The subsequent cease on the Suite Spot: Street Journey takes us to Cape Canaveral, Florida, to go to the newly opened Hyatt Place with particular visitor and Twin Property Gross sales Supervisor – Jennifer Odom!
Jennifer sits down with host Ryan Embree to debate how a particular property, such because the Hyatt Place Cape Canaveral, leverages its area coast location, social media, and neighborhood engagement to develop enterprise and supply an distinctive visitor expertise.
Ryan Embree:Welcome to Suite Spot, the place hoteliers test in and we try what’s trending in resort advertising. I’m your host, Ryan Embree. Hiya everybody. Welcome to a different episode of The Suite Spot, in one other version of our Suite Spot Street Journey. We’re good down the highway. In case you may see the view that I’m taking a look at proper now, the cruise ships coming within the ocean proper right here behind us. We’re right here on the House Coast. We wanna welcome in Jennifer Odom, Twin Gross sales Supervisor on the Hyatt Place, Cape Canaveral. Thanks a lot for internet hosting us at your model new stunning property, Jennifer.
Jennifer Odom:Sure, thanks. No, it’s a pleasure to have you ever right here. We recognize the chance and are simply thrilled to share with everybody simply what a wonderful property we do have right here on the House Coast in Cape Canaveral.
Ryan Embree:It’s unbelievable. We’re gonna speak all about it, however earlier than that, We have been, we wished to study a bit of bit about you. Share with our Suite Spot viewers your hospitality background and the journey that led you to opening this model new Hyatt Place.
Jennifer Odom:Completely like to. So I’ve really been right here on this space alone for 25 years. I used to be the standard story of the grandparents have been the snowbirds that moved from Indiana and we adopted. I got here down one yr and was like, why am I gonna return to Indiana when I’ve all this with the seaside and you already know, the launches of the shuttles and so forth. And in order that’s what drew me right here. I ended up shifting and as a younger teenager, I had really labored in a present store that was sort of linked between a resort and a restaurant. And the entrance desk folks would at all times come over and we’d chat whereas they’re getting snacks and stuff, and so they’re like, oh my gosh, John Glynn was simply on our foyer, the well-known astronaut, Buzz Aldrin’s right here. And I’m like, how outdated do I’ve to be to return over and work on the desk? And in order quickly as I turned 18, that’s the place you’d discover me. So I began off my profession on the entrance desk, was at that restricted service property after which discovered I had an actual ardour for it and ended up at a full service property proper in Cocoa Seashore, simply six miles from us right here. A unique, a model that I used to be with for about 20 years. So simply obtained to expertise all the pieces from, you already know, working, beginning off entrance desk to a catering admin, to a bunch coordinator, to catering gross sales supervisor. I imply, I’ve worn all of the hats, all of it. All the best way as much as a DOS. So, after which tremendous excited, I’d taken a bit of break and what was phenomenal is I’d seen the article concerning the resort right here and on the time there was so many various properties that have been being constructed across the space and simply due to all of the completely different markets and the expansion. And what I really discovered was that article and I used to be like, oh, I forgot, like that’s proper, like this property. Like I’ve gotta go test it out. And so I came visiting and I did a tour proper after they had the smooth opening in February. And as quickly as I went as much as our rooftop bar, I used to be like, oh, wow, I may promote this like this, that is my property. So then that’s how I got here to the Hyatt Place right here in Cape Canaveral.
Ryan Embree:It’s so cool that, you already know, I feel hospitality is a kind of industries the place it’s as a result of we’re all vacationers, proper? All of us traveled as younger youngsters, possibly with our dad and mom, after which we get to transition into, you already know, possibly working the entrance desk in these entry stage jobs. After which right here you’re and also you’ve obtained an awesome profession and your a long time right into a hospitality profession that lots of people get pleasure from and, and you already know, get to have a possibility like this. I imply, we open your doorways February, 2025. I’m positive that was a labor of affection to see that you just discovered concerning the property. In all probability lots of ways in which vacationers and locals are discovering out about property, opening up a newspaper or seeing an article on-line and say, oh, this property’s opening up. That is thrilling. Speak to us a bit of bit concerning the story of the opening and sort of paint a location of the place we’re as a result of you’ve got, you’re proper on the intersection of lots of cool issues.
