LAGNIAPPE
INGRID CHAVES
GENERAL MANAGER JW MARRIOTT EL CONVENTO CUSCO , PERU
Ingrid Chaves ’ hotel is at the top of the world : This JW Marriott sits at an 11,000-foot altitude . She joined the hotel in early 2016 from sea level – the Grand Cayman Marriot Beach Resort , where she was director of operations .
At Ausangate mountain range
What surprising skill have you learned on the job ?
In order to be the best in social media , photography is key , and this has motivated me to learn and get my feet off my desk looking for great photo opps . That is very easy at Cusco !
What is the next place on your travel itinerary ?
Kilimanjaro . I will be trekking the tallest peak in Africa in August . I had always dreamed of visiting Africa and found an organization that leads treks for women-only groups . This company helps a primary school dedicated to providing education to underprivileged children in nearby local villages . To see the world and give is the ultimate reward .
Favorite off-the-beaten-track spot ?
Sacsayhuaman is a very popular archeological site in Cusco , though most visitors don ’ t wander too far from the entrance and main site . However , if you walk farther back ( maybe a mile ), you will find a eucalyptus forest . The trees are so tall and so close that sunlight has trouble reaching the ground . The smell makes the forest peaceful , and it offers a great view of Cusco . I enjoy sitting there and reading . It ’ s also the perfect spot for a romantic picnic .
What ’ s your pet peeve as a guest ?
It ’ s definitely hair ! I always scan the room to ensure it ’ s hair-free .
If not a hotelier , what would you be ?
A vet . I was actually studying to become one and started working with Marriott to pay my college tuition . Along the way , I got into hotel management and left the vet studies aside . I have two dogs and five cats , rescued from the streets .
Who taught you your biggest lesson ?
My father . When I was first promoted as manager , his advice was to always treat everybody around me as if they were the CEO , with the utmost respect , and to never forget to thank people for their efforts .
Most embarrassing or funny professional moment ?
A few years back , I was asked to welcome one of our senior executives . There was a mix-up with the plane info , so the person changed at the last minute . The new gentleman I greeted had the most complicated last name ever . I totally butchered his last name as I welcomed him , and just felt my ears , face and neck blush . He noticed it and very politely said , “ You are not the first person who can ’ t pronounce my last name , and you won ’ t be the last . Just call me Rob .”
What do most people not know about you ?
That I don ’ t know how to swim . For a person who lived in the Caribbean for eight years , that is hard to believe .
72 hotelsmag . com July-August 2017