcase The Siren Hotel https://www.ash.world/hotels/the-siren/ in Detroit, Outbound Hotels https://www.outboundhotels.com/ in Mammoth Lakes, CA and Jackson Hole, WY, and more. Weekly podcast episodes will be available on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-hotel-podcast/id1503443215, Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/4WD4cYac9EOSUqDalDhu01?si=e321fbf02f4e4dd1&nd=1, and all other podcast platforms. Additionally, visual content will be found on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ahotelpodcast/, TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@ahotelpodcast, and YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@ahotelpodcast. Dynasty Podcasts previously launched a hotel-focused podcast series called Key Learnings in early 2020. The unexpected pandemic unfortunately grounded that launch a few episodes in, due to everything - including travel - shutting down that year. You can listen to the Key Learnings season of the podcast @ KeyLearningsPodcast.com https://www.keylearningspodcast.com/ And look for A HOTEL PODCAST to launch weekly episodes, videos, and more on Wednesday, July 12th @ AHotelPodcast.com https://ahotelpodcast.substack.com/
Dynasty Podcasts' hotel and hospitality industry podcast series Key Learnings returns from its pandemic hiatus in advance of a new season this coming summer 2021! In this first episode back, host Jaime Black checks in with Clayton de la Chapelle, Co-Founder at Alias Creative, a strategic creative agency that manages and protects brand driven concepts, and Partner at The Music Trust, who provide sonic identity & creative in hospitality, nightlife, lifestyle, & events. The hotel and nightlife veteran talks about how the pandemic shutdown of travel and nightlife affected his work in both spaces, and shares how he used the past year to retool his approach to hospitality work. de la Chapelle also shares his thoughts on what comes next for the hotel and hospitality industries, and how the nightlife and entertainment experience in the hospitality space will be changed going forward.
In February of this year, Key Learnings host Jaime Black heads to Chicago’s Wrigleyville neighborhood, to speak with Hotel Zachary General Manager Anna Anderson. The GM speaks about Hotel Zachary’s relationship with the Wrigleyville neighborhood, located directly across the street from the iconic Wrigley Field. Anderson speaks about the widespread influence of the hotel’s namesake, Zachary Taylor Davis, whose resumes includes architecting Wrigley Field. She also discusses the hotel’s numerous and notable F&B options on property, and the importance of community in everything the hotel does.
Lianne Hedditch, the VP of Chicago's Heron Agency, joins Jaime Black on the Key Learnings podcast. A Chicago-based PR and marketing agency that specializes in the hospitality industries, Heron Agency is celebrating their 20th year in business in 2020. Hedditch speaks about the company's focus on digital and visual storytelling around the properties they work with, as well as revealing why promotional live events are still crucial during the digital age. The VP also shares her thoughts on notable Heron Agency client properties, including theWit Hotel, The Westin Nashville, and Le Méridien Chicago, Oakbrook Center.
Jaime Black visits Rosemont, IL, for an interview with Micaela Haas, General Manager of The Rose Hotel. Haas details the artistic focus of The Rose Hotel, from zebra-striped mannequins in the lobby to light-up umbrellas that hang from the ceiling and change color and more. The GM also reveals what distinguishes a Hilton Tapestry Collection property, and shares how the hotel can serve as an unexpected surprise for travelers looking for lodging near O'Hare Airport.
In an interview recorded at BLVD in Chicago, Studio K Creative founder Karen Herold joins the Key Learnings podcast. Herold speaks to host Jaime Black about making a career out of design work for hospitality brands. She also delves into the origins of her Studio K Creative agency, and reflects on her work with properties like BLVD, Hotel Zachary, and more. Hosted by Jaime Black Video production by Madison Keenan https://www.madisonekeenan.com
On the opening day of the new 21c Museum Hotel Chicago - MGallery, Key Learnings host Jaime Black sits down with 21c Museum Hotels COO Sarah Robbins. Robbins speaks on the beginnings of the 21c Museum Hotels concept, and why art is so central to the hotel chain's identity. She also shares how both guests and casual visitors can access and enjoy the art offerings at the Chicago hotel, and discusses the role of 21c Museum Hotels in emerging and artist community-focused cities across the Midwest. Hosted by Jaime Black http://keylearningspodcast.com Video production by Madison Keenan https://www.madisonekeenan.com
Welcome to Key Learnings, a podcast about the hospitality industry, from hotels and motels, to suites and boutiques. Hosted by Jaime Black. In the inaugural episode, Black travels to South Haven, MI, to connect with Irene Wood, founder and manager at The Fields of Michigan, an upscale camping destination on a gorgeous blueberry farm. Wood discusses on the the guest experience of staying at The Fields, speaking on how the campground mixes upscale amenities like high end bedding and in-tent showers, with opportunities to connect with nature. She also reveals the work that goes into managing a campground, and shares why the farm experience is so important to the identity of The Fields. Hosted by Jaime Black http://keylearningspodcast.com Video production by Madison Keenan https://www.madisonekeenan.com