Arts
Today on the Hotel Design Podcast we a have Mitch Patel, President & CEO of Vision Hospitality Group, one of the most highly regarded developers and owners in North America. Mitch is a second generation hotelier, starting his company in 1997 with seed capital of just $3000 after cashing in his 401k and divesting his career as a civil engineer. He makes light of his modest startup funding by telling the story of his father who immigrated to the US with just $8 to his name, but eventually bought the family’s first hotel in Stockton, California. Today Vision Hospitality Group owns 33 hotels and has 17 more in development. Mitch has an innate eye for design and sits on both Hilton and Marriott’s Design Boards. His opinions are well founded and he believes in using key design elements to connect with guests, such as the creation of social media moments. He believes designers need direction from owners, and that it is unwise to be trendy with certain items, but good to go all out with others. He urges particular caution on the building envelope and exteriors. Brand standards are important for conformity but Mitch firmly believes in pushing the boundaries with Art and Food & Beveridge. Vision Hospitality Group is building the USA’s first new construction Moxy Hotel by Marriott in Cherry Creek, Denver, and Mitch explains the lifestyle concept of his boutique properties and soft branded Autograph and Curio collections. Listeners will hear the enthusiasm Mitch has for the boutique segment and the creation of VHG’s first independent property, The Edwin Hotel in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Mitch reveals his fundamental knowledge that hospitality is unique in the real estate industry. His belief is that people are the real differentiator in his business and he sites company culture will always trump business strategy. Vision Hospitality Group invests heavily in staff development and has their own Vision University, with a 150 curriculum class situated at their HQ. Mitch wraps up this wonderful conversation by endorsing the opinion of Hilton’s Chris Nassetta – that the industry is in the golden age of travel and there is sustainable long term growth ahead. Learn more about Vision Hospitality Group at http://www.vhghotels.com/. Visit us at www.hoteldesignpodcast.com for more episodes, or email us at info@hoteldesignpodcast.com. Featured Product: Porcelanosa’s KRION® Solid Surface Material is made out of two-thirds natural minerals and a low percentage of high-resistance resins. KRION® is available in an array of colors, can be thermocurved or backlit, and is antibacterial – making it a perfect product for the hospitality industry. KRION® is also highly resistant to impacts and external elements (such as fire, chemicals, and frost), and is easy to clean and maintain. Porcelanosa’s newest shades of KRION® are called K-LIFE and feature a unique property that helps purify the air when the material is in contact with light. Inspired by the properties of photocatalytic materials, Porcelanosa has evolved their KRION® Solid Surface material called K-LIFE. When K-LIFE comes into contact with light, it will be able to purify the air, expel harmful bacteria, and more. K-LIFE can easily be integrated into many applications – from wall coverings and claddings for ceilings, to custom tables, bars, sinks, shelving units and furniture. The application of K-LIFE in areas with high daily traffic, such as waiting rooms or reception areas, can assure a gradual decontamination of germs and lead to ongoing ecological benefits. Some research performed with KRION® K-LIFE, which has photocatalytic properties, proved that the material can significantly reduce the presence of bacteria. This revolutionary process has led to a patent pending, innovative, and exclusive product that will have a direct effect on our quality of life. Learn more about KRION® at https://www.porcelanosa-usa.com/what-is-krion/. Industry Partners: Porcelanosa: www.porcelanosa-usa.com NEWH: http://newh.org/