25hours Hotels’ Post

Diletta Guarino, GM of Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas Zighy Bay, shares key leadership lessons from her 20-year luxury hospitality career. Joining Six Senses in 2021, Guarino emphasises the importance of diversity, authenticity, and continuous innovation in leadership. She values diverse teams and authentic leadership to enhance guest experiences and employee engagement.  "At Six Senses Zighy Bay, we redefine luxury by crafting experiences that allow guests to break free from the bustle of their daily lives, rediscover themselves, forge meaningful connections, and immerse themselves in nature. I’ve come to realise that luxury isn’t solely about extravagant opulence,” Guarino shared. She integrates nature into resort operations, from farm-to-table dining to wellness activities, and stresses sustainability as a core responsibility, with initiatives like coral restoration and local community projects.  Explore her insights further: https://lnkd.in/d8WVR-W5 #hospitality #hotels #luxury #generalmanager #management #leadership #sustainability #wellness #resorts #operations #talent #guestexperiences

Most people don't realize this, heck, most Marriott International hoteliers have barely heard about this, but there is a so called SECRET tier of Marriott Bonvoy called 'COBALT'!!Now obviously, it ain't much of a secret because the information is out there if one wants to find, but its strictly an Invitation only status, just like American Airlines 'Concierge Key', Delta Air Lines 'Delta 360' and United Airlines 'United Global services' which are all invite only!!The only other Invite program that I am aware of in the Hotel space is Hyatt Hotels Corporation 'Courtesy Card'. Now, how does Cobalt status of Marriott Hotels work? Let's go back in History before bonvoy was created. It started as the vestige of the erstwhile Ritz Carlton Rewards of the The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. where there was an invite only Cobalt status. Also, Marriott rewards back then had a special status called 'Platinum Five Star' which you could get only at the behest of JW Marriott Jr a.k.a Bill Marriott himself. After the merger with Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc., rumor has it they planned to have an official Cobalt status but chose to keep it a secret status, again, only issued by none other than Anthony Capuano himself. The obvious question is, what does this Status entail? Meaning, what are the benefits? I saw some rubrics, and it seems, the person gets all the Ambassador benefits plus two core items. - Complimentary access to Club lounge in Ritz - Meet and greet with the General Manager That's rather disappointing because as the World's Greatest Ambassador elite, I Ivin Oommen already get complimentary access to Club Lounges in Ritz on account of my incredible loyalty and I meet the GM of any property I stay unless I don't specifically want to. There was no GM at the time I was staying in The Ritz-Carlton Jakarta, Mega Kuningan, But I met the GM of Sheraton Hotels & Resorts Colombo, Courtyard by Marriott Colombo and Fairfield by Marriott Mumbai International Airport in 2024. Again, in true Marriott fashion, I feel they are shortchanging this cobalt status. I have made no secret of the fact over the years that even Ambassadors are getting the short end of the stick and there needs to be so much more done to elevate it. ( Wrote an entire article on how to improve Ambassador status) The question I have is, how many Cobalt members are there? In all the articles I have read, no one seems to know anyone. But I have heard of a few checking in. It is indeed very rare and discreet. Would I like to become COBALT? Without a question!! Do I think it has the appropriate benefits? Hell No!!Haha. But I would still like to scale the mountain so to speak. Tony, there is no one loyal to Marriott more than myself, My Birthday is in less than a month, 29th April. Cobalt status would be a nice Birthday gift, wouldn't you say? Though technically, I already have all the Cobalt benefits, but it would be nice to officially have a status that is rare & invitation only

