This month, we’re diving into José Andrés’ exciting leap into the hotel industry, the Hospitality Mentor Awards I’m thrilled to present at WTE Miami, my surprising new favorite wine from Trader Joe’s, and a look at the thoughtful, low-cost touches I’ve learned from my recent stay at the Four Seasons Miami.

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🛎 Trending in Hospitality: José Andrés Takes the Leap into the Hotel Industry

Here at The Hospitality Mentor, we’ve been fans of José Andrés for a long time, and it’s exciting to see him finally dive into the hotel industry. As we mentioned in a previous newsletter, the Michelin-starred chef was looking to expand beyond restaurants—and now, he’s officially making it happen. Andrés, in partnership with Thor Equities, has announced the launch of his first luxury hotel and membership club, The Bazaar House by José Andrés, set to open in Washington, D.C.'s Georgetown area in 2027.

What makes this move particularly inspiring is how it echoes a growing trend in hospitality: renowned restaurant brands expanding into the hotel space. Similar to the success stories of Nobu and other chef-led ventures, José Andrés is now extending his brand beyond the dining experience and into full-scale luxury hospitality. Andrés himself remarked, “Thirty years ago when I came to Washington DC as a young chef, I knew that this city was a perfect place to bring people together over food... I’m so happy to start a new chapter with The Bazaar House in Georgetown.”

This six-story, 67-room boutique hotel will reflect the same attention to detail, creativity, and community engagement that defines Andrés’ culinary empire. The hotel, designed by the architectural firm Winstanley, will feature a penthouse private membership club called The Bazaar Club, where members will have access to exclusive dining and entertainment experiences. Global CEO of José Andrés Group, Sam Bakhshandehpour, said, “Like restaurants, hotels have a remarkable ability to transport us, provide a welcome retreat, and become a unifying anchor in our community.”

What’s particularly motivating about this announcement is how it shows that a passion for culinary arts can expand into entirely new sectors. Just as Nobu’s evolution from restaurant to hotel transformed hospitality, José Andrés is poised to do the same by bringing his unique brand of hospitality into the luxury hotel market. The project’s goal, as Andrés puts it, is to “welcome people to my city in an entirely new way,” combining the artistry of food with the experience of high-end hospitality.

For those of you building your own brands in hospitality, this is a reminder: keep pushing the boundaries of your vision. Whether you’re creating a one-of-a-kind restaurant or a boutique hotel, you never know where your passion can lead you. Andrés’ venture into hotels shows that with creativity and commitment, there’s always room to grow into new spaces, and perhaps one day, your brand could be as impactful and multifaceted as his.

📝 What I'm Working On: Presenting The Hospitality Mentor Awards at WTE Miami

I’m excited to share some big news—this year, I’ll be presenting The Hospitality Mentor Awards at the prestigious WTE Miami! This event is a major milestone, not just for me, but for all the incredible hotels I’ve had the privilege of visiting during my recent journey: 50 Hotels in 50 Days. Each stop on that whirlwind tour gave me new insights into the best of what hospitality has to offer, and now, I’m thrilled to highlight the standout properties that truly impressed me.

The Hospitality Mentor Awards will recognize excellence across a range of categories that showcase what makes each of these hotels so unique. Whether it’s stunning architectural design, a top-notch poolside experience, or a restaurant that leaves you speechless, these awards celebrate the creativity, care, and attention to detail that the best hotels in the world bring to the table. Here are the categories we’ll be honoring:

• Best Architectural Design – Celebrating innovative and inspiring design.

• Best Lobby Design – Highlighting the most welcoming and creative spaces.

• Best Pool – For the most memorable and luxurious poolside experience.

• Best Pool Cabana – Recognizing the ultimate poolside retreat.

• Best Coffee Shop – Acknowledging the perfect mix of ambiance and quality brews.

• Best Dining Experience – Showcasing restaurants that redefine culinary excellence.

• Best Eco-Friendly Hotel – Honoring properties leading the way in sustainability.

• Best Spa and Wellness Center – For the most rejuvenating and serene escapes.

• Best Bar – Raising a glass to the finest cocktail and bar experiences.

• Best Cultural Experience – Celebrating properties that offer authentic, immersive local experiences.

• Best Family-Friendly Hotel – Highlighting the top places where family and hospitality meet.

• Best Rooftop Experience – Recognizing the best views, vibes, and rooftop atmospheres.

Next week, I’ll be revealing the nominated hotels for each of these categories, and believe me, they’re some of the most exceptional and unique properties I’ve come across. These are the hotels that go above and beyond, not just in service, but in offering a memorable experience that truly defines world-class hospitality.

Why WTE Miami is the Perfect Platform

For those who may not be familiar with it, WTE Miami is a must-attend for anyone passionate about hospitality and travel. Whether you’re in the industry or simply love exploring new destinations, it’s the place to be. The event offers incredible networking opportunities with top leaders in the field, and you’ll get firsthand exposure to the latest trends shaping the future of tourism. It’s an inspiring environment where creativity and innovation take center stage, and I can’t wait to contribute by celebrating the hotels that exemplify the best in hospitality.

