Hotel Leaders

Peter DeMoor
Hotel Leaders

Welcome to the Hotel Leaders podcast! Each episode we explore the founding stories of the world's most iconic hotels and brands. Your host is Peter DeMoor, a former hotel manager, General Manager of a hotel school and current co-founder of 'Shower Away', a hotel tech start-up looking to connect people to showers in luxury hotel rooms.

  1. 6 AUG

    #12 - Copacabana Palace

    Welcome to episode twelve! Today we are travelling to perhaps the most incredible hotel in South America. It is the Copacabana Palace, A Belmond Hotel, Rio de Janeiro in Brazil. Rio is all about the environment, the people and a healthy dose of fun. The Harbour of Rio de Janeiro is one of the seven natural wonders of the world. Today, we will explore the harbour, the beach and the iconic hotel that has placed Copacabana on the world stage for more than a century. Here we go! I'm your podcast host, Peter DeMoor. I have a fascination for the hotel industry and over the last quarter-of-a-century I have studied it, been a hotel manager and passed the torch to next generation. Now, as part of an emerging hotel industry tech-startup, I am independent from any specific hotel or chain, and able to talk about the industry with a balanced perspective and with a certain level of expertise. It’s time to check-in! 02:30 – HISTORY (Official Belmond Hotel Videos - The Crown Jewel of Rio, Copacabana Palace, Getting Ready for the Carnival Ball, Warm Winter Days in Rio. The Hotel’s History - Belmond Hotels). Flying Down to Rio - Rotten Tomatoes Classic Trailers). 10:20 – THE GM (GM Ulisses Marreiros - Antonio Paraiso and Wilka Nascimento). 20:52 – HOTEL ROOMS 22:24 – F&B and EVENTS 24:16 – FACILITIES (Ask the Concierge – Belmond). 26:47 – FUN FACT (Showers – Shower Away). 28:29 – CELEBRITIES (Copacabana – Barry Manilow. Hall of Fame – Belmond). 35:04 – AWARDS Rio is one of the most visited tourist destinations in the southern hemisphere with being the only city in the world to have two of the seven wonders of the world, the Harbour and Christ the Redeemer. Rio and the Copacabana Beach will continue to be an iconic world destination. If your journey ever brings you to, or back to, Rio be sure to stay at the Copacabana Palace, the crown jewel of the world’s most iconic beach.  Thank you for joining today’s episode. Whether you're an industry insider, a student of hotel management, or simply curious about the world of hotels, I hope you were inspired, amazed, and enlightened as we unlocked the secrets of the hotel industry's most iconic leaders and iconic hotels. If you had a wonderful time, the best way to say thank you is to follow our podcast, so that you never miss our monthly episodes. If you love showers in luxury hotels, please check-out our tech start-up, at ⁠showeraway.com⁠, where we hope one day to provide people on daytrips access to the very best hotel showers in the world. Farewell, until the next time you check-in to the Hotel Leaders podcast! Music by Musictown. To reserve you stay, visit the Copacabana Palace website at https://www.belmond.com/hotels/south-america/brazil/rio-de-janeiro/belmond-copacabana-palace/. Please consider following the hotel on X, Facebook and Instagram.

