The Hospitality Mentor

In this exciting episode of The Hospitality Mentor Podcast, host Steve Turk sits down with Alexander Kandalaft, the General Manager of the Intercontinental Seattle Bellevue. Discover how this all-in-one platform, Lodgify, can help short-term rental hosts and hospitality operators stay organized. Alexander shares his journey in the hospitality industry, from his early days as a PBX operator at Boston University to managing luxury hotels in Singapore and the US. Learn about the unique offerings at the Intercontinental Seattle Bellevue, including their high-end culinary experiences and the innovative Saks Fifth Avenue personal shopping suite. Don't miss out on Alexander's insights on building trust with your team, navigating international hospitality landscapes, and staying ahead in the competitive world of luxury hotels. Make sure to check out this episodes sponsor Lodgify and for 20% off use code THM20 00:00 Introduction to Lodgify: The Ultimate Hospitality Management Tool 01:00 Welcome to The Hospitality Mentor Podcast 01:47 Alexander Kala's Journey in Hospitality 03:18 From Student to General Manager: Early Career Insights 05:30 Climbing the Ranks: From Stewarding to Management 09:23 International Moves and Leadership Lessons 13:09 Experiencing Singapore: Professional and Personal Growth 17:15 Navigating COVID-19: Challenges and Adaptations 20:52 Housekeeping Team's Return Post-COVID 21:51 Task Force Assignments in New York 23:53 Moving to Seattle Bellevue 25:24 Becoming a General Manager 30:03 Unique Offerings at the Bellevue Property 34:11 Balancing Hotel Guests and Residents 36:39 Intercontinental's Global Reputation 38:06 Excitement for the Upcoming Year 39:37 Advice for Aspiring Hoteliers