Jennifer Odom:Completely. And thanks. Yeah, we’ve undoubtedly a singular vacation spot and site is simply stellar. So for the resort, to essentially sort of put it up for sale to start with, clearly all social media channels and so forth. One of many different little recognized details for our property right here too is that one among our homeowners is a celeb. So there was lots of media, you already know, our surrounding that. And so, to share, you already know, Howie from the Backstreet Boys, he’s half proprietor of the resort right here. So it was nice that we had that. In order that was going out on like Florida at the moment and so forth. So actually simply to kinda, you already know, to market that within the Orlando space after which right here in Cocoa Seashore, Cape Canaveral. So yeah, so it was simply sort of what sort of helped to drive issues right here for the grand opening as properly.
Ryan Embree:And one of many, I imply, breathtaking options of this property is the Altitude 360 Skybar and Commentary Deck. I imply, proper after I walked out, I used to be like, that is it. You stated that this was one of many issues that bought you, I can promote this most likely a gross sales supervisor’s dream to see an area like this. Speak to us a bit of bit concerning the inspiration and the way it’s actually put you guys on the map as a differentiator on this aggressive market we’ve talked about.
Jennifer Odom:No, completely. So actually we’re generally known as area coast, so simply with the area business from the times of the shuttle launches to then when it was corporatized and we now have all these rocket launches which might be going off. We’ve got clearly the gorgeous port with all of the cruise ships and the mega cruise ships. So there was undoubtedly an consciousness and all people stored saying like, Hey, you already know, we actually want an awesome launch viewing space that we will actually take all this in. And so sadly with among the older properties within the space, simply with their buildings, they might not assist like a rooftop, so with out principally bulldozing it down and beginning over. And in order that being recognized to OCI hospitality, it was like, that is what’s actually gonna set us aside and that is what’s actually gonna put us on the map, such as you stated. And it has carried out simply that, you already know, as soon as folks come up and so they see simply how stunning the deck is, we’ve already had inquiries for internet hosting launch viewing priorities, you already know, for the rockets which might be going off. After which additionally, you already know, with internet hosting fam and stuff with the journey brokers that are available that promote the cruise traces and seeing them make cruise ships and so forth. So it was only a killer technique. It wanted to be carried out. And we have been the primary to do it proper right here in Cape Canaveral. And undoubtedly we’re seeing the advantages of it.
Ryan Embree:It’s unbelievable. And that’s the best factor about new builds is there’s lots of intentionality and all the pieces from, you already know, an remark deck and Skybar being constructed in addition to among the issues that we have been speaking about proper behind us with. So among the F&B experiences, together with the breakfast the place, you’ve got a number of entry factors and issues of that nature, even right down to the little particulars within the rooms, that we have been touring earlier. Now you talked about the area tourism, the journey for cruises. You realize, you’ve been on this marketplace for a minute. You’ve seen lots of these vacationers come out and in and test into your rooms. What could be one recommendation that you just’d share, a chunk of recommendation that you just share with somebody seeking to go to the House Coast?