    38 min
  2. 13 JULY

    #11 - Sheraton Grand Mirage Port Douglas

    Sheraton Grand Mirage Port Douglas is the jewel of Far North Queensland. This luxury resort is situated directly on Four Mile Beach and is your gateway to Australia’s Great Barrier Reef and more. The resort has one of the most amazing swimming pools I have seen, complete with an awesome swim-up pool bar. This is the ultimate tropical five-star resort! I'm your podcast host, Peter DeMoor. I have a fascination for the hotel industry and over the last quarter-of-a-century I have studied it, been a hotel manager and passed the torch to next generation. Now, as part of an emerging hotel industry tech-startup, I am independent from any specific hotel or chain, and able to talk about the industry with a balanced perspective and with a certain level of expertise. It’s time to check-in! 02:02 – HISTORY OF PORT DOUGLAS (Port Douglas Overview – Visit Port Douglas & Daintree) 04:13 – THE FOUNDER (Commercial – 513official4) 09:28 – HOTEL ROOMS (Official Hotel Video) 10:50 – FOOD AND BEVERAGE (Taste Port Douglas – Marriott) 14:07 – FACILITIES (Local Facilities – Marriott) 18:40 – COMMUNITY-MINDED (Official Hotel Video) 20:45 – CELEBRITIES AND AWARDS (GM – Editor Newsport) As a guest, this is a great place to stay all year around. Although many people’s favourite time is the dry season from May to November, anytime of the year is wonderful and warm. Just make sure you stay at a superb resort with a beautiful large swimming pool, and there is no better place to stay than the Sheraton Grand Mirage Port Douglas.  Thank you for joining today’s episode. Whether you're an industry insider, a student of hotel management, or simply curious about the world of hotels, I hope you were inspired, amazed, and enlightened as we unlocked the secrets of the hotel industry's most iconic leaders and iconic hotels. If you had a wonderful time, the best way to say thank you is to follow our podcast, so that you never miss our monthly episodes. If you love showers in luxury hotels, please check-out our tech start-up, at ⁠showeraway.com⁠, where we hope one day to provide people on daytrips access to the very best hotel showers in the world. Farewell, until the next time you check-in to the Hotel Leaders podcast! Music by Musictown. To reserve you stay, visit the Sheraton Grand Mirage Port Douglas’ website at marriott.com/en-s/hotels/cnssi-sheraton-grand-mirage-resort-port-douglas. Please consider following the hotel on Facebook and Instagram.

    29 min
  3. 14 JUNE

    #10 - Kruger Shalati

    This podcast is all about the Kruger Shalati – The Train on the Bridge. This luxury hotel, where you sleep on a train carriage over the Sabie River, has delightful viewing of African wildlife from your room and the viewing platform. The hotel has quickly become an iconic hotel led by a wonderful team! I'm your host, Peter DeMoor. I have a fascination for the hotel industry and over the last quarter-of-a-century I have studied it, been a hotel manager and passed the torch to next generation. Now, as part of an emerging hotel industry tech-startup, I am independent from any specific hotel or chain, and able to talk about the industry with a balanced perspective and with a certain level of expertise. It’s time to check-in! 01:55 – HISTORY (Kruger Shalati – Africam) 07:26 – THE LEADERS (Kruger Shalati – Official Video) 10:45 – WILDLIFE (Kruger Shalati – Official Video) 12:29 – HOTEL SUITES (Kruger Shalati – Official Video) 14:36 – FACILITIES (Kruger Shalati – Official Video) 17:23 – AWARDS (The Reluctant Traveler – Apple TV) Whether you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind adventure, an enthralling break or to simply unwind while surrounded by earth’s finest creations, Kruger Shalati will welcome you on a journey of discovery with nature in the most extraordinary way imaginable. This hotel is a celebration of Africa and an ultimate bucket-list destination! To reserve you stay, visit the Kruger Shalati’s website at krugershalati.com. Please consider following the hotel on Facebook and Instagram. If you are unable to visit this hotel you can still watch the excellent Africam livestreams here. Thank you for joining today’s episode. Whether you're an industry insider, a student of hotel management, or simply curious about the world of hotels, I hope you were inspired, amazed, and enlightened as we unlocked the secrets of the hotel industry's most iconic leaders and iconic hotels. If you had a wonderful time, the best way to say thank you is to follow our podcast, so that you never miss our monthly episodes. If you love showers in luxury hotels, please check-out our tech start-up, at ⁠showeraway.com⁠, where we hope one day to provide people on daytrips access to the very best hotel showers in the world. Farewell, until the next time you check-in to the Hotel Leaders podcast! Disco transitions by Musictown.

