Sincerely, BLLA
The BLLA Team sits down with Dee Patel, Managing Director at The Hermitage Hotel, as she delves into her experience as a boutique hotelier. View...
December 29, 2021 – 4 min read
View more details about The Hermitage Hotel on stay-boutique.com!
DP: “Since opening our doors in 1910, The Hermitage Hotel has been Tennessee’s standard-bearer for five-star luxury and Southern hospitality. Today, our goal is to be known as the finest small luxury hotel in the world, achieving our aims by consistently exceeding our guests’ expectations with uncompromising levels of warm, distinctive, personalized service; offered by the best-selected, best-trained, and most enthusiastic team of professionals, in an elevated, yet approachable setting.
“As an organization, we are committed to preserving our historical gravitas, while curating luxurious and authentic Nashville experiences for our guests. Our company’s greatest assets are our team, and we have a great sense of pride in working together.”
DP: “Growing up in England, my family loved to travel, whether it be a visit to the seaside or road tripping through Europe. When I moved to the United States in high school, my love for travel only grew. Upon graduating, I moved to Charleston, SC to attend Johnson & Wales, where I discovered a life-long passion for luxury hospitality that led me to The Hermitage Hotel.”
DP: “Boutique is all about delivering curated experiences that provide visitors with a true sense of place. As a boutique property, every member of our team is integral to the guest experience, where we provide elevated, approachable luxury.”
DP: “As a small luxury hotel, we have fostered a culture of service where we create connections with our guests at every level, in a way that is both artistic and intentional. Our service is gracious and hands-on, as we craft and curate personalized experiences for our visitors.”
DP: “The Hermitage Hotel is an officially designated National Historic Landmark and a local treasure, with a history that is deeply rooted in the city of Nashville. While we have a rich history, we also take a modern approach, balancing the past with the present. Because we are an independent hotel, we are able to evolve to meet current needs and expectations while protecting and preserving that distinct character.”
DP: “My advice for first-time hoteliers would be to foster a deeply rooted culture of service. A spirit of warmth among staff will create a collaborative environment where your team is empowered and enjoys shared success. I’d also advise that first-time hoteliers keep their finger on the pulse. By staying in close contact with your customer, you will better understand what they are looking for in a visit and deliver on those desires.”
DP: “Boutique hotels have their own identity and allow travelers to create a deeper connection to the community, the culture, the traditions of an area. Travelers are eager to experience soulful and authentic stays, and boutique properties are able to retain their ties to the spirit of a destination.”
BLLA is an association that unifies the creators and believers of the boutique hospitality industry. It is a launching pad for the best in boutique to gather and disrupt the status quo. To join this growing and global community, take a look at the different levels of membership!
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