Special RepoRt : Change Makers ones who read their guests and really go out of their way to get more than just a stay and make it an experience ,” he says . Communicating with guests prior to arrival is especially important for understanding and ultimately exceeding expectations . “ Luxury isn ’ t necessarily brick and mortar . Everyone has their own definitions of luxury , and guests will determine what luxury is to them .”
Moving to Rhode Island to join Ocean House was a relatively easy decision for Hostettler , who says working in New England was on his professional bucket list . “ New England had a long history
Guest suite at the Ocean House of hospitality and wonderful hotels ,” he says . “ It ’ s a bit more formal than the West Coast where I grew up and worked for so long . The small coastal community is very Norman Rockwell-esque . It ' s a wonderful place to have a family and raise children .”
Hostettler says his biggest obstacle is recruiting the right team members . “ Finding those good people that want to dedicate themselves to a lifestyle and not just a job has been a challenge in every property I have managed , and it is no different here ,” he explains . “ At this level of luxury , you have to be unrelenting . I
HOSTETTLEr fiLE
OcEan HOuSE cOncEpT : resorts pay tribute to history while offering exceptional personal experiences for guests , members and residents .
pipELinE : Ocean House Management ' s open properties consist of Ocean House . Weekapaug inn and Watch Hill inn , all in rhode island . The Spicer Mansion in Mystic , connecticut , is scheduled to open in May .
HOSTETTLEr ' S WOrk pHiLOSOpHy : This is a 24 / 7 / 365 job . it ’ s a lifestyle decision for your entire family , especially at higher levels at luxury properties . you have to put in a lot of time and it has to be something that you love .
sometimes say that I am demanding of perfection and settle for excellence . You have to raise the bar so that people aren ’ t just checking the box and saying they have done their jobs .”
Hostettler is overseeing the final renovations and upcoming opening of the Spicer Mansion in Mystic , Connecticut , scheduled to open in May . The boutique property pays tribute to Victorian-era architecture and will include eight guestrooms designed to resemble a sprawling estate , a fine dining restaurant and exclusive bar featuring a premium cigar lounge and rare rye whiskeys .
Ocean House Management is also adding office space off property to support growing reservations and sales teams , but Hostettler is determined to stay put . “ That ’ s the last place I would move into ,” he says . “ Regardless of how large we grow as a company , I can ’ t imagine not having my offices in the hotel and not seeing my guests and my associates every day .”
www . hotelsmag . com April 2016 HOTELS 39