How long does it take to turn around a hotel?
The turnaround of a hotel takes a long time. To get people in position, with the tools, the direction and some changes, takes four and a half days. There is a lot of effort and time. I can place you in the right direction, give you the right tools and make some designs changes, but turning around the hotel is up to the owner after I leave and that’s something that could take as long as he realizes what he has to do.

What is your favorite hotel that you helped turn around?
I don’t have a clear favorite, but there’s a hotel in Mammoth, California called the Alphenhof that’s one of my favorites. La Jolla Cove Suites in La Jolla, California is another.

What are biggest pet peeves at a hotel?
Everything! Service and cleanliness. I have to say service even more than cleanliness, because if something is dirty and I’m getting good service they’ll clean it. However, if it’s dirty and I’m getting bad service, I’m just going to get pissed off.

What is the one thing that makes the most difference when turning a struggling hotel around?
Getting the owner and the housekeepers to understand the mission statement.

In your opinion what keeps people coming back to a hotel?
Friendliness, service and location, in that order.

Anthony Melchiorri’s hospitality website!

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