Affordable Luxury with Ernest Lee

Season 1, Episode 3 of “The Unfamiliar Shift with Ariela”

Overview:

Based in New York City, Ernest Lee has an extensive range of business experience in investments, real estate, finance, strategy, and even operations. It’s safe to say, in the bustling “City That Never Sleeps”, he is truly doing it all.

As the Chief Growth Officer for the famous citizenM Hotels, Ernest is responsible for implementing new growth initiatives, products and programs, pursuing strategic partnerships, and developing long-term commercial strategy in collaboration with citizenM’s Chief Commercial Officer. And, to top it off, he is recognized for guiding the complex, multi-regional expansion of citizenM’s North American portfolio. These luxury properties or “proud misfits of traditional hotels,” are satisfying the modern traveler’s desire for affordable luxury and brilliantly shifting the status quo of hospitality as we know it.

What You Will Hear:

– How Ernest built a career in the hospitality industry
– Chief Growth Officer explained
– Learning by looking at other industries
– citizenM ethos
– Creating a new category, Affordable Luxury, in the boutique hotel industry
– Building a boutique hotel portfolio based on transparency
– The 360 experience
– Advice and tips on owning and operating a boutique hotel
– Authenticity and the importance of listening
– Choosing locations
– What boutique means to Ernest

Season 1 is sponsored by Solonis, the new property management system designed for hotels. Solonis is also a premier partner member of BLLA!