HotelsMag May 2022 | Page 90

LAGNIAPPE
I am constantly inspired by the innovation and creativity each team uses in cultivating new , remarkable guest experiences .
H : Who has been your mentor and what is the best piece of professional advice you have ever received ? SG : I ’ ve been very fortunate to have amazing mentors throughout my career . My father once told me that if you can find a role that you really enjoy and are passionate about , you ’ ll wake up every day looking forward to your work . I am so fortunate that I knew I wanted to work in hospitality . I love what I do ; working with our amazing team and fostering an excellent workplace environment is so important as it helps ensure a fantastic experience for our guests .
H : What has been the biggest takeaway from COVID that you are applying today ? SG : The biggest takeaway is that , as travelers , we have been pulled away from the experiences we love most . Our guests are looking for conviviality and culture with every stay at The Lanesborough . They are looking to jump back into the moments they miss and have been unable to participate in ; celebrating milestones and reuniting with loved ones , as well as traveling and discovering new joys through their exploration .
H : What measures have been effective to drive revenue at a time like this ? What has been your pandemic silver lining ? SG : Creativity has been one of the major drivers for revenue over the past two years . The pandemic ,
I PLAN TO ENHANCE OUR BRAND BY IMPLEMENTING NEW BRAND PARTNERSHIPS , LIKE OUR PRIVATE SHOPPING EXPERIENCE WITH HARVEY NICHOLS . I AM KEEN ON SECURING COLLABORATIONS WITH LIKE-MINDED BRANDS ACROSS DIFFERENT LIFESTYLE VERTICALS TO FURTHER DIVERSIFY OUR GUEST OFFERINGS .
whilst challenging , has given us a chance to rethink how we approach hospitality and our guest experience . We had to adapt and ensure the safety of our hotel staff and valued guests , but we also had to think outside of the box to attract bookings . Just this past year , we offered a variety of packages and experiences inspired by popular films and web series . These offerings also served as an opportunity to cater specifically to the local market and longstanding community that has always supported the hotel , which undoubtedly has been a silver lining throughout the pandemic .
H : Which broader luxury consumer trends are you reacting to and applying at The Lanesborough ? Any emerging industry trends you particularly like and dislike ? SG : As international tourism slowed its usual pace over the last two years , it afforded time to redirect our energies into creating hyperlocalized initiatives that catered to local and regional guests . While we ’ ve always planned special initiatives like our afternoon tea offerings , we were able to create fun and timely events and , through this ,
– STUART GEDDES
engage a new audience that had not considered spending an extended staycation prior to the pandemic . Although not necessarily a trend in the traditional sense , this newfound focus on localized initiatives will continue to add value not just for our neighbors , but the international traveler ’ s experience as well .
H : Which historical figure would you like to host ? SG : Our neighbor from history , the Duke of Wellington , who lived across the road in Apsley House , then known as Number 1 London on Hyde Park . I see the statue of him every day , sitting on his horse , Copenhagen .
H : Hotel pet peeve ? SG : I don ’ t have any peeves , but I do know about our resident pet cat Lilibet who is always looking mischievous in the front hall .
H : Where are you finding happiness in work today ? SG : I find happiness in seeing the team working together to give our guests wonderful experiences and memories .
90 hotelsmag . com May 2022