Today, Equinox Hotels CEO Chris Norton shows us how to design and deliver timeless hospitality: https://lnkd.in/g_22nf9S A few takeaways from our conversation: Embrace Timelessness and Technology: Balance the timeless aspects of hospitality, such as a warm welcome and a comfortable bed, with the efficient use of technology to streamline the travel experience. Focus on Human Interaction: Despite technological advancements, simple interactions and personalized guest experiences remain foundational to hospitality. Hospitality is a People-Based Business: Recognize that hospitality is a people-based industry, and success is fundamentally tied to how well you treat and lead your people. Diverse Experiences, Common Humanity: Understand that whether it's a train ride or a stay in a luxury hotel, the common thread that ties all great hospitality experiences is humanity and the way human connection makes guests feel special. Adapt to Guest Preferences: Know your guests' preferences and tailor their experience accordingly, avoiding overindulgence in favor of meaningful, personalized gestures. Celebrate Craftsmanship: This applies not only to physical goods but also to the crafting of guest experiences, ensuring they are thoughtful and relevant. The Best Luxury Isn't Wasteful: Luxury and excellence are increasingly defined by rarity and thoughtfulness rather than extravagance. Focus on crafting experiences that are relevant and masterfully executed without unnecessary waste. 🎧 Listen to Chris talk more about all of this today on the Hospitality Daily Podcast on Spotify or Apple Podcasts -- If you enjoyed this... 1) Leave a comment below on what stood out to you from this 2) Share this with your network 3) Follow Hospitality Daily here on LinkedIn so you don't miss more stories like this Thanks! - Josiah

Finance training today, with the emphasis on hospitality

Location📍 Location📍 Location📍 Which Hotel Is This? 😄😄 😏😏Leave A Guess In The Comment Section #tembeakenya #digitalnomadskenya #digitalnomadlife #digitalnomadslifestyle #digitalnomad #remotework #remoteworkkenya #47counties47months

Hilton Georgetown and DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Georgetown signify Hilton’s introduction in the country

People on the Move: Kempinski Hotels has announced new roles for two of its COOs, Xavier Destribats and Timur Sentuerk. Read about these and other recent moves in the hospitality industry: #HOTELS #hotelnews #hospitality #hospitalityindustry #hotelindustry #lodgingindustry #people #appointments

🏨📺 Step into the enchanting world of "The Grand Budapest Hotel," where the art of hospitality is elevated to a symphony of charm, grace, and impeccable service. This cinematic masterpiece, directed by Wes Anderson, not only captivates audiences with its whimsical storytelling but also imparts valuable lessons on the essence of true hospitality. Attention to Detail: In the meticulously crafted world of the Grand Budapest Hotel, no detail is too small to escape notice. From the arrangement of flowers to the placement of silverware, the film emphasizes the importance of meticulous attention to detail. This lesson reminds us that genuine hospitality lies in the commitment to creating an immersive and unforgettable experience for guests. Building Lasting Connections: The film revolves around the enduring friendship between the concierge, M. Gustave, and his protégé, Zero. Their camaraderie and shared dedication to the hotel symbolize the significance of building lasting connections with both colleagues and guests. True hospitality extends beyond the transactional and embraces the warmth of authentic relationships. Adaptability and Resourcefulness: As the characters navigate a series of unexpected events, the Grand Budapest Hotel teaches us the value of adaptability and resourcefulness in the face of challenges. In the realm of hospitality, unforeseen circumstances are inevitable, and the ability to gracefully navigate them contributes to the overall guest experience. Embracing Diversity: The hotel is a melting pot of eccentric characters, each contributing to the rich tapestry of the story. This diversity serves as a reminder that hospitality is for everyone, regardless of background, and embracing diversity enhances the richness of the guest experience. Elevating the Ordinary to Extraordinary: The Grand Budapest Hotel transforms mundane moments into magical experiences. Whether it's a simple conversation or the serving of a pastry, the film teaches us that elevating the ordinary to the extraordinary requires a genuine passion for making every guest feel special. The Personal Touch: M. Gustave's personalized approach to guest interactions reflects the importance of the personal touch in hospitality. Remembering a guest's preferences, anticipating their needs, and addressing them by name creates a sense of individualized care that goes beyond standard service. In conclusion, "The Grand Budapest Hotel" isn't just a visual feast; it's a masterclass in hospitality. By weaving these lessons into the fabric of our own interactions, we can aspire to create memorable experiences that leave a lasting impression on those we serve. So, whether you're in the hospitality industry or simply appreciating the film, let the Grand Budapest Hotel be your guide to the art of gracious living and service. #grandbudapesthotel #hospitality #hotel #resort #guestexperience #justforfun #fridayfunnies #therevenuecrew