    21 min
  4. 14 MAY

    #9 - Peace Hotel

    This podcast is all about the Peace Hotel in Shanghai China, and how it became one of the most iconic hotels in China and the world. I'm your host, Peter DeMoor. I have a fascination for the hotel industry and over the last quarter-of-a-century I have studied it, been a hotel manager and passed the torch to next generation. Now, as part of an emerging hotel industry tech-startup, I am independent from any specific hotel or chain, and able to talk about the industry with a balanced perspective and with a certain level of expertise. It’s time to check-in! 02:10 – SHANGHAI (Attache – Shanghai) 04:43 – SWATCH ART PEACE HOTEL (Frieze – CEO, SHPH – Yukes) 11:42 – FAIRMONT PEACE HOTEL (XinHua Travel – GM) 15:05 – ROOM (Mary Gostelow – Japanese Suite) 19:52 – F&B (Flying Moon – Jazz Band) 23:42 – FACILITIES (UNSW - History) 26:22 – CELEBRITIES AND AWARDS (Loecsen – My Fair Lady) This stunning little hotel is a landmark in a global city and if your travels bring you to Shanghai, I strongly recommend a stay, Enjoy high tea and an evening at the bar experiencing one of the most memorable bands on the planet where you will be sure to be up on the dance floor as the band plays smooth jazzy tunes. To reserve a room, visit the Fairmont Peace Hotel’s website fairmont.com/peace-hotel-shanghai. To enquire about the artist in residence program, please visit the Swatch Art Peace Hotel website swatch-art-peace-hotel.com and the virtual artist museum here. Here is the link to the video left by French artist in residence, Cyril Galmiche, entitled ‘Pudong Summer’. Thank you for joining today’s episode. Whether you're an industry insider, a student of hotel management, or simply curious about the world of hotels, I hope you were inspired, amazed, and enlightened as we unlocked the secrets of the hotel industry's most iconic leaders and iconic hotels. If you had a wonderful time, the best way to say thank you is to follow our podcast, so that you never miss our monthly episodes. If you love showers in luxury hotels, please check-out our tech start-up, at ⁠showeraway.com⁠, where we hope one day to provide people on daytrips access to the very best hotel showers in the world. Farewell, until the next time you check-in to the Hotel Leaders podcast! Disco transitions by Musictown.

    30 min
  5. 14 APR

    #8 - Icehotel

    This podcast is all about the original Icehotel in Sweden, and how it became one of the most popular hotels featured on bucket lists of people around the world. I'm your host, Peter DeMoor. I have a fascination for the hotel industry and over the last quarter-of-a-century I have studied it, been a hotel manager and passed the torch to next generation. Now, as part of an emerging hotel industry tech-startup, I am independent from any specific hotel or chain, and able to talk about the industry with a balanced perspective and with a certain level of expertise. It’s time to check-in! 01:54 – THE LOCATION (Icehotel – Torne River) 05:15 – THE FIRST HOTEL (Swedish Lapland TV – Yngve Bergqvist) 09:37 – ROOM TYPES (Bent Rivera – Themed Room, Icehotel – Nebula’s Child, Walk With Me Tim – Shower, Icehotel – Ceremony Hall) 15:37 – F&B and ACTIVITIES (WBP Stars – Chef Meier) 20:50 – SUSTAINABLE PHILOSOPHY (BBC – Insulation) 22:51 – EVENTS (Terje Isungset – Glimpse of Light) 25:34 – POP CULTURE AND AWARDS (Van Halen - Without You, National Geographic – Biggest Igloo) 27:55 – ICEHOTEL 35 (Icehotel – Marie Herry) In 2024 the Icehotel will be rebuilt for the 35th time. Each year the hotel melts away in the long summer days and is rebuilt in winter complete with ice carvings and beautiful lights within and the northern lights outside. To see beautiful footage of this hotel or to book a room in winter, or any time of year, please visit icehotel.com. Thank you for joining today’s episode. Whether you're an industry insider, a student of hotel management, or simply curious about the world of hotels, I hope you were inspired, amazed, and enlightened as we unlocked the secrets of the hotel industry's most iconic leaders and iconic hotels. If you had a wonderful time, the best way to say thank you is to follow our podcast, so that you never miss our monthly episodes. If you love showers in luxury hotels, please check-out our tech start-up, at ⁠showeraway.com⁠, where we hope one day to provide people on daytrips access to the very best hotel showers in the world. Farewell, until the next time you check-in to the Hotel Leaders podcast! Visit the Icehotel website here: ⁠icehotel.com⁠.

