Hotel Management — February 2012
Change Language:
News 5 Questions with....
5 questions with ... Laurence Geller
The outspoken hotelier, novelist and Sir Winston Churchill scholar shoots straight
In an industry rife with personality, there is no one quite like the inimitable Laurence Geller. President and CEO of Strategic Hotels & Resorts since its initial public offering in 2004 and founder of Strategic Hotel Capital in 1997, Geller’s rich history in hospitality includes positions with Hyatt Development Corp., Holiday Inns Inc. and Grand Metropolitan Hotels in London.
1 HM: Congratulations on being named a Commander of the Order of the British Empire. Does this mean your badge at shows will read “Sir Laurence Geller”?
LG: Many thanks. Although I am rarely accused of having an overabundance of humility, in this case I truly am humbled. For a displaced Brit, it means a lot. I think the only time I should be addressed as “Sir” is in those form letters which start “Dear Sir or Madam.” Then at least I have a choice.
2 HM: 2011 was a big year for Strategic. The company made several noteworthy acquisitions, completed its balance sheet restructuring and more. What's next?
LG: Having followed the escapades of the shipwrecked Italian cruise ship, I feel a nautical allusion is appropriate. Therefore if last year could be characterized as people talking about Strategic Hotels and saying “There she blows” then this year will be exemplified as “steady she goes.”
3 HM: If you could have supper with anyone living or dead, who would it be? Describe that meal, the wine, and the person you’re eating with.
LG: There is no choice for me but Sir Winston Spencer Churchill, the greatest man of the 20th century. The meal would be simple: Scottish smoked salmon with Sevruga caviar, double consomme, roast grouse, ice cream, Roquefort cheese and peeled fresh pears. The Champagne would be Pol Roger, Cuvee Winston Churchill. The wines would be Tio Pepe sherry, Traminer Reserve, St. Emilion. The brandy would be L’Hertier de Jean Fremicourt and the cigars, fine Havanas—Romeo and Juliet. While Sir Winston Churchill would be my choice of dinner companion, I can't for a moment imagine that I would be his!
4 HM: If you could have any job at any of Strategic’s hotels, what would it be and why?
LG: There are two jobs that would be great: 1. Lifeguard at the pool at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel. The climate, environment and, of course, the natural beauty would be sybaritically enjoyable. 2. GM of The Four Seasons in Washington, D.C. Delivering excellence to guests that will pay for their pleasures while meeting and knowing the world’s political movers and shakers would be, to say the least, a treat. The problem is that I am probably not qualified for either job, so I guess it’s back to the kitchens for me!
5 HM: What will be written on your tombstone?
LG: Laurence Geller – He Gave Good Hotel
The outspoken hotelier, novelist and Sir Winston Churchill scholar shoots straight
In an industry rife with personality, there is no one quite like the inimitable Laurence Geller. President and CEO of Strategic Hotels & Resorts since its initial public offering in 2004 and founder of Strategic Hotel Capital in 1997, Geller’s rich history in hospitality includes positions with Hyatt Development Corp., Holiday Inns Inc. and Grand Metropolitan Hotels in London.
1 HM: Congratulations on being named a Commander of the Order of the British Empire. Does this mean your badge at shows will read “Sir Laurence Geller”?
LG: Many thanks. Although I am rarely accused of having an overabundance of humility, in this case I truly am humbled. For a displaced Brit, it means a lot. I think the only time I should be addressed as “Sir” is in those form letters which start “Dear Sir or Madam.” Then at least I have a choice.
2 HM: 2011 was a big year for Strategic. The company made several noteworthy acquisitions, completed its balance sheet restructuring and more. What's next?
LG: Having followed the escapades of the shipwrecked Italian cruise ship, I feel a nautical allusion is appropriate. Therefore if last year could be characterized as people talking about Strategic Hotels and saying “There she blows” then this year will be exemplified as “steady she goes.”
3 HM: If you could have supper with anyone living or dead, who would it be? Describe that meal, the wine, and the person you’re eating with.
LG: There is no choice for me but Sir Winston Spencer Churchill, the greatest man of the 20th century. The meal would be simple: Scottish smoked salmon with Sevruga caviar, double consomme, roast grouse, ice cream, Roquefort cheese and peeled fresh pears. The Champagne would be Pol Roger, Cuvee Winston Churchill. The wines would be Tio Pepe sherry, Traminer Reserve, St. Emilion. The brandy would be L’Hertier de Jean Fremicourt and the cigars, fine Havanas—Romeo and Juliet. While Sir Winston Churchill would be my choice of dinner companion, I can't for a moment imagine that I would be his!
4 HM: If you could have any job at any of Strategic’s hotels, what would it be and why?
LG: There are two jobs that would be great: 1. Lifeguard at the pool at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel. The climate, environment and, of course, the natural beauty would be sybaritically enjoyable. 2. GM of The Four Seasons in Washington, D.C. Delivering excellence to guests that will pay for their pleasures while meeting and knowing the world’s political movers and shakers would be, to say the least, a treat. The problem is that I am probably not qualified for either job, so I guess it’s back to the kitchens for me!
5 HM: What will be written on your tombstone?
LG: Laurence Geller – He Gave Good Hotel
Message