Sincerely, BLLA
Explore the leadership and community-driven approach that earned McClinton Heil the Best Boutique Hotel General Manager title at the 2024 BLLA Awards...
October 23, 2024 – 4 min read
In the competitive realm of boutique hospitality, Halcyon Hotel Cherry Creek stands out as a beacon of guest satisfaction and financial performance. Located in the vibrant Cherry Creek neighborhood of Denver, Halcyon features over 150 elegantly designed guest rooms and suites, each thoughtfully curated to blend comfort with luxury. The hotel prides itself on unique amenities, including a state-of-the-art fitness center, a tranquil spa, and dining options that highlight locally sourced ingredients. At the helm of this remarkable establishment is McClinton Heil, whose leadership has not only propelled Halcyon to the top of TripAdvisor rankings but has also earned him the prestigious title of Best Boutique Hotel General Manager at the 2024 BLLA Awards. We sat down with McClinton to discuss his innovative strategies, the essence of Halcyon’s brand, and what this recognition means for him and his team.
McClinton’s approach to leadership is refreshingly humble. “First, I check my ego at the door, and I ask the same of my team,” he shares. He emphasizes the importance of embracing change and fostering collaboration. By building a team of “unscripted” individuals, he empowers them to create genuine interactions and experiences, ultimately increasing Halcyon’s net operating income by an impressive 83.9% in just two years. As a hotel known for its unique brand identity, Halcyon prioritizes ensuring that its essence is consistently reflected in the guest experience. “I like to be on the ground with my team,” McClinton explains. “Working through day-to-day operations together allows us to understand how our guests are experiencing Halcyon and remove any roadblocks for my team.” His commitment to recognizing and appreciating the team’s efforts is pivotal in delivering warm, generous hospitality.
Transitioning from managing a hotel in San Francisco to one in Denver posed its challenges, but McClinton embraced them wholeheartedly. “I dove headfirst into the community and culture,” he notes. This hands-on approach not only helps him understand the local fabric but also guides his management style to align with the unique market dynamics. For McClinton, maintaining high team morale is a daily priority. He takes the time to get to know his team personally, conducting monthly roundtables to gather feedback. “Transparency is key,” he emphasizes, ensuring that his team understands the reasoning behind every decision. This commitment to open communication fosters a supportive and motivating work environment.’
Navigating the often-competing priorities of guest satisfaction and financial performance, McClinton’s philosophy is straightforward: “Listen to the guest and act on the issues they’re experiencing.” By building strong relationships with ownership, he ensures that he can drive the guest experience while maintaining financial trust. McClinton’s deep-rooted connection to hospitality is evident in his leadership style. “I grew up in the service industry,” he shares. His experiences have shaped his perspective on creating family-oriented experiences at Halcyon, allowing him to think outside the box and craft unique offerings for guests.
Winning the 2024 BLLA Award for Best Boutique Hotel General Manager has been a reflective moment for McClinton. “This award is for every team member that has supported and embraced me over the years,” he says, highlighting the collective effort that drives Halcyon’s success. As he gazes into the future, McClinton is focused on fostering growth among his team while continuing to drive innovation in the boutique hotel sector. “My goal is to achieve national recognition as one of the top hotels in the U.S.,” he states. With his unwavering commitment to excellence and a high standard of service, McClinton Heil is poised to lead Halcyon to new heights in the years to come.
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