An Interview with David Goldstone

The BLLA Events Team sits down with David Goldstone, Senior Vice President & Chief Customer Advocate at World Cinema, as he prepares to speak at the 2022 Boutique Hotel Investment Conference on June 8.

BLLA: How did you come to enter the hospitality industry?

DG: “I was approached by a company in Australia to relaunch a product in the United States. They had a very unique drinkware product made out of General Electric Plastics “Lexan” material to be sold for very high-end outdoor use at hotels. The very first order we received was The Phoenician in Arizona. From there, I went on to Panasonic to head up their hospitality division and, later on, Command Corporation.”

BLLA: What does boutique mean to you?

DG: “Having independence, being innovative by not having to follow brand standards, and really setting the bar for their hotel by being different.”

BLLA: How would you define the word “luxury” in the hospitality industry?

DG: “Luxury hotels provide special attention, exquisite treatment, extravagant rooms, and extraordinary experiences for their guests. Customized travel experiences are also part of the “new” luxury.”

BLLA: What are the top three trends that you see in the boutique hotel investment space?

DG: “Customizable/personalized technology, F&B offering the top local chefs from local areas, wellness including in-room yoga and workout videos.”

BLLA: What are you hoping to get out of your participation in the Boutique Hotel Investment Conference?

DG: “Networking with hospitality peers and hearing from the owners what is important to them so we can better serve our customers.”

BLLA: Where are you seeing the most boutique hotel development these days?

DG: “New York, Austin, Nashville.”

BLLA: Why do you believe boutique hotels are a good investment?

DG: “Coming out of COVID, people want to be understood and to have an experience that they can’t get anywhere else. Guests want a memorable stay, and boutique properties can provide this level of care. Big city attractions with a small-town feel and flair.”