Jeff Klein, a seasoned hotelier known for transforming iconic properties like the Sunset Tower Hotel and San Vicente Bungalows, shares his remarkable journey from bellman to industry leader. He discusses the art of repositioning overlooked real estate and crafting luxurious spaces that prioritize privacy for high-profile clientele. Klein also highlights the emotional stakes in hospitality, focusing on how unique experiences can evoke powerful feelings in guests. His insights on partnerships and intentional design offer valuable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs.
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question_answer ANECDOTE
Jeff Klein's Early Hospitality Journey
Jeff Klein started as a bellman and worked through various operational roles in hospitality.
He bought and repositioned an office building into the City Club Hotel, his first hotel project in 2000.
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Reimagining Sunset Tower Hotel
Jeff bought the dilapidated Argyle Hotel, renamed it Sunset Tower Hotel, and brought a young, sophisticated vision to it.
Despite skepticism, he knew LA was evolving and craved sophisticated experiences.
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Finding the Right Investor Partner
Jeff's first partner wanted to exit Sunset Tower due to age, forcing Jeff to find a new investor quickly.
He partnered with Jonah Sonnenborn of Access Industries, a savvy hotel investor, who became his ideal partner.
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Jeff Klein started his hospitality career in 1993 as a bellman at The Franklin Hotel, where he learned the ropes of running a hotel in various operational roles. His first hotel project was the successful repositioning of a midtown office building into The City Club hotel. After The City Club, Jeff raised capital to acquire the dilapidated Argyle Hotel on Sunset Boulevard, and repositioned it to The Sunset Tower Hotel, an iconic LA destination. The Tower Bar at that hotel was his first restaurant, and remains an elegant destination for celebrities, Hollywood elite, and cultural tastemakers.
In 2013, Jeff acquired the San Vicente Inn, which was a run-down seedy motel in the heart of West Hollywood, and transformed it into the San Vicente Bungalows, an exclusive private members club known for attracting high profile industry executives. Most recently, due to the demand for the privacy and discretion that the club distinctly offers, Jeff has expanded San Vicente Bungalows to Santa Monica on Ocean Boulevard and at the Jane Hotel in New York's West Village.
Jeff is one of the rare hospitality entrepreneurs that has an intuitive understanding of how to buy good real estate and how to curate a timeless experience that fosters longevity and loyalty. In this interview, Jeff shares the stories behind the deals that made his career, and the valuable lessons learned along the way. Thank you Peoplevine for making this podcast possible. Peoplevine is trusted by the best brands in the members club business. Book a free demo to see why at peoplevine.com.
Interview Highlights:
How Jeff got his start in hospitality
Creating the Sunset Tower Hotel
Jeff's various investors in Sunset Tower
What makes a great capital partner?
Opening the Monkey Bar with Graydon Carter
The subconscious elements have big impact
The acquisition story behind San Vicente Bungalows
The Stanza