Ebzant leads on the Park Hyatt New York.
The Summer Olympics in Laurent Ebzant’s hometown may very well be coming to an end. Parisbut that has the Hyatt Place New York City Area Vice President, General Manager and enthusiastic runner who can’t think in regards to the next training session. “The fantastic thing about recent York“, says Ebzant, “is which you could walk around and sometimes take 20,000 steps without even realizing it.”
As the guiding light of the Forbes Travel Guide five-star Manhattan hotel since October 2022, Ebzant says his job is to make sure every step of a guest’s stay runs easily at his hotel, which celebrates its tenth anniversary this 12 months. It’s a difficult task, but one he’s spent greater than 20 years preparing for in various roles at Hyatt.
We don’t know the way much time the previous Ironman triathlete has for marathons today, but we do know that Ebzant gets the gold medal for answering our rapid-fire questions on New York, global travel, and the hotel industry.
The Park Hyatt is just just a few blocks from Central Park.
Which sights in New York are a must-see?
Definitely Central Park. The Statue of Liberty appears like a cliché, nevertheless it is not. And definitely Times Square.
What are some underrated places you’re thinking that more people should find out about?
[My wife and I] I just came upon in regards to the graffiti in Bushwick. Living and dealing in Manhattan and being in Bushwick [Brooklyn] is an enormous contrast.
What dish should everyone try in New York City?
The bagels from Russ & Daughters.
Which New York restaurant must you not miss?
The first time I went to Katz’s Deli was about 15 years ago. The famous pastrami sandwich was successful then and still is.
Experience a five-star stay in Manhattan.
Where do you chill out in New York?
I like nature. Finding nature in New York could be a challenge, but I just like the High Line.
What are the perfect ways to experience New York culture?
I really like going to Little Italy, but to not Manhattan. I like Little Italy within the Bronx. There you possibly can see what Little Italy really looked like 20 years ago in New York.
What nice souvenir should visitors take home from New York?
The “I Heart New York” T-shirt sounds cliché, nevertheless it is a classic.
What is a superb insider tip for New York City?
I might say it’s best to “get lost” in the town, because you possibly can’t really wander off.
Which neighborhood outside of Manhattan deserves more attention?
Staten Island is a purely residential area, but additionally very distant.
What fun activities are inside walking distance of Park Hyatt New York?
Take a walk through Central Park. You also can run and cycle.
Which trend within the hospitality industry would you wish to see more often?
The environmental friendliness initiatives.
What is an overrated culinary trend?
The gold leaf on the steaks. That’s so ridiculous. Eating a steak that costs almost $1,000 since it’s wrapped in gold leaf?
What does hospitality mean to you?
The expression “I’m just visiting” becomes “I’d like to live here.”
Experience a five-star stay in Manhattan.
What is probably the most underrated quality of a superb leader?
Empathy. It has all the time been necessary, but within the post-COVID world we live in, it’s much more necessary.
Which travel destination could you visit many times?
Kyoto for serenity.
What is your favorite cocktail?
The Negroni.
What is your favorite thing to order from room service?
The club sandwich at 11pm all the time tastes good with fries.
Favorite view out of your room – beach, city or nature?
A city stuffed with noise and atmosphere.
If you could possibly change one thing in regards to the travel industry, what would it not be?
More transparency in pricing.
What necessary things do you mostly pack?
Noise cancelling headphones.
Window seat or aisle?
For practical reasons I might select gear. But for long journeys? Then I select window.
What is your favorite outfit for the airport?
Nice jeans and t-shirt. No tie.
A classic Negroni is Ebzant’s favorite cocktail.
What is probably the most underrated quality of a superb leader?
Empathy. It has all the time been necessary, but within the post-COVID world we live in, it’s much more necessary.
Which travel destination could you visit many times?
Kyoto for serenity.
What is your favorite cocktail?
The Negroni.
What is your favorite thing to order from room service?
The club sandwich at 11pm all the time tastes good with fries.
Favorite view out of your room – beach, city or nature?
A city stuffed with noise and atmosphere.
If you could possibly change one thing in regards to the travel industry, what would it not be?
More transparency in pricing.
What necessary things do you mostly pack?
Noise cancelling headphones.
Window seat or aisle?
For practical reasons I might select gear. But for long journeys? Then I select window.
What is your favorite outfit for the airport?
Nice jeans and t-shirt. No tie.
Ebzant loves Scotland’s green.
What movie could you watch over and another time on the plane?
casino. I’ll probably test it out when I am going to Vegas in three weeks.
Which city surprised you probably the most?
An underrated travel destination is Scotland. This is actually nature, nature, nature. Cold weather and really distant. The landscape looks just like the moon. Beautiful, beautiful landscapes.
What achievement are you most pleased with?
You could have started off as a night-shift room service waiter at an airport hotel after which risen to change into the overall manager of a prestigious New York property.
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