INTERVIEW: GM of Lennox Hotel Miami Beach

Hotel Owner recently visited Lennox Hotel while it was still under construction. Now it's open, we interviewed Ziad Chantiry, the general manager of recently completed luxury boutique, Lennox Hotel Miami Beach. Could you tell me about your history in the industry? I have more than 20 years’ hospitality experience and a well-rounded understanding of all facets of hotel management. In my current role as the GM for Lennox Hotel Miami Beach, I have overseen the transformation of the property from its previous incarnation as the Peter Miller Hotel built in 1936 to the new Lennox Hotel Miami. I am responsible for overseeing all hotel operations and management, in addition to assisting in the management of the two Lennox Hotel sister properties located in Argentina. Prior to joining Lennox Hotels, I served as GM for Marriott Hotels in Naples and Coral Springs where I oversaw all hotel operations. During my time with Marriott, I helped my hotels reach the top tier in guest satisfaction scores within their brand portfolios. I hold a bachelor’s degree in Business Management and am currently in the process of finishing my MBA at Palm Beach Atlantic University. Why was the hotel refurbished? The property wasn’t a hotel directly before becoming Lennox Hotel Miami, so the refurbishment has turned the building into a luxury hotel. The CEO of Lennox Hotels, Diego Agnelli, purchased the historic building for $14.7 million in 2010 and in total has invested more than $100 million for an extensive renovation. Was the hotel open during the refurbishment period? No, the hotel wasn’t open during the refurbishment. Was there a main theme for the renovation? The core focus for the creation of Lennox Hotel Miami Beach has been to transform an iconic building into a livable landmark, preserving its rich history through the conservation of its original Art Deco façade. Hints of the past have been kept throughout property, such as in the lobby where original terrazzo floor and archways remain. The Art Deco theme has been accented by contemporary upscale furnishings and interiors. The interior style is modern luxury enhanced by natural elements. The hotel features 119 contemporary guestrooms, 13 of these complemented by a small balcony offering sweeping views of the buzzing streets of Miami Beach. Each room is equipped with handcrafted furnishings from Patagonia and green, upcycled materials that were meticulously curated by acclaimed Argentinean interior designer, Juan Ciavarella. The soft neutral tones and unique textiles combine to create a tranquil environment throughout the property. The hotel also includes a swimming pool with poolside bar, an upscale restaurant, a meeting room for up to 12 people, a gym, a bar/lounge area, complimentary shuttle service and more. How has the restaurant been improved? The restaurant is set to open in October, and we look forward to sharing information on it closer to the time. I can only share that it will be South American inspired food for now but we should have a menu ready by first of October. How has it been for the guests? The hotel only opened on 1 August and has already been a great success with guests. Customer feedback has been very positive, with guests particularly commenting on the central location, the bedrooms and the appeal of Art Deco features. Did you have any input in the design of the hotel? Yes, I took part in the purchasing of may furnishing and lighting items. As for the main design, it was mostly the work of Mr. Agnelli and Mr. Ciavarella. What is your favourite aspect of the project? What I like most about the restoration of the hotel is that it has been able to preserve parts of its rich history. For example, the conservation of its original Art Deco façade and some details of the past found throughout the property, such as the lobby where the floor is preserved and the original terrazzo arches, seem to me to give it a very special touch to the hotel. The rest of the interior has been completely transformed and offers a modern luxury style enhanced by natural elements, with the addition of a 12-foot pool placed in the center of the four interconnected buildings. Another of the most special features of the hotel is that not one room is the same. Each room has its own individual touches, whether it's the custom artwork, the general layout of the rooms or the decorative details. Our goal with this is to be able to offer each guest a truly unique experience and to be able to tell their own story of their experience in the hotel.