In one of two interviews recorded at the Waldorf Astoria Chicago , KTGY Simeone Deary Design Group Senior Interior Design Manager Jessica Alexander tells A HOTEL PODCAST about the design firm's work on the luxury Chicago property, and how it was a return given the agency's history with the property. Alexander details renovation efforts ranging from the hotel's rooms and suites to the F&B offerings like the new Peacock Lounge and the return of beloved Gold Coast institution Bernard’s ,...
Dec 22, 2023•16 min•Ep. 22
In one of two interviews recorded at the Waldorf Astoria Chicago , Catie Walsh, Director of Sales & Marketing at the hotel, speaks about the recent renovations to the hotel, done by KTGY Simeone Deary Design Group . Walsh also shares how the hotel's courtyard is like a private escape from the city, and details how the Waldorf Astoria Chicago celebrates the holidays....
Dec 22, 2023•23 min•Ep. 21
A HOTEL PODCAST travels to West Hollywood for the rockstar experience at Hotel Ziggy . Hotel manager Chance Reno speaks on the influence of the legendary Sunset Strip on the hotel, from the decor of lobby and guest rooms to the hotel hosting live performances with emerging artists to providing guests with guitars and other instruments they can play while on property. Reno also reveals how his previous experience with the Four Seasons impacts his approach to professional hospitality in the presen...
Nov 16, 2023•24 min•Ep. 20
In an interview recorded at the Waldorf Astoria Chicago , Stefanie Hajer, Creative Brand Director, Interiors at KTGY Simeone Deary Design Group , talks to A HOTEL PODCAST about a number of the firm's hospitality projects. Hajer delves into the stories behind branding for projects like Detroit Foundation Hotel and the forthcoming Louisville Tribute Marriott, as well as restaurant concepts Basan , Revel Steak , and Kindling ....
Oct 17, 2023•24 min•Ep. 19
In the second of two interviews recorded at the InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile , Alexandra LaLoggia, Director of Sales & Marketing at the hotel, checks in with A HOTEL PODCAST to talk about the past, present, and future of the InterContinental. LaLoggia shares insights into the storied history of the property at 505 N. Michigan Avenue in Chicago. From the building's prohibition-era time as the Medinah Athletic Club to the regal junior-size Olympic pool to the time capsule still em...
Oct 06, 2023•18 min•Ep. 18
In the first of two interviews recorded at the InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile , Sara Talleux, Associate Principal @ KTGY Simeone Deary Design Group , talks to A HOTEL PODCAST about the agency's recent renovation work on the InterContinental. Talleux speaks on incorporating a "Mediterranean Melange" into the hotel's design work, drawing on a mix of Moorish, Greek, Turkish, Persian, and Celtic influences in the renovation. She also speaks on KTGY Simeone Deary Design Group’s work with o...
Oct 06, 2023•11 min•Ep. 17
Check into LondonHouse in Chicago when General Manager Juan Leyva and Director of Sales and Marketing Don Barnett guest on A HOTEL PODCAST . The LondonHouse leads share their respective career journeys that brought them to the hotel and delve into the hotel's extensive history, going all the way back to the founding of Chicago. Barnett and Leyva also talk about LondonHouse's impressive rooftop lounge , specialized amenities in the hotel's rooms, and more....
Sep 20, 2023•28 min•Ep. 16
Ron Swidler, Chief Innovation Officer at The Gettys Group , guests on A HOTEL PODCAST for a wide ranging interview on all things hospitality. The CIO reveals how he first joined the hotel branding, design, development, and procurement agency, and shares insights on notable portfolio projects, including the Bellagio in Las Vegas and the Tribune Tower in Chicago. Swidler also delves into the Hotel of Tomorrow Project , and shares how the think tank of hospitality professionals are looking at techn...
Sep 07, 2023•51 min•Ep. 15
Joyce Kiehl, Director of Communications at Visit Greater Palm Springs , and Nina Ruggiero, Digital Editorial Director at Travel + Leisure and co-founder of Be A Travel Writer , guest on A HOTEL PODCAST to talk about the Meet The Mentors program. The experience happens this month in Greater Palm Springs, with aspiring writers being paired with travel industry professionals for an in the field journalism experience. Kiehl speaks on the origins and objectives of the Meet The Mentors concept, and sh...
Sep 06, 2023•25 min•Ep. 14
Zoltan Payerli guests on A HOTEL PODCAST to talk about the The Emily Hotel in Chicago's in demand Fulton Market neighborhood. The General Manager speaks on The Emily's ambition to be a place for all, and how being one of Chicago's only independent hotels connects to that goal. Payerli also shares his views on managing a property in one of the city's top F&B neighborhoods, and details the hotel's partnership with the Rooftop Cinema Club ....
Sep 01, 2023•15 min•Ep. 13
The Siren Hotel 's GM, Mary Beth Bennett, guests on A HOTEL PODCAST to delve into the past and present of the downtown Detroit property. Bennett details the hotel's history as the Wurlitzer Building nearly a century ago, and fills in the different eras that brought the property to the present as the Siren Hotel. The GM also speaks on the Siren's F&B options, and emphasizes the importance of building authentic relationships and partnerships with Detroit’s creative communities....
