Even the pros need to take a vacation and recharge. Where do top hotel executives choose to go and why? What are vacation strategies of hoteliers that we travelers can learn from? What draws them to a vacation spot? We asked four top hoteliers to share their thoughts.
Michael J. Quinn
For The Record
Los Angeles Times Wednesday, June 03, 2009 Home Edition Main News Part A Page 4 National Desk 1 inches; 25 words Type of Material: Correction
Innkeepers' vacations: An article in Sunday's Travel section about the places innkeepers vacation misspelled the name of the writer. She is Judy Mandell, not Mandel.
For The Record
Los Angeles Times Sunday, June 07, 2009 Home Edition Travel Part L Page 3 Features Desk 1 inches; 26 words Type of Material: Correction
Innkeepers' vacations: The name of the writer of a May 31 Travel section article on where innkeepers vacation was misspelled. It is Judy Mandell, not Mandel.
Complex director of sales and marketing, Crestline Hotels & Resorts
What do you seek when you travel for pleasure?
Water, history, culture or any of these combined.
What are your top priorities?
Authenticity and great service. When in Greece, I want my experience to measure up to the rich history and traditions of Greece. I don't want American food or an American hotel/travel experience. I want service to reflect my price point. If I'm dining (and paying) for five stars, I want five-star service. If I'm going budget, then clean and safe will do.
What are your favorite vacation spots?
Tahiti for the authenticity -- overwater bungalows do not exist here in my hotel world. Untouched, unspoiled and authentic at every touch point. Hawaii is not that place any longer. New York City for a great weekend of eating, shopping and Broadway -- how authentically New York. Chicago for its friendly residents and stunning architecture. Maine for its beautiful coastlines and quaint villages. Miami for its beauty, water, weather and Latin influence. San Diego for everything. Lake Como, Italy. My wife writes, and the solitude, beauty and splendor of the villages along the lake give her what she needs and allow me the time and freedom to explore. The food is wonderful, as well. Paris, London, the Greek Isles are amazing destinations that have pretty much stayed authentic in their offerings.
What's the draw of travel for you?
I love my work. I love hotels. I love travel and always have. As a child, I spent nights with a flashlight under my covers perusing airline brochures. This was back in the days when you could make a reservation and the airline sent you brochures and you could, of course, cancel just prior to departure. I got the best stuff and fell in love with the intrigue of travel.
Peter Koehler
General manager, InterContinental
San Francisco
What are your favorite vacation spots?
