Boutique Design - November 2018 - 128

GRAND HYATT BOGOTA

VICE PRESIDENT, AMERICAS DESIGN
SERVICES, HYATT HOTELS CORP.

HOW SHE REACTED TO THE NEWS THAT
HYATT HOTELS CORP. ACQUIRED TWO ROADS
HOSPITALITY (TRH):

My very first hotel project at Aero Studios Ltd.
was 60 Thompson (opened in New York by Jason
Pomeranc in 2001 and later reflagged as SIXTY
Soho after Commune Hotels + Resorts acquired
the Thompson brand and Pomeranc decamped to
cofound SIXTY Hotels). So, at a personal level, I
am thrilled to reconnect with the brand that grew
from that incredible project. My career has
evolved organically-it's been guided primarily
by the opportunity to collaborate with incredible
people on unique, compelling design. I love diversity of program, scale and end-user. This feels
very natural.
WHAT SHE LEARNED FROM HER TIME AT
MORGANS HOTEL GROUP THAT HELPED HER
BRING A BOUTIQUE FEEL TO A GIANT BRAND:

My focus has always been on delivering design
solutions that respond to a unique set of conditions. Fortunately, this approach is something that
Hyatt naturally gravitates to. Each of our properties
typically has a one-off set of conditions-location,
owner, designer, program, etc. that allow us to craft
a singular expression for one of our brands. We take
into account consumer feedback as well as our
unique, integral emphasis on service and F&B to
deliver something different every time.
128 boutiquedesign.com

NOVEMBER 2018

WHO'S WINNING THE CUSTOMER RACE:

I don't think it's a matter of competition; it's about
finding ways to provide what our guests are asking
for. Smaller brands have, by default, a smaller guest
pool so it's possible to cater to unique needs. There
will always be a place for small independents and
what they bring to the industry, but the field is
large enough that there is room for us all. More
importantly, we all benefit from the diversity of the
hotel offers. As guests, people don't always want
the same thing on every trip. Their needs might be
different if they're traveling with children than
when they traveling for work or on a romantic
getaway. Consumers are looking to book properties
that reflect their personal lifestyle and values. I
think this is why we see so many travelers opting
for private home stays which allow them to live like
a "local." The opportunity for hotel brands is to
create relevant connections with our guests and to
build a level of trust that we can offer the location
they desire with the experience they crave at a
variety of price points. I think it's important to
embrace the wide range of choices in the industry
and not try to be all things to all people.
WHY THE WORLD MAY ACTUALLY NEED MORE
BRANDS:

Travel is both aspirational and inspirational so
there will always be the need for experiences at
both ends of the spectrum. You can sleep under
the stars or you can go glamping! The same can be
said of brick and mortar hotels. Everyone has the
same basic needs, and as an industry we have the
opportunity to create compelling experiences for a
wide variety of travelers.

HER MISSION STATEMENT FOR HER DESIGN
TEAM:

Know your market. Know your guest. Ask questions. Don't sweat the small stuff.
HER BEST PRACTICES FOR STOPPING THE BRAIN
DRAIN:

As a company we are very focused on this question
internally and have what I think is a unique position on wellbeing for our colleagues ( from relaxation lounges to healthy meals). We know only too
well that you can only be your best in the workplace if you are healthy and happy in your day to
day. We have support from the highest levels of the
company to really prioritize our colleagues which is
refreshing but also is honestly a natural extension
of Hyatt's culture of caring (as evidenced by high
ratings on employment/company review sites such
as Glassdoor).
HOW THIS HARVARD UNIVERSITY ALUM TAPS
INTO GUESTS ON REAL STREET:

Like everyone, I have "collected" people and experiences over the course of my life that have affected
me deeply. I don't think it's any one school or job
that sets the tone for a career. I think it's the openness to experience, the ability to challenge oneself,
to ask questions, and to sometimes be uncomfortable that helps you to grow. As a designer, you're
challenged to make decisions that affect other
people. So, a keen interest in people, their needs
and interests will help you to make more substantive and thoughtful decisions. If you're only
deciding on how something looks, you've missed
the point.

C O U R T E S Y O F H YAT T H O T E L S C O R P.

MARI BALESTRAZZI

http://www.boutiquedesign.com

Boutique Design - November 2018

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