Sailing into Success - Chris Lenz - Defining Hospitality - Episode #205

It takes determination to dive into hospitality and come out with a boutique hotel that is successful, and that is what Chris Lenz, Founder and CEO of La Compania Hotels and Resorts. Chris shares his journey from opening 37 restaurants to creating extraordinary hotels in Panama. They explore his passion for hospitality, his uncompromising vision, and the meticulous planning that goes into building unique hospitality experiences. Learn about Chris's journey from restaurateur to hotelier, his innovative trifecta perfecta concept, and his ambitious plans for redefining luxury travel in Panama.

Takeaways: 

• Always strive to create unique and memorable experiences that differentiate your property or service from others. Focus on curating personalized touches and special features in your establishment that guests will remember and talk about.
• Maintain an uncompromising vision and execute it with passion. The team must understand and align with this vision to consistently deliver the intended guest experience.
• Consider partnerships with larger brands for access to their distribution networks, loyalty programs, and market reach. Ensure the partnership aligns with your property’s unique and boutique characteristics to maintain brand integrity.
• Enhance the guest journey by minimizing travel hassles. For example, offering private transportation or concierge services that streamline and personalize the guest’s travel experience.
• Even with growth, maintain high standards for service, safety, and uniqueness. This is critical for retaining your brand's value and ensuring guest satisfaction.

Quote of the Show:

“I'm gonna build the best historic landmark hotel in Central America. I'm gonna change the tourism of this country.” - Chris Lenz

Links:

• Website: hlcpanama.com https://www.hyatt.com/unbound-collection/en-US/ptyub-unbound-hotel-la-compania 

Shout Outs:

• 2:02 - Mikey Dobin https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikey-dobin-04308468/ 
• 2:02 - Diana Dobin https://www.linkedin.com/in/diana-dobin-319108b5/ 
• 4:25 - Journey https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Journey_(band) 
• 4:26 - Arnel Pineda https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arnel_Pineda 
• 9:36 - Setting the Table by Danny Meyer https://www.amazon.com/Setting-Table-Transforming-Hospitality-Business/dp/0060742763 
• 10:10 - Union Square Cafe https://www.unionsquarecafe.com/ 
• 10:15 - Gramercy Tavern https://www.gramercytavern.com/ 
• 11:52 - McDonald’s https://www.mcdonalds.com/us/en-us.html 
• 13:14 - Rafael Nadal https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rafael_Nadal 
• 25:27 - Holiday Inn https://www.ihg.com/hotels/us/en/reservation 
• 26:25 - UNESCO https://www.unesco.org/en 
• 37:27 - Marriott https://www.marriott.com/default.mi 
• 37:53 - Hyatt https://www.hyatt.com/ 
• 43:41 - booking.com
• 48:08 - Omni Hotels https://www.omnihotels.com/ 
• 1:06:42 - Amtrak https://www.amtrak.com/home.html?msockid=13e7d50d81a968200de9c1bb80596956 

🏨✨ Defining Hospitality is Sponsored by Berman Falk https://www.bermanfalk.com/ - Check out their impact page! 🌍🌱 https://www.bermanfalk.com/impact/ 

Ways to Tune In: 

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0A2XOJvb6mGqEPYJ5bilPX
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/defining-hospitality-podcast/id1573596386
• Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZGVmaW5pbmdob3NwaXRhbGl0eS5saXZlL2ZlZWQueG1s
• Amazon Music: ​​https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/8c904932-90fa-41c3-813e-1cb8f3c42419
• Transistor: https://www.defininghospitality.live/