Mark your calendars for WTE Miami and be sure to follow along as we reveal the nominees next week. If you haven’t already, now is the perfect time to register for this incredible event and witness the best in the business get the recognition they deserve.

👉 Register now to attend WTE Miami

I’m looking forward to seeing you there, sharing this exciting moment, and celebrating the very best in hospitality!

🍷 What I’m Eating: Espiral Vinho Verde – A Hidden Gem at Trader Joe’s

It’s easy to rave about expensive, high-end wines, but finding an affordable bottle that’s genuinely worth sharing can be a bit trickier. I’ve been known to be a bit of a wine snob in the past, but recently, I stumbled upon a real gem that changed my perspective: Espiral Vinho Verde from Trader Joe’s, priced at just $5.49. Yes, you read that right—$5.49! And to my surprise, I genuinely enjoyed it.

Perfect for hot climates, this crisp and slightly sparkling white wine from the Vinho Verde region of Northern Portugal is light, refreshing, and wonderfully easy to sip. It’s low in alcohol, which makes it ideal for leisurely afternoons when you want to enjoy a glass or two without the heaviness that often comes with higher-alcohol wines. With vibrant notes of green apple and fragrant melon, it pairs beautifully with light, summery dishes like fish tacos, ripe cantaloupe, or even a simple Mango Jicama Slaw.

One of the things I often get asked is, “What’s a great wine I might like?” My answer is always the same: the best wine is the one that tastes best to you. It’s easy to get caught up in price tags, labels, or someone else’s recommendations, but wine is all about your personal preference. For me, Espiral Vinho Verde hit all the right notes—a perfect, refreshing wine that’s affordable and unpretentious.

So, next time you’re in the mood for a light, affordable wine that doesn’t skimp on flavor, I highly recommend giving Espiral Vinho Verde a try. It’s proof that a good bottle of wine doesn’t have to break the bank—and sometimes, it’s the simple pleasures that make the best sipping experience. Plus, you can’t beat that price!

💭 What I'm Inspired By: The Power of Thoughtful, Low-Cost Touches: Lessons from the Four Seasons Miami

I recently had the pleasure of staying at the Four Seasons Miami, and while the price tag of staying at a Four Seasons can be out of reach for many, what struck me the most were the small, thoughtful touches that made an immediate impact. These aren’t things that require a massive budget—any hotel, no matter the size or brand, can incorporate these elements to elevate the guest experience.

The first thing that stood out was the incredible warmth and professionalism of the staff. From the moment I walked in to check in, I was greeted by multiple smiling faces, each eager to help me. It wasn’t just politeness—it was genuine care. This comes down to great hiring and, more importantly, great training. The team was well-prepared to make each guest feel special, offering small but meaningful touches like a complimentary bottle of water or glass of champagne while I checked in. As they escorted me to the elevator, they pointed out various features of the lobby, adding a personal touch that made me feel more welcome.

When I entered the room, it was the attention to detail that really caught my eye. Everything was perfectly placed, as you would expect from a luxury hotel, but it was the thoughtful enhancements that made the difference. The slippers, for example, weren’t in a generic plastic bag—they were tucked neatly into a linen bag, which instantly elevated the experience. The toiletries weren’t just tossed on the counter, they were presented in a beautiful ceramic pot, making the room feel more like a residence than just another hotel. Even the minibar was stocked with local items, offering a little taste of Miami itself.

One of the most impressive areas was the pool deck. Physically, it wasn’t anything overwhelmingly different from other resort pools, but what made it exceptional was the level of service and attention to detail. I was greeted multiple times—first by the pool concierge, then by the server, and throughout my stay, small amenities were passed around the pool, like complimentary sunscreen or chilled fruit. These items weren’t expensive, but the thoughtfulness behind them was priceless. Orders were taken correctly, food arrived quickly, and the pool area was kept immaculate the entire weekend I was there.

Another moment that really stood out to me was a banquet event I attended at the hotel. Now, this wasn’t a fine dining experience in the traditional sense, but the way they laid everything out made it feel elevated. The buffet was thoughtfully decorated with elegant pieces and creative lighting that transformed the entire space. This simple attention to presentation—using decoration, lighting, and arrangement—created a feeling of luxury that went beyond the food itself. And here's the great part: this approach doesn’t require an extravagant budget. Any hotel can elevate a banquet or event by focusing on how things are presented, making even the most standard setup feel special and intentional.

What’s inspiring about all of this is that none of these elements are out of reach for other hotels. It’s not about having the biggest budget—it’s about hiring the right people, training them well, and fostering a culture of thoughtfulness and attention to detail. You don’t need to spend a fortune to elevate the guest experience. Small touches, like placing slippers in a linen bag, offering a complimentary glass of champagne, or ensuring the pool area is always spotless, can have a big impact.

The lesson here is simple: luxury is in the details, and the best part is that many of these details don’t require a huge investment—just a lot of care. Any hotel can incorporate these thoughtful touches, and with the right training and mindset, you can anticipate guest needs before they even know they have them. It’s about creating memorable moments that make guests feel valued and welcome, no matter your price point.

🎙 Listen: The Podcast

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Cheers,

Steve Turk

Founder and Host of The Hospitality Mentor