Detroit Foundation Hotel Draws in Community as General Manager Seeks To Reignite Passion for Hospitality

James Dannecker closely followed the development path of the Detroit Foundation Hotel when it opened six years ago. Now, as the hotel's general manager, he said he was drawn to its reputation for true hospitality and as a hub for the city.

The hospitality industry was hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, which at its height crippled demand for hotels and travel like no other crisis has before. As that demand has recovered over the past three years, Dannecker said, more attention must be paid to other losses the industry suffered as a result — including a general loss of passion for hospitality.

He said one of the biggest challenges the industry faces, and that he faces as a hotel general manager, is "reigniting the passion people have for hospitality."

His strategy for meeting that challenge includes doing more to bring the Detroit community into the hotel by making amenities attractive and accessible to locals as well as guests. One such amenity is a podcast studio, free for the public to use.