Ramon Reyes, General Manager at Omni Atlanta Hotel at Centennial Park – Interview 

How has the recent refurbishment of the Omni Atlanta Hotel’s suites, including the introduction of signature suites like the Georgia Aquarium Suite, enhanced the guest experience and aligned with Atlanta’s iconic attractions? 

One of the hallmarks of our brand is Local Color, Local Flavor. No matter which Omni property you visit, you’ll experience the essence of the city through our unique designs and exceptional service. These signature suites will further immerse you in Atlanta’s vibrant culture. From the Georgia Aquarium to Coca-Cola and College Football, our suites capture the spirit of the city. Guests will not only enjoy these attractions but also experience them firsthand within the comfort of their own accommodations. 

How has the growth and development of Downtown Atlanta, particularly the construction of Centennial Yards, influenced the strategic direction and offerings of the Omni Atlanta Hotel? 

Atlanta is a city that has it all! Its convenient location and world-class airport make it easily accessible. From the excitement of Mercedes-Benz Stadium and State Farm Arena to the versatility of our convention center, there’s something for everyone. The upcoming additions of Centennial Yards, South Downtown, and The Center will further enhance Atlanta’s appeal. 

We anticipate a surge in visitors, especially concert-goers and sports enthusiasts. They’ll now have the opportunity to enjoy pre-event dining and entertainment, making their stays in Atlanta even more memorable. Staycations are also expected to increase significantly. Our industry is poised to meet the growing demand and provide exceptional experiences for all our guests. 

What leadership strategies have you implemented at Omni Atlanta Hotel to foster a culture of innovation and adaptability in response to emerging hospitality trends like sustainability and technology integration? 

At the Omni Atlanta Hotel at Centennial Park, we’ve implemented innovative leadership strategies to address the evolving needs of our associates and guests. Recognizing the importance of fundamental recognition and incentives, we’ve intensified our focus in these areas. Our commitment to improving associate retention has yielded significant results, thanks to the dedication of our leadership team. This is a crucial goal not only for our property but for the entire industry. 

We empower our associates with autonomy, enabling them to take ownership of their tasks and contribute to process improvements. Daily collaborative meetings foster a bottom-up approach, where all team members contribute to finding solutions. This approach has positively impacted both our hotel and our guests’ experiences. 

In terms of sustainability, we’ve implemented energy-efficient solutions like LED lighting and sensor-controlled temperature adjustments, benefiting both our environment and our bottom line. Technology plays a vital role in our operations. We leverage various technologies to enhance communication with guests before, during, and after their stay, allowing us to better understand and meet their needs. 

We also use technology to create personalized housekeeping assignment boards, tailoring them to the specific needs and patterns of our guests. Our ultimate goal is to deliver a seamless and exceptional experience. 

How do you ensure that the hotel’s culture reflects both the local Atlanta community and the global standards of luxury hospitality, especially in terms of guest satisfaction and employee engagement? 

Training has always been the cornerstone of our success. We prioritize hiring individuals who genuinely care about providing exceptional service. Our aim is to create a welcoming atmosphere where every guest feels like they’re entering our home. Those who understand the importance of serving others thrive in our environment. 

Once hired, all associates, including managers, undergo 7-8 modules of comprehensive training led by our Operations Training Manager, Hotel Manager, and myself. These sessions focus on essential service fundamentals, including the power of a firm handshake, the impact of eye contact, problem resolution, reading body language, and much more. 

The key to our training programs is the emphasis on practical application. Through hands-on practice, we’ve cultivated a strong service culture that consistently delights our guests. 

Can you share your vision for the future of the Omni Atlanta Hotel and how you plan to position it as a leader in the luxury hospitality market amid evolving guest expectations and industry challenges? 

The future looks bright for the Omni Atlanta Hotel at Centennial Park! We’ve been an integral part of this city’s growth and evolution, and we’re excited to witness its continued transformation. With significant investments in projects like Centennial Yards, The Center, and South Downtown, Atlanta’s downtown area is poised for even greater success. 

Our goal is to complement these exciting developments and ensure that every visitor to Atlanta has an unforgettable experience. Our recent renovations have been well-received, and we’re confident they’ll continue to impress. Over the past five years, we’ve made substantial investments in our property, both visible and behind the scenes.  

However, our most valuable and noticeable investment remains our people. Our dedicated team is passionate about providing exceptional service, which sets us apart from our competitors.