Jul 27, 2023•24 min•Ep. 12
Outbound Hotels ' Head of Marketing Bridget Russo and outdoor experiential company Kinsfield 's Co-Founder Mike Raspatello guest on A HOTEL PODCAST to discuss the Outbound Music Series , which brings indie artist Andrew Bird to Outbound properties in California and Wyoming this September. Russo and Raspatello also discuss the importance of experiential hospitality and live events, the focus on connecting with the communities around each Outbound property, and more....
Jul 19, 2023•21 min•Ep. 11
A HOTEL PODCAST kicks off with two interviews focused on the Angad Arts Hotel in St. Louis! Jenna Phillips, the hotel's Director Of Sales & Marketing, guests on AHP to speak on the Angad Art Hotel's art-centric identity and social media branding. The marketing specialist also details how Angad Arts Hotel connects to the culture-focused Grand Center Arts District neighborhood in St. Louis, and speaks on the various formats of art installations that can be found throughout the hotel....
Jul 12, 2023•18 min•Ep. 10
A HOTEL PODCAST kicks off with two interviews focused on the Angad Arts Hotel in St. Louis! On this episode, Arts Relations Manager Vanessa Rudloff speaks about her work connecting with artists to showcase their work at the hotel, revealing how she turns the entirety of the hotel into a gallery experience. She also delves into the hotel’s Biannual exhibit , which kicked off this spring and brings over thirty art pieces from almost as many artists to all corners of the hotel’s twelfth floor....
Jul 12, 2023•21 min•Ep. 9
A HOTEL PODCAST is a new digital series from Dynasty Podcasts , which has been producing podcasts, live streams, events, and more since 2005. The series will feature podcast interviews with innovators in the hotel and hospitality industries, in addition to offering visuals showcasing unique properties, including hotels, motels, campgrounds, homestays, and more. AHP will launch its first season on Wednesday, July 12th, with a feature on the Angad Arts Hotel in St. Louis. Subsequent episodes will ...
Jul 04, 2023•56 sec•Ep. 8
Dynasty Podcasts' hotel and hospitality industry podcast series Key Learnings returns from its pandemic hiatus in advance of a new season this coming summer 2021! In this first episode back, host Jaime Black checks in with Clayton de la Chapelle, Co-Founder at Alias Creative, a strategic creative agency that manages and protects brand driven concepts, and Partner at The Music Trust, who provide sonic identity & creative in hospitality, nightlife, lifestyle, & events. The hotel and nightl...
Apr 27, 2021•26 min•Ep. 7
In February of this year, Key Learnings host Jaime Black heads to Chicago’s Wrigleyville neighborhood, to speak with Hotel Zachary General Manager Anna Anderson. The GM speaks about Hotel Zachary’s relationship with the Wrigleyville neighborhood, located directly across the street from the iconic Wrigley Field. Anderson speaks about the widespread influence of the hotel’s namesake, Zachary Taylor Davis, whose resumes includes architecting Wrigley Field. She also discusses the hotel’s numerous an...
Apr 23, 2020•18 min•Ep. 6
Lianne Hedditch, the VP of Chicago's Heron Agency, joins Jaime Black on the Key Learnings podcast. A Chicago-based PR and marketing agency that specializes in the hospitality industries, Heron Agency is celebrating their 20th year in business in 2020. Hedditch speaks about the company's focus on digital and visual storytelling around the properties they work with, as well as revealing why promotional live events are still crucial during the digital age. The VP also shares her thoughts on notable...
Apr 16, 2020•25 min•Ep. 5
Jaime Black visits Rosemont, IL, for an interview with Micaela Haas, General Manager of The Rose Hotel. Haas details the artistic focus of The Rose Hotel, from zebra-striped mannequins in the lobby to light-up umbrellas that hang from the ceiling and change color and more. The GM also reveals what distinguishes a Hilton Tapestry Collection property, and shares how the hotel can serve as an unexpected surprise for travelers looking for lodging near O'Hare Airport.
Apr 08, 2020•14 min•Ep. 4
In an interview recorded at BLVD in Chicago, Studio K Creative founder Karen Herold joins the Key Learnings podcast. Herold speaks to host Jaime Black about making a career out of design work for hospitality brands. She also delves into the origins of her Studio K Creative agency, and reflects on her work with properties like BLVD, Hotel Zachary, and more. Hosted by Jaime Black Video production by Madison Keenan https://www.madisonekeenan.com
Apr 01, 2020•21 min•Ep. 3
On the opening day of the new 21c Museum Hotel Chicago - MGallery, Key Learnings host Jaime Black sits down with 21c Museum Hotels COO Sarah Robbins. Robbins speaks on the beginnings of the 21c Museum Hotels concept, and why art is so central to the hotel chain's identity. She also shares how both guests and casual visitors can access and enjoy the art offerings at the Chicago hotel, and discusses the role of 21c Museum Hotels in emerging and artist community-focused cities across the Midwest. H...
Mar 25, 2020•20 min•Ep. 2
Welcome to Key Learnings, a podcast about the hospitality industry, from hotels and motels, to suites and boutiques. Hosted by Jaime Black. In the inaugural episode, Black travels to South Haven, MI, to connect with Irene Wood, founder and manager at The Fields of Michigan, an upscale camping destination on a gorgeous blueberry farm. Wood discusses on the the guest experience of staying at The Fields, speaking on how the campground mixes upscale amenities like high end bedding and in-tent shower...
Mar 19, 2020•24 min•Ep. 1
