Today we’d like to introduce you to Vaughn Davis.
Vaughn, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I was bitten by the travel bug at a very young age when my family moved from Guyana to New York. I was eight years old and I can honestly say I’ve had a passion for hospitality ever since. After graduating from Hofstra with a degree in Political Science and Pre-Law, I became captivated by the hotel industry and saw an opportunity to bring together my love of people and creating memories with the analytical expertise and knowledge that I had cultivated. It was 2010, and I was part of the opening team at a luxury hotel in Manhattan, starting as a bellman in a manager-in-training program. One year into the program, and I was recruited by Dream Hotel Group as a Guest Services Manager, overseeing everything from VIP client relations to corporate partnerships to operating procedures, for the highly anticipated opening of Dream Downtown in New York.
If I wasn’t hooked before, I sure was now, and, for the next ten years, I continued to create unparalleled guest experiences, build genuine partnerships and execute engaging events and activations unique to the Dream brand, tapping into a network of exclusive business partners, colleagues and peers as I grew in my career. In 2019 I was appointed General Manager of Dream Hollywood, where I am currently responsible for the day-to-day operations and leadership of a 178-room lifestyle hotel and its six dining and nightlife venues, including a massive rooftop pool, bar and grille.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I prefer the term “learning experiences.” Every obstacle I face, every challenge I overcome, every experience I have is another opportunity to grow, another opportunity to learn and improve. If you continue to look at it that way, you will always be moving forward.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Dream Hollywood Hotel – what should we know?
Like most visions, the Dream Hotels brand originated from a place of longing. A desire for lifestyle hotels with forward-thinking spaces filled with ultra-modern amenities; for boutique establishments where the proverbial line between stay and play was blurry at best, and built-in nightlife and on-property entertainment connected guests and locals in tangible ways. All this, we imagined, could be topped off with an almost obsessive-meets-compulsive level of service that’s sure to stun even the most seasoned traveler. So, being the entrepreneurial types that we are at Dream, we set about bringing this vision to life in 2004. Good was never good enough. We took the familiar and added unexpected touches to what you get.
The result? A lighthearted exploration of all things after dark and the (oh-so-boring) daylight hours that follow. Dream Hotels encourage minute-by-minute opportunities to discover the alter ego you always suspected but never met. We subscribe to the idea that when you travel, you should not only experience the place you’re visiting – you should encounter the people, too. That’s why our properties are also local hangouts with indulgent restaurants, upscale bars and playfully exquisite lounges built right in. In fact, every aspect (from service to sanctuary) lends itself perfectly to an end that is part of social sculpture, part experiential environment. We don’t just offer beds to lay your head on for a night or two – we provide an introduction to a new lifestyle, a new you. At Dream, we’ll show you the finest art, architecture and design, a space for balanced health and well-being, the latest fashion collaborations, live musical performances and state-of-the-art technology right in the comfort of your own room. It’s time to try something different and push the boundaries of your expectations for a hotel stay. It’s time to Dream.
For its Los Angeles debut, Dream Hotels introduces its west coast flagship to the palm-lined streets of Los Angeles. At the corner of Selma Avenue and N. Cahuenga Boulevard, tucked among the scenic Hollywood Hills, Dream Hollywood boasts 178 playfully sophisticated guest rooms with subtle nods to the mid-century modern aesthetic iconic to Los Angeles. Designed by award-winning firm the Rockwell Group, Dream Hollywood unveils the most coveted playground in Los Angeles, featuring accommodations with unparalleled views, luxurious guest amenities such as TAO Group’s opulent restaurants, including TAO, Beauty & Essex, and The Highlight Room, the city’s swankiest rooftop pool, lounge, and grill and complimentary Lincoln Continental and Navigator car service.
What has been the proudest moment of your career so far?
I love to teach and find this to be the most important part of what I do as General Manager. I have directed training programs at multiple hospitality companies throughout my career, including the development of a guest services protocol that focuses on the core principles of listening, applying emotional intelligence, anticipating needs, and proactive action. As a direct result of these training programs, my team in New York achieved the unachievable, a #1 placement on TripAdvisor within 45 days of opening. A testament to the strength of our brand and our people, it’s accomplishments like this that make me most proud.
Who also deserves credit?
My mom has been a major influence in my life. Watching her persevere and succeed has always been a motivating factor for me. My aunts and uncles that immigrated to America and became notable figures in our society also deserve credit for helping me become the man I am today. And I would be remiss not to mention my four beautiful children who drive me to create a better future for them. Everything I do, I do it for you. From a professional standpoint, Dream Hotel Group COO Michael Lindenbaum gave me my first job in hospitality and immediately took me under his wing. He has been mentoring me for over several years and for that I will always be grateful. In fact, every colleague, partner, team member and collaborator I have ever worked with has been a part of my success. I am successful because of them.
Contact Info:
- Address: 6417 Selma Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90028
- Website: www.dreamhotels.com/hollywood
- Phone: 323-844-6417
- Email: [email protected]
Image Credit:
Photos courtesy of Dream Hollywood Hotel.
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