Via Scott Mayerowitz, we learn that:
Hilton’s CEO likes the Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island
Accor’s CEO nominates the Andaz Amsterdam
And Wyndham’s CEO says his favorite is the Park Hyatt Vendome in Paris
These answers were given at the NYU Hospitality Conference where hotel CEOs were also clearly on the side of the Middle East carriers in their dispute against United, Delta, and American. Hotel chains compete globally, including on service, so aren’t likely to be convinced by pleas for protectionism
he’d rather fly @emirates @qatarairways @EtihadAirways over @AmericanAir @Delta @united
The funny thing – at least to me – is that such a preference ought to be very aircraft-specific. Emirates has 10-abreast seating on their 777 (so does American, but not Delta or United). Emirates and Qatar have angled business class seats across much of their fleets, while American, United, and Delta are mostly flat across their international networks.
The Middle East carriers have a reputation for service, and it’s service as much as hard product that matters in the hotel business. As Starwood CEO Adam Aron told me in April, the St. Regis brand ‘will throw as much panache at you as we know how’. That’s a very different business from the airlines.
Gary,
Qatar’s business class isn’t angled flat across much of the fleet. The 777’s have a flat bed albeit in the old 2-2-2 configuration. They are 180 degree flat. And the 787’s, A350 and A380 are all lie flat.
10-across seating? You think these CEOs fly economy (or even business)?
You make good ppints but these ceos would fly in First and also stay in suites.