    33 min
  6. 14 MAR

    #7 - Hilton Hotels & Resorts

    This podcast is all about the Hilton Hotels and Resorts, and how Conrad Hilton acquired one hotel in Texas and created one of the largest and most well-known of the global hotel empires. I'm your host, Peter DeMoor. I have a fascination for the hotel industry and over the last quarter-of-a-century I have studied it, been a hotel manager and passed the torch to next generation. Now, as part of an emerging hotel industry tech-startup, I am independent from any specific hotel or chain, and able to talk about the industry with a balanced perspective and with a certain level of expertise. It’s time to check-in! 02:11 – CONRAD HILTON (A&E Network, Dixon Seider – Conrad’s Parents, Hilton Budapest – Cisco, Texas) 13:00 – THE FIRST HOTELS (Alex Berman – Mobley Hotel) 17:53 – EARLY GROWTH 20:41 – THE GREAT DEPRESSION 25:17 – HILTON IS BACK (A&E Network, Dixen Seider – Waldorf-Astoria, Conrad N Hilton – Beverly Hilton, Founders – Conrad’s Regrets) 42:13 – ADVICE FOR HOTELIERS (Hilton – Coffee Diplomacy) 49:23 – FILM, TV, BOOKS & AWARDS (Fernando Cabarcos – Mad Men, Google Play Books – The Hiltons, Alex Berman – Paris Hilton) 54:17 – HILTON TODAY (Norges Bank Investment Management – Current CEO) Today, Hilton is worth more than $50 billion. Its more than 7,500 hotels have more than 1 million hotel rooms. Hilton consistently ranks as the top hotel chain to work for in the world. It has been 45 years since Conrad passed away, yet he remains the gold standard for aspiring hotel managers and owners alike. Thank you for joining today’s episode. Whether you're an industry insider, a student of hotel management, or simply curious about the world of hotels, I hope you were inspired, amazed, and enlightened as we unlocked the secrets of the hotel industry's most iconic leaders and iconic hotels. If you had a wonderful time, the best way to say thank you is to subscribe, so that you never miss our monthly episodes. If you love showers in luxury hotels, please check-out our tech start-up, at ⁠showeraway.com⁠, where we hope one day to provide people on daytrips access to the very best hotel showers in the world. Farewell, until the next time you check-in to the Hotel Leaders podcast! Visit the Hilton Hotels & Resorts website here: www.hilton.com.

