BLLA Podcast: Affordable Luxury with Ernest Lee
Season 1, Episode 3 of “The Unfamiliar Shift with Ariela”
Ernest Lee of citizenM is based in New York City and has an extensive range of business experience in investments, real estate, finance, strategy, and even operations. It’s safe to say in the bustling city that never sleeps, he’s truly doing it all.
Overview
Ernest Lee of citizenM is based in New York City and has an extensive range of business experience in investments, real estate, finance, strategy, and even operations. It’s safe to say in the bustling city that never sleeps, he’s truly doing it all. As the Chief Growth Officer for the famous citizenM Hotels, Ernest is responsible for implementing new growth initiatives, products, and programs, pursuing strategic partnerships, and developing long-term commercial strategy in collaboration with the Chief Commercial Officer. To top it all off, he’s recognized for guiding the complex multi-regional expansion of citizenM’s North American portfolio.
These luxury properties, or proud misfits of traditional hotels, are satisfying the modern traveler’s desire for affordable luxury and brilliantly shifting the status quo of hospitality as we know it.
What You Will Hear:
- How Ernest built a career in the hospitality industry
- Chief Growth Officer explained
- Learning by looking at other industries
- citizenM ethos
- Creating a new category, Affordable Luxury, in the boutique hotel industry
- Building a boutique hotel portfolio based on transparency
- The 360 experience
- Advice and tips on owning and operating a boutique hotel
- Authenticity and the importance of listening
- Choosing locations
- What boutique means to Ernest
Season 1 is sponsored by Solonis, the new property management system designed for hotels. Solonis is also a premier partner member of BLLA!
BLLA (Boutique & Luxury Lodging Association)
Founded in 2009, the Boutique & Luxury Lodging Association (BLLA) is the global voice and leading advocate for independent boutique and luxury hospitality. Representing a distinctive and influential sector of the lodging industry, BLLA connects hotel owners, operators, investors, innovators, and industry leaders through advocacy, education, strategic partnerships, and thought leadership.
Through its global community, industry conferences, membership programs, and initiatives including StayBoutique and Boutique Money Group, BLLA champions the individuality, entrepreneurial spirit, and innovation that define boutique hospitality. As the industry evolves, BLLA continues to expand opportunities in investment, technology, artificial intelligence, and visibility and distribution for independent hotels.
At its core, BLLA protects independence, strengthens the boutique hospitality community, and shapes the future of an industry where individuality is the ultimate luxury.
Learn more: BLLA.org | BLLA LinkedIn | StayBoutique