With over 25 years of experience in the luxury hospitality industry, Rhys O’Connell has earned a reputation for transforming properties and delivering extraordinary guest experiences. His mantra is to center the customer around everything, ensuring that each decision made and strategy implemented is designed to enhance the guest experience. His career has spanned prestigious brands across North America, the Caribbean, and Australia, where he consistently demonstrates his ability to drive operational excellence and achieve long-term growth.
One of Rhys’ most significant achievements was his leadership at the Mayfair House Hotel and Garden. Tasked with repositioning the hotel, Rhys successfully led its transformation from a 2-star property into a 5-star luxury destination. Under his guidance, the hotel earned the prestigious Five Diamond status and Two Michelin Hotel Keys. This transformation wasn’t just about elevating guest service; Rhys also implemented revenue-focused strategies and operational efficiencies that improved the hotel’s financial performance, securing its place as one of the leading luxury properties in Florida.
Rhys also spent two rewarding years managing one of the exclusive properties in the Hamptons, where his leadership was marked by a series of impactful achievements. His focus on developing brand partnerships and introducing innovative digital marketing strategies helped enhance the property’s profile. By fostering relationships with luxury brands and integrating these partnerships into the guest experience, Rhys ensured that the property became a sought-after destination for both locals and international visitors. His time in the Hamptons was defined by the successful combination of revenue generation, leadership growth, and elevated guest experiences.
Beyond his work at specific properties, Rhys has been actively involved in the broader Miami hospitality community. His participation in the Miami Beach and Greater Miami Hotel Association has allowed him to stay connected with industry leaders, advocate for the local hospitality sector, and keep pace with the latest trends. This involvement underscores his commitment to not just managing properties but also supporting the wider hospitality ecosystem and fostering community connections in the markets where he works.
Rhys’ leadership is built on four core pillars: guest satisfaction, team member engagement, community involvement, and effective expense management. Central to his philosophy is the belief that the guest experience should be at the heart of every decision. His mantra to center the customer around everything drives his approach to hospitality, ensuring that each guest feels valued and has a personalized experience. Rhys also places great emphasis on team member engagement, understanding that a motivated and empowered team is essential to delivering the kind of luxury service that keeps guests returning.
Community involvement is another key element of Rhys’ leadership style. He understands that a property must be more than just a place to stay; it should be a vital part of the local community. Rhys prioritizes building relationships with local businesses and incorporating the local culture into the guest experience, ensuring that his properties reflect the unique character of the surrounding area. His engagement with the Miami Beach and Greater Miami Hotel Association is a testament to his dedication to the local community and his desire to see the region’s hospitality industry thrive.
Expense management is equally vital to Rhys’ strategy. He has a keen eye for identifying operational efficiencies that allow properties to maintain luxury standards while controlling costs. From optimizing staffing models and procurement processes to implementing energy-saving technologies, Rhys ensures that expenses are managed effectively without compromising guest satisfaction. His focus on cost control has been instrumental in driving revenue growth and improving property performance throughout his career.
Known for his gift of turning the ordinary into extraordinary, Rhys O’Connell’s visionary leadership has consistently elevated the properties he manages. His ability to blend luxury service, operational efficiency, and financial performance ensures that the properties under his direction not only meet but exceed expectations.
Whether it’s through his transformational work at the Mayfair House Hotel and Garden, his leadership at one of the most exclusive properties in the Hamptons, or his involvement with the Miami Beach and Greater Miami Hotel Association, Rhys O’Connell continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in the luxury hotel industry. With his mantra of centering the customer around everything, he is committed to creating exceptional guest experiences, driving innovation in revenue strategies, and ensuring the long-term success of the properties he leads.
Published by: Martin De Juan
