LAGNIAPPE
The newly designed outdoor Spire bar in the center of the resort with nine firepits , cascading fountains and a view of Piestewa Peak . environmentally conscious as an industry . At the Arizona Biltmore , our team is leading the way . Employees are active and invested in our “ green team ” and constantly looking at how we can reduce the impact on the environment within our industry . We are adding beehives , reducing our daily trash by a metric ton a day , and saving precious energy in the daytime with voluntary energy pause periods .
It ’ s time to reverse the trend of reduced services due to COVID . learned was twofold : that you can get bad advice from your leader , and that the best internal power comes when you ’ re true to yourself . Even if it means pushing back .
H : What are your new personal and professional life hacks ? AM : Personally , I ’ ve become an unapologetic introvert on my time off . That rejuvenation time is priceless , and I protect my personal time for me and my family like a fortress .
At the resort I try to walk the property at least three times per day . The information I absorb from interacting with guests and team members is invaluable . It builds relationships and trust while opening the door for creativity .
H : How and where are you finding happiness and meaning in work today ? AM : Returning from the closure and
the pandemic , our team members were hungry for growth and knowledge . We started an Arizona Biltmore executive development program , where senior leaders share knowledge from their areas of discipline . The first class was on hotel finance , and I was shocked to see it was standing room only . Same with Forbes training , we did not have a seat left in the room .
This gives me great hope for the future of this industry – people are ready to develop and grow , and they want to be in hospitality . We are finding there is great passion from our young and developing team members . This momentum from the team gives me great hope for the future and happiness to be in this amazing business .
H : Industry trends you like , don ’ t like ? AM : I like the post-pandemic trend correction back to being
H : How are guests behaving differently and how are you interpreting guests ’ new / evolving needs in a hotel setting ? AM : We are finding that guests want experiences , and they will pay for them – real , interesting , authentic experiences . For example , we recently relaunched our Legendary History Tours at the resort , and we sold out immediately .
In addition , guests want vibrant and robust services . They are willing to pay for them and we are excited to deliver .
H : What aspect of the Biltmore refresh is having the biggest impact ? AM : The reinvention was built on the legendary history of the Arizona Biltmore but done in keeping with the design and beauty to appeal to the modern traveler . During 2020 , the resort was closed and reopened in 2021 with the expansive outdoor Spire Bar in the center of the resort with nine firepits , cascading fountains , and a massive view of Piestewa Peak . This is one of several examples of our focus on outdoor and public space with amenities that speak to today ’ s traveler .
96 hotelsmag . com September 2022