DAVID ISRAEL
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT OF HOTELAVE
will be on the panel
Perfecting your
Pitch – Expert Asset and
Development Execs Share their
Insight on what makes a Great
Brand Pitch Presentation.
He told us about two trends that
he is following closely.
“The first is that guests continue
to focus on the uniqueness of
product offerings instead of
brand names when it comes to
different elements like bathroom
appliances, the linens and personal
care items including shampoo
and conditioner. As a result,
we’re seeing brands pull back on
“name dropping” and alternatively
provide bespoke and selectively
curated items to deliver the
optimal experience.
The second trend is a rise in the
development of smaller luxury
retreat properties less than 100-
150 miles outside of core urban
markets or attached to retail or
wine and distillery hubs. Not only
are affluent city-dwellers looking
for a reprieve from their daily
hustle and bustle on weekends,
but the diminishing tax breaks
for second-home owners is also
contributing to this growing
movement. These
hotel properties
will drive ADR and
loyalty through
specialized
wellness, culinary or arts offerings
with locations proximate to
beautiful scenery and outdoor
adventures, and this trend will only
continue as more lifestyle brands
look to enter the space to better
“own the wallet” and customer.”
He went on to tell us that creating
distinctive culinary and beverage
moments is extremely important.
“Luxury today is driven and
often defined by priceless
experiences, with travelers
seeking unforgettable and
exclusive opportunities like
special tours or food courses at
the chef’s table in the kitchen.
Additionally, the ability to
make connections with hotel
staff can’t be understated,
whether it be personal
touches like an owner’s family
recipe for strawberry jam or
recommendations from a room
attendant.
during their stay isn’t always
directly correlated with price.”
WHAT HAVE YOUR GUESTS
BEEN ASKING FOR THIS
YEAR?
“Authenticity and simplicity.
Guests have generally become
more frustrated when the infusion
of new technology and more
advanced products or processes
has actually made things more
complex. The basic necessities of a
comfortable bed, intuitive shower
appliances, great plug and switch
placement and strong Wi-Fi are
essential to providing a positive
guest experience. They’re also
looking for hotels to have a strong
sense of place in the curation of
amenities, food programming,
exclusive partnerships and one-of-
a-kind experiences.”
We’re also seeing luxury hotels
be more successful in providing
a high-low dining approach,
which is being accomplished
by incorporating food trucks,
cafes, and other more casual
options alongside a signature
formal restaurant. A hotel’s
locale might also play a role in
influencing certain offerings.
The successful luxury hotels
know and understand the needs
and wants of their customers,
and a guest’s desire for quality
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