What did you like/dislike about the site visit to The Carlyle?

What I liked about The Carlyle was the attention to small details. What stood out the most to me was the leather “do not disturb” signs and stationary pads. I felt this added a very upscale touch to a detail that is commonly overlooked. Another detail that I noticed was the unique way that the espresso cups were positioned. The Carlyle took the extra step to turn the coffee cups on their side with the handle going into another cup. This still achieves the purpose of keeping the cup clean while adding an extra aesthetic to another overlooked detail.

Did you feel prepared for what you experienced during the site visit?

I did feel prepared and had some expectations during the site visit. I did expect the five star hotel to have a gourmet dining options, full bar and lounge, 24 hour in room dining, and spa quality amenities. But during the visit, those expectations were surprisingly exceeded by what I saw up-close. I was under the impression that the rooms in the hotel were going to appear very conservative and vintage. I was pleasantly surprised to see that the rooms had contemporary furnishings, artwork, decorations, and appliances. The biggest surprise being the electronic metal keys with key readers in the key holes. This was a feature that I have never seen or heard of before in any hotel.

1. What was the most significant information you learned while at The Carlyle?                                The most significant information I learned while at The Carlyle was a room can cost 10,000    dollars. The rooms were beautiful especially the first one my group went into which was        the room with the great view of Central Park. Sofia who was our tour guide told us that the    cost of the room depends on what’s included. Like if a guest asked for a view that room          could be one of the rooms they will give to the guest. Also, that most rooms have a baby        piano.
2. How did you feel about going to The Carlyle?                                                                                       When going to The Carlyle I didn’t in vision what it looked like. So, when I first entered The     Carlyle the architecture was old but at the same time, it felt like it was modern. Then,             looking around the hotel I felt like each room had its own character. I thought this was a         cool experience and I felt honored to get to go to The Carlyle.

1. Did you feel prepared for what you experienced during the site visit?
I felt prepared for what I experienced during the site visit. Throughout the PowerPoint and tour, I understood several terms, some of which are: Rosewood, back/front of the house. There were also some I learned like “turn down service.” Although I learned new business concepts and philosophies, they weren’t at all intimidating. For example, our tour guide told us about using mirrors to make a space appear larger. I have never heard of that, but it makes sense. No concept seemed out of my league, they were all comfortable, and it’s always a good feeling when things make sense.

2. How did you feel about going to The Carlyle?
Going to The Carlyle truly inspired me. The associates were very welcoming, friendly, and wished us well in the industry. The Carlyle is the most upscale I’ve been exposed to. Seeing the associates and guests made me ready for my future. Although I am definitely not there yet, I know I want to be someday. It’s one thing to study an industry but it’s another to be exposed to it physically. Being there made me feel comfortable in the way that I know I’m in the right major.

1.  What was the most significant information you learned while at the Carlyle?
The most significant information I learned while at the Carlyle hotel was the expectations of a luxury guest. Of course the definition of the word luxury is simple, but learning exactly what the guests that live this lifestyle expect and require, was very significant. They not only want comfort and extravagance, but they want the exclusivity and originality as well. To be able to feel like they are receiving something no one else receives. They want nothing ordinary and expect extraordinary treatment. This is very important when working for or developing a company of luxury.

2.   What one aspect of the site visit made you want to or not want to work in the hotel industry?
The one aspect of the visit that made me want to work in the hotel industry was the opportunity for career growth. How so many of them started as front desk agents etc. and made their way to executive positions. Being hired for one position and getting trained in other departments is not something all industries offer, this gives their employees outlets to learn and train in areas they never even knew they would like. In the end you really do learn about the hotel in its entirety. That is exciting and promising.

1. What did you like/dislike about the site to The Carlyle ?
2.  How did you feel about going to The Carlyle?

   1. I like that the visit to The Carlyle showed me a lot of information about hotel. This hotel taught me the history, the celebrities that stay here and the hospitality that this hotel brings to guest. The only thing i dislike about The Carlyle is that their rooms are very expensive to stay per night .

   2. I felt excited about going to The Carlyle because I’ve never been to a hotel before but read about different hotels and ones that differ from the other. It would be even better if I actually worked in The Carlyle Hotel.