Boutique Hotel Professionals launches operations

Boutique Hotel Professionals, a management company specializing in boutique hotels and luxury travel experiences, has launched operations.

The Michigan-headquartered organization currently manages The Inn at St. John’s, a boutique resort with 27-hole golf course, 48,000 sq. ft. of meeting space specializing in luxury weddings and group corporate events and 5ive Steakhouse. Boutique Hotel Professionals plans to take on more independent quality properties in Michigan and nationwide. The announcement was made by cofounders, CEO Paul Wegert, CHA, and Chief Investment Officer Jenifer Neptune.

In 2019, the travel and tourism sector was one of the fastest-growing industries, accounting for over 10% of the world’s GDP and employing 10% of the total global workforce. Even with COVID-19, the U.S. luxury travel industry in 2020 was estimated at $251.1 billion, a number that is projected to increase with a compound annual growth rate of 7.9%. However, the American Hotel and Lodging Association (AHLA) estimates that the COVID-19 pandemic has taken the industry back more than 10 years’ worth of job growth.

“While the travel industry has always been cyclical, the current downturn due to COVID-19 has been particularly challenging for luxury independent hotels operating in corporate metropolitan areas versus those in the leisure markets,” said Wegert. “We saw an immediate need to launch Boutique Hotel Professionals as a resource for luxury properties who may not have the on-site seasoned personnel to meet the current industry challenges.”

At the heart of Boutique Hotel Professionals is a team of industry experts with decades of experience skilled in all aspects of luxury independent properties focusing on property repositioning, turn-around solutions, creating team leadership and culture, curating guest experiences and maximizing returns for investors.

“We leverage our unique insight to capitalize on industry trends, delivering exceptional memorable experiences,” he said. “Boutique Hotel Professionals is dedicated to exceeding exacting guest standards, while also surpassing the business objectives of investors.”

According to Neptune, “We pride ourselves on providing a great and fun working environment for all associates, superior service for our guests, innovative business technologies and investment opportunities for owners. Our fresh approach to hospitality enables us to create a culture that fosters extraordinary and unique travel experiences tailored to each local community, discerning guest and property owner.”

“Throughout my career, I have stayed focused on guest and associate satisfaction, quality control, driving revenue, controlling expenses and maximizing profit for property owners,” said Jim Fowler, VP of operations at Boutique Hotel Professionals. “Creating a culture in which associates thrive in turn generates an outstanding experience for guests, from dining and overnight stays to meetings and special events.”

Boutique Hotel Professionals creates and manages one-of-a-kind luxury properties that are individualized for the local markets and geared towards the sophisticated traveler, the company reports. “More travelers are seeking luxury accommodations, including high-end dining and wine lists that appeal to cultured connoisseurs,” said Eric Djordjevic, VP of food and beverage. “We take great pride in creating distinctive travel experiences curated to the needs of each property and its clientele.”

The management group also oversees property development, leveraging relationships with industry experts to spearhead hotel renovations, expansion planning, new construction and cost analysis. Moreover, Boutique Hotel Professionals offers investment consulting, assisting with purchasing, operating and overseeing future hotel investments by providing industry insight, market analysis and identifying opportunities.