Transforming Hospitality for Millennials - Saxton Sharad - Hideaway Inns & Revival Hotels - Episode # 243
What does hospitality truly mean in today's world?
In this episode of Defining Hospitality, Dan Ryan welcomes Saxton Sharad, the founder and CEO of Revival Hotels and Hideaway Inns. With over 20 years of experience in the industry, Saxton shares his journey and insights on transforming the guest experience, catering to the evolving needs of millennials and Gen Z travelers, and redefining what it means to be hospitable.
Takeaways:
- The true meaning of hospitality is getting a break. Saxton defines hospitality as providing a break from daily life, allowing guests to live authentically and leave their stresses behind, even if only for a moment.
- Catering to younger generations with authenticity. Saxton highlights the growing trend of micro vacations among millennials and Gen Zs and how Hideaway Inns are uniquely positioned to cater to these shorter, more frequent leisure experiences.
- Innovation leads to improved guest experience. Frictionless check-ins and the concept of invisible hospitality ensure guests can maximize their leisure time without unnecessary interruptions or delays.
- The role of an innkeeper. Saxton emphasizes the importance of an on-site innkeeper who serves as a local ambassador, enhancing the guest experience by providing personalized recommendations.
- Tying together sustainability and local engagement. Hideaway Inns contribute to local communities by partnering with local charities and promoting regional businesses, reinforcing their commitment to sustainable and socially responsible tourism.
- Localizing loyalty and recognition. The growth model of Hideaway focuses on building a strong regional presence, initially concentrating on the Northeast to foster brand loyalty.
- Every hotel gets a personal touch. Each Hideaway Inn is uniquely designed, with rooms featuring bespoke elements, vintage artifacts, and local arts, offering guests a truly immersive and memorable stay.
Quote of the Show:
“ I don't care how talented you are or how much money you have in your pocket, you cannot be good at everything. Step into what you're good at, find that strength, and live that strength.” - Saxton Sharad
Links:
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saxton-sharad-cha-6642a49
- Company website: https://www.revivalhotels.com / https://www.hideawayinns.com
Shout Outs:
- 1:00 - Hotel AVE - https://www.hotelave.com/
- 1:01 - Postscript Hospitality - https://www.hotelave.com/services/operational-effectiveness/
- 1:03 - Graduate Hotels - https://www.graduatehotels.com/
- 1:07 - Revival Hotels / Hideaway Inns - https://www.revivalhotels.com/ / https://www.hideawayinns.com/
- 3:32 - Cornell University (Hotel School) - https://sha.cornell.edu/
- 7:57 - Sports Illustrated - https://www.si.com/
- 8:40 - Westin Moana Surfrider - https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/hnlwi-moana-surfrider-a-westin-resort-and-spa/
- 14:19 - Hyatt - https://www.hyatt.com/
- 14:19 - AJ Capital Partners - https://www.ajcpt.com/
- 14:21 - Marriott - https://www.marriott.com/
- 19:24 - The Fourth Turning Is Here (Book) - https://www.amazon.com/Fourth-Turning-Here-Neil-Howe/dp/1982173734
- 29:04 - Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/
- 38:17 - Starwood Capital Group - https://www.starwoodcapital.com/
- 41:52 - Caesar's Palace - https://www.caesars.com/caesars-palace
- 42:31 - Miraval (Hyatt) - https://www.miravalresorts.com/
- 42:37 - Canyon Ranch - https://www.canyonranch.com/
- 43:38 - Hilton - https://www.hilton.com/
- 43:41 - Wyndham - https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/
- 49:13 - Crosley - https://www.crosleyradio.com/
- 51:53 - Chick-fil-A - https://www.chick-fil-a.com/
- 51:55 - In-N-Out Burger - https://www.in-n-out.com/
- 53:21 - Four Seasons - https://www.fourseasons.com/
- 57:24 - Hilton Garden Inn - https://www.hilton.com/en/brands/hilton-garden-inn/
- 57:29 - Courtyard by Marriott - https://www.marriott.com/brands/courtyard
- 58:44 - Groton Inn - https://www.grotoninn.com/
- 59:00 - Groton School - https://www.groton.org/
- 59:02 - Lawrence Academy - https://www.lacademy.edu/
- 59:32 - Forge & Vine (Restaurant at Groton Inn) - https://www.forgeandvine.com/
- 62:47 - Tanglewood - https://www.bso.org/tanglewood
- 62:52 - Jacob's Pillow - https://www.jacobspillow.org/
- 62:59 - Boston Symphony Orchestra - https://www.bso.org/
- 64:05 - Jiminy Peak - https://www.jiminypeak.com/
- 64:30 - Solid Sound Festival (Wilco) - https://solidsoundfestival.com/
- 64:39 - Brimfield Antique Shows - https://www.brimfieldantiquefleamarket.com/
- 67:19 - Revival Hotels (website) - https://www.revivalhotels.com/
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