Unlocking the Local Essence: Transforming Hotel Stays into Cultural Masterclasses   In the ever-evolving hospitality landscape, the latest trend that’s cooking up quite the storm involves hotels offering immersive experiences that go beyond the traditional stay. Imagine checking into your favorite hotel and discovering that your itinerary includes cooking classes with renowned local chefs or exclusive sessions with area artists and musicians. This innovative approach not only enriches the guest experience but also provides a deep dive into the cultural fabric of the region.   Let’s break down the benefits:   Culinary Adventures: Guests have the unique opportunity to learn about regional cuisine firsthand. By engaging with local chefs, they gain the skills to recreate these dishes at home, turning their travels into lasting culinary memories.   Artistic Engagements: Collaborations with local artists and musicians allow guests to experience the creative pulse of the area. These exclusive encounters can include anything from art workshops to intimate musical performances, offering a glimpse into the cultural heartbeat of the destination.   Cultural Connection: These personalized experiences foster a deeper connection with the locale, transforming each visit into a journey of discovery. Guests leave with more than just photos—they carry stories and skills that resonate long after their trip.   As hotels pivot to these experiential offerings, they are setting a new standard for luxury and engagement. This trend not only enhances guest satisfaction but also supports local communities by spotlighting their talents and traditions. For hospitality professionals eager to stay ahead, embracing this shift could be the key to unlocking unparalleled guest loyalty and enriching the travel experience in ways previously unimagined.   In a world where experiences are the new currency, these transformative endeavors are sure to make a lasting impression. How will your establishment rise to the occasion? #NorthDakota #SDjobs #SouthDakota #MTjobs #Montana #WYjobs #Wyoming #GeckoHospitality #WereHiring #LetGoAndLetGecko #GrowYourBusiness #Business #RecruitmentAgency #NowHiring #restaurant #foodservice #opportunity #hoteliers #hotelmanagement  

Which hoteliers exude the very definition of hospitality to you? It’s a thought I had whilst catching up over coffee yesterday with the always warm and lovely, Charla Forinton at Brown's Hotel, a Rocco Forte Hotel in Mayfair. As she updated me on all the latest exciting news at Rocco Forte Hotels, I was reminded of of the time that Sir Rocco’s sister Olga Polizzi hosted a garden party for an intimate gathering of guests at her central London home. I’ve been very privileged to have attended intimate gatherings at the homes of Izzy Sharpe, Founder & Chairman of Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts, and the late & great Sir William Hastings, more well known as Billy, founder of Hastings Hotels. HOSPITALITY IN THEIR BLOOD Hoteliers who extend unique invites for guests to visit their homes simply exude hospitality. There are some values & attributes that such events communicate about the hotelier: 1️⃣ Personal touch - A hotel is a business, but our homes are our sanctuary and only close family & friends usually get invited in. For hoteliers to invite select groups of guests to enjoy hospitality at their home shows a deeper level of appreciate and helps foster connections. I’ve long felt a greater warmth and connection to Rocco Forte Hotels, Hastings Hotels, and Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts as a result of those grand gestures & experiences. 2️⃣ Going the Extra Mile - It’s a show of appreciation by the hotelier because it indicates a willingness to invest time & effort into hosting you and making you feel welcome in their personal space. 3️⃣ Relaxed - The home environment is less formal and much more relaxed than your typical hotel setting, so it helps facilitate more relaxed & authentic conversations that help build relationships. 4️⃣ Exclusivity - It’s always nice when someone makes you feel special and being invited to a hoteliers home makes you feel part of an inner circle, an exclusive club, where you have been recognised as providing value. Have you had such an experience in your industry and what else would you add to this list? 💡 This commitment to hospitality illustrated to me the high standards of service that could be expected for guests at each of these hotel groups. And, it just so happens I've never had less than exemplary service with any of these brands. #hotels #creative #personalservice