PERSONALITIES
IT ’ S A WHOLE LOT LESS HANDS ON . WHILE I STILL TRY TO LEAD FROM THE FRONT , BECAUSE I THINK THAT ’ S IMPORTANT FOR ANYONE LEADING A GROUP OF PEOPLE , YOU DON ’ T NECESSARILY HAVE THAT LUXURY OF TIME . SO , I AM GROWING INTO MY CEO SHOES . IT ’ S A VERY DIFFERENT EXPERIENCE FROM ANYTHING THAT I DID BEFORE , AND YET IT IS SO INCREDIBLY REWARDING .
– DANIEL HOSTETTLER
and the yacht-lined promenade . Personal concierges and floor valets prepare every detail , and guests receive exclusive access to the Spa Palmera pool as well as an all-new fine dining restaurant , Flybridge , overlooking the Atlantic Ocean . The Tower , which will cap the first phase of the property renovation when it opens in May , is what Hostettler calls the “ Four Seasons product ” and more family-friendly as it adjoins the new pool club . The Cloister and its 350 rooms adjoin the conference center and spa , making it the run-ofthe-house product with history . The Bungalows with 58 two-bedroom suites and full kitchens is being positioned as the long-stay product .
At the same time , Hostettler is revising operations . For starters , guests are greeted in the driveway and escorted directly to their accommodation as opposed to cuing up in one big reception area check-in . Every lodging product has its own GM , reception , amenity grouping , as well as its own vibe and interior design . “ Then , we position the overall club experience ,” he adds . “ No matter where you stay , you have all of the amenities , the 12 restaurants and everything you want to do .”
Speaking of F & B , Hostettler has brought in the Major Food Group ( by Mario Carbone ) and architecture firm Rockwell Group to refresh and create new concepts , which are all self-operated by the hotel . For example , New York ’ s famed Sadelle ’ s concept is open for breakfast and lunch and for grab ‘ n go serving sliced-to-order smoked salmon , Sadelle ’ s famous bagels , and crispy latkes . Lakefront cocktail lounge Palm Court features Bossa Nova Jazz musicians entertaining while handcrafted cocktails are shaken and stirred with flair . Additional concepts from Major Food Group include Japanese and Italian cuisine , as well as Maison Rose , a macaron and chocolate shop .
THE SALES JOB With the renovation rounding into shape , a rigorous marketing program is starting to ramp up with a new website and a new effort to court travel agencies . One person used to manage travel agent relations , and now it stands at five people who head to events like Virtuoso . “ We are letting them know that we are here because I think we just weren ’ t on anyone ’ s radar ,” Hostettler adds .
A big part of the sales effort includes the introduction of a lot of family programming , especially after listening to more than 3,000 club members asking for restaurants that are child-friendly and activities that are family focused .
To further respond to club member needs and keep up with changing traveler habits , the second phase of the renovation will include
54 hotelsmag . com May 2022