    59 min
  7. 14 FEB

    #6 - The Venetian Resort

    This podcast is all about the Venetian-Palazzo Resort Las Vegas, the largest luxury hotel in the world! I'm your host, Peter DeMoor. I have a fascination for the hotel industry and over the last quarter-of-a-century I have studied it, been a hotel manager and passed the torch to next generation. Now, as part of an emerging hotel industry tech-startup, I am independent from any specific hotel or chain, and able to talk about the industry with a balanced perspective and with a certain level of expertise. It’s time to check-in! 01:39 – BEFORE THE VENETIAN (Rat Pack - The Sands). 06:31 – THE GRAND OPENING. 07:57 – HOTEL DESIGN (Grand Canal - Travel Ruby,). 10:24 – IMPROVEMENTS (Sean Morris – Venetian, Human Nature - Don’t Say Goodbye). 14:10 – ACCOMMODATION (Room Service - Strictly Dumpling). 16:56 – FILM, TV & AWARDS (Max Tappeiner - NHLA). Whether you are enjoying a cocktail in a cabana by the pool, having that girl’s weekend or a family getaway, the Venetian will leave you wanting more as you experience renaissance Italian royalty with all the modern conveniences. If your travels ever bring you to Vegas, be sure to put the largest luxury hotel on your list of things to do and make sure you jump on a gondola and journey down the grand canal! Thank you for joining today’s episode. Whether you're an industry insider, a student of hotel management, or simply curious about the world of hotels, I hope you were inspired, amazed, and enlightened as we unlocked the secrets of the hotel industry's most iconic leaders and iconic hotels. If you had a wonderful time, the best way to say thank you is to subscribe, so that you never miss our monthly episodes. If you love showers in luxury hotels, please check-out our tech start-up, at ⁠showeraway.com⁠, where we hope one day to provide people on daytrips access to the very best hotel showers in the world. Farewell, until the next time you check-in to the Hotel Leaders Podcast! Visit the Venetian Resort website here: www.venetianlasvegas.com.

    21 min
  8. 14/12/2023

    #5 - Jamala Wildlife Lodge

    Jamala Wildlife Lodge is a 5-star hotel within a zoo, with generous hotel suites offering an immersive experience, where only large glass windows separate you from your favourite animals, be these monkeys, lions, giraffe or even colourful tropical reef fish, to name but a few. G’day and welcome to my hometown as we head to Canberra, Australia in this episode of the Hotel Leaders podcast. I'm your host, Peter DeMoor. I have a fascination for the hotel industry and over the last quarter-of-a-century I have studied it, been a hotel manager and passed the torch to next generation. Now, as part of an emerging hotel industry tech-startup, I am independent from any specific hotel or chain, and able to talk about the industry with a balanced perspective and with a certain level of expertise. It’s time to check-in! 01:46 – THE FOUNDERS (Richard Tindale - NZAA, Sun Bears - NZAA). 08:42 – THE GRAND OPENING (Grand Opening - NZAA). 11:34 – ACCOMMODATION (Jungle Bungalows - NZAA, Sunrise - NZAA, Dining - NZAA). 18:59 – AWARDS (Amanda Mead - Tourism Australia). 21:31 – MEDIA (Sky News - NZAA). Jamala Wildlife Lodge is so much more than a hotel, it’s a series of wonderful experiences that are out of this world! I can only describe so much within this podcast format and even the website (jamalawildlifelodge.com.au) and videos in the links, can only take you so far. This hotel has to be seen in real life to be believed. If you get the opportunity and the means and your travels ever bring you Canberra the capital of Australia, I whole-heartedly recommend visiting the National Zoo and Aquarium and within it the iconic Jamala Wildlife Lodge! Thank you for joining today’s episode. Whether you're an industry insider, a student of hotel management, or simply curious about the world of hotels, I hope you were inspired, amazed, and enlightened as we unlocked the secrets of the hotel industry's most iconic leaders and iconic hotels. If you had a wonderful time, the best way to say thank you is to subscribe, so that you never miss our monthly episodes. If you love showers in luxury hotels, please check-out our tech start-up, at ⁠showeraway.com⁠, where we hope one day to provide people on daytrips access to the very best hotel showers in the world. Farewell, until the next time you check-in to the Hotel Leaders Podcast! Visit the Jamala Wildlife Lodge website here: www.jamalawildlifelodge.com.au.

    24 min

Trailer

About

Welcome to the Hotel Leaders podcast! Each episode we explore the founding stories of the world's most iconic hotels and brands. Your host is Peter DeMoor, a former hotel manager, General Manager of a hotel school and current co-founder of 'Shower Away', a hotel tech start-up looking to connect people to showers in luxury hotel rooms.

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