Name: David C. Marr
Title: Senior vice president, brand management, global brand leader, Tribute Portfolio and Sheraton Hotels & Resorts
Company, city: Starwood Hotels & Resorts; Stamford, Conn.
Number of employees: 180,000 employees
Recent project: We recently launched Tribute Portfolio, Starwood Hotels & Resorts’ 10th brand.
First job: My first job was as a banquet houseman at a hotel in New Hampshire.
Little-known fact about you: I enjoy attending trapeze school. I also love drawing.
Your Business
Essential business philosophy: I base one of my essential business philosophies on the motto, “Half of life is showing up.” Show up for people when they need you, and show up to events when your schedule is crazy … you will always be glad you did, regardless of how difficult it might have been to make it happen.
Best way to keep a competitive edge: Keep your energy up by staying fit and surround yourself with positive people who laugh a lot and make you smile during both the good and bad days.
Yardstick of success: People who worked on my team getting promoted and moving into bigger roles
David C. Marr as a Traveler
What is the most important item you take when traveling? Running shoes
How do you spend your time on board? Thinking about what I need to do on the trip and writing some emails
What is your favorite restaurant in the world? Charisma Restaurant at the Hotel Mystique in Santoríni, Greece
What is your favorite destination in the world? Machu Picchu
About Tribute Portfolio and Sheraton Hotels and Resorts
Starwood recently announced The Tribute Portfolio. What was the catalyst and inspiration behind the launch?
In October 2014 a conversation about independent urban and resort hotels’ ever-growing popularity was the inspiration for the brand. Starwood was well-known for its nine brands, but as we talked to SPG guests, we found they were staying in these types of hotels when in destinations not served by one of Starwood’s nine brands. We also talked with independent hoteliers.
With The Tribute Portfolio, which is by and for our SPG members, hence the name “Tribute,” it is important for us to work with owners who have a clear vision. They are creating a brand resonating with the community, and our involvement is putting the SPG stamp on the property. We give hoteliers design freedom and have no hard brand standards but clear operating standards. Independent hotels around the world are playing to very broad audiences.
Tell our readers about the first Tribute Portfolio hotels and what makes them unique.
The properties are located in both urban and resort markets and have a local feel. The first Tribute Portfolio hotel was the Royal Palm South Beach Miami, located on the infamous South Beach and adjacent to some of the city’s luxury shopping. We also recently announced two hotels on the U.S. West Coast: Riviera Palm Springs and Avenue of the Arts Costa Mesa. And we have expanded internationally with the Great Northern Hotel in London, U.K., and The Kiroro in Hokkaido, Japan. Future locations include Coral Gables, Fla.; Asheville, N.C.; and Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Each property has its own story, and that’s what makes them stand out.
What are the long-term plans for the brand?
Tribute Portfolio will be a global brand, with plans for Paris, Milan, Amsterdam, Singapore and more. We have eight hotels currently signed, making us very close to our goal of 10 hotels by April 2016. Our goal by 2020 is 100 hotels, with 70 open and operating and 30 in development. The independent-minded owner combined with the power of Starwood has the potential to spawn great brands. I always say, two good ideas equal one great idea.
Read This Next
Scottsdale Combines Tourism and Big Business
2015
Jan 1, 2016Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedDaily
Mar 28, 2024New Adriatic Yacht Cruise and Tour Itineraries Unveiled for 2025
Set sail through crystal-clear waters and explore ports, islands and more on three new yacht cruise and tour itineraries in the Adriatic Sea from Riviera River Cruises. New 2025 itineraries combine yacht cruises with onboard accommodations and land extensions with hotel stays in Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Itineraries also include tours of charming coastal towns and stops in national parks and swimming hole locations.
Sponsored Content
L’Ermitage Beverly Hills: A Discreet Hideaway Awaits
Nestled between the palm-lined boulevards of residential Beverly Hills, L'Ermitage evokes a sense of refined elegance and unparalleled service. This Forbes Five-Star and AAA Five Diamond haven continues to captivate discerning travelers and Angelenos with its unwavering dedication to personalized hospitality.
March 2024
Mar 28, 2024Cruise Lines Elevate the Onboard Fine-Dining Experience
It’s been a long time since the food on cruise ships resembled the bland, uninspired fare that gave onboard dining a bad name. These days, cruise passengers can look forward to menus created by Michelin-starred chefs made with top-quality ingredients served in stunning spaces. Choices abound as well. In addition to elegant main dining rooms, cruise ships have created a huge array of specialty restaurants that focus not only on perfectly executed traditional European and North American dishes but flavors and experiences from around the globe as well. In fact, meals served aboard cruise vessels have gotten so good, they’re drawing passengers onto ships: According to a recent report by luxury travel planning network Virtuoso, advisors report after Europe (specifically Italy and France), the No. 2 dining destination for travelers is aboard an ocean or river cruise. “This shows how cruise lines have really stepped up their culinary game, with consulting chefs and new restaurants and making that a focal point,” said Misty Belles, vice president, Global Public Relations, Virtuoso.
Daily
Mar 28, 2024Athens’ National Museum of Contemporary Art Opens What if Women Ruled the World? Exhibition
National Museum of Contemporary Art Athens was founded in 1997 and is supervised and subsidized by the Hellenic Ministry of Culture and Sports. The museum began its operation in 2000, when it acquired the first artwork of its collection and the first temporary exhibition took place.
Sponsored Content
Fill Your Heart with Ireland
Whether it's the people, the craic (fun) or the coasts, travelers always find something to love about the island of Ireland. What fills your heart?
Daily
Mar 28, 2024AmaWaterways Debuts Specialty Summer Cruises in Europe
AmaWaterways recently unveiled its lineup of experiences and exclusive offers for its 2024 Summer European river cruise season, and the list includes 20 Celebration of Wine Cruises, with two hosted by Samantha Brown and Chef Joanne Weir; and three Loyalty Appreciation Cruises.
Hotel Indigo La Paz Puerta Cortés Review
eFlyer Reviews
Mar 27, 2024Japan Airlines Purchases 32 Airbus, 10 Boeing
eFlyer News
Mar 27, 2024eFlyer News
Mar 27, 2024China Airlines Expands North American Network with Non-Stop Flights to Seattle
China Airlines will begin offering non-stop flights to Seattle (SEA) from Taipei (TPE) starting July 14. The new route expands the carrier’s passenger services to the northwestern United States by offering five weekly flights via the Airbus A350-900.
Sponsored Content
Exclusive Savings: Cruise Along the Danube River with Global Traveler
Exclusive Sailing with Global Traveler
eFlyer Deals
Mar 27, 2024Sleep Sanctuary at Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort
In West Florida, indulge in a stay at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. This season, the hotel’s Sleep Sanctuary offer promises premium, beachfront accommodations; and sleep-enhancing amenities. Amenities include two aroma bracelets, a handmade soap, a bath bomb and foaming sugar scrub from Artful Soap Co.
ShareThis