Jennifer Odom:Positive. No, completely. So what I might undoubtedly suggest is coming over and staying greater than only one evening simply because there’s simply a lot that you may see and faucet into right here, that lots of people don’t understand. And even like throughout stays, like this morning we had a visitor that was because of checkout and so they wished to increase their keep as a result of they’d discovered one thing else that they might go and discover. I undoubtedly would suggest making an attempt to ebook early simply because we do have a tendency to love, you’re already seeing that demand, even with us being open solely 5 months now, you already know, we’re beginning to really feel like on the weekends and so forth. So, undoubtedly sort of maintaining that within the forefront. After which additionally, on the subject of the rocket launches, an awesome web site to check out is Spaceflightnow.com. Simply because we’re launching anyplace, it looks as if nearly two rockets per week, so you may simply occur to be right here and never even understand it that there’s a rocket launch. And so actually we publish that in our foyer to advise our friends and that means they will benefit from the rooftop and go up and see however with completely different variables, like it could be delayed after which going off the subsequent day. So once more, I might undoubtedly suggest coming over to our space, staying extra than simply the one evening and actually sort of taking all the pieces that we provide from the House Heart to Jetty Park for the seashores to victory on line casino traces that’s proper right here, the well-known cocoa seashores, Ron Johns, I imply, that’s simply to call a you.
Ryan Embree:I imply, and also you have been speaking about with the cruise vacationers of, there’s so many issues that may occur and that cruise ship, that huge cruise ship will not be gonna wait if there’s a delay in your flight or you already know, one thing occurs on the freeway in your route out right here to Cape Canaveral. So getting right here early I feel is a good tip for these vacationers to be sure to have loads of time and then you definitely get to remain in a ravishing place like this, who doesn’t love to try this. They usually get hosted by Jennifer and her wonderful crew. So with a brand new construct, new resort, it’s at all times a problem to get consciousness on the market. That’s the place advertising clearly is available in. How have you ever been in a position to, possibly among the inventive methods, you talked about the possession, that was, that was very essential however how do you construct consciousness, whether or not or not it’s sort of conventional legacy, possibly relationships you constructed to new progressive methods to attempt to get the phrase on the market about this property?
Jennifer Odom:No, completely. So most undoubtedly social media, all of the channels, you already know, that’s a should. We have been very lucky with the particular media that was already surrounding us. After which among the conventional methods was simply ensuring that we tapped into our chamber, and making consciousness there. They got here out for our grand opening, they helped us with a ribbon reducing. They really had introduced in a videographer that had carried out drone footage for us. In order that they’ve obtained that happening their web site, which is wonderful. And alluring lots of our neighborhood in like House Coast Workplace of Tourism with coming right here, like our metropolis mayor right here in Cape Canaveral and so forth. And simply sort of making an attempt to accomplice phrase of mouth additionally. One of many different nice issues is that we personal the nation and suites, which we share a car parking zone with them. In order our friends have been coming in there, they might see this construct. And so phrase of mouth saying, you already know, getting them excited. Take a look at what we’re bringing to the world. A model new Hyatt that’s the one one proper right here on the strip on A1A. So simply actually with the phrase of mouth on that. After which additionally these current relationships and simply inviting them and saying, Hey, that is the place I’m at. Would like to see how we may accomplice. Possibly you’ve got another alternatives for us that we may attempt to be an exquisite match right here for you too. So simply sort of lots of completely different avenues with the technique and ensuring and simply the notice and educating folks that we’re right here and we’re open and we’d like to handle you.
Ryan Embree:And also you’re on the thrilling half, is you’re on the intersection of lots of various kinds of journey, like we talked about, proper? Like clearly we’ve actually burdened on leisure, however group and enterprise and journey has actually picked up round right here. I imply, who wouldn’t wish to be steps away from the seaside, and all the pieces that there’s to do. So speak to us about possibly that course of and what that appears like right here as a salesman whenever you get these inquiries and the flexibleness of this area to have the ability to host these teams.
Jennifer Odom:No, would like to and thanks. So most undoubtedly. I imply, we simply have such a singular vacation spot that we’ve all markets that’s feeding into us, whether or not it’s the company enterprise, the federal government enterprise, we’re blessed to have all six branches proper right here in our space. We’ve additionally obtained the associations which might be coming over the sports activities market, particularly with USSSA, that got here to the world in 2018. So actually whenever you’re seeking to owe one thing and taking a look at a resort, we obtained these inquiries after which actually we speak with you and sort of discover out actually what your wants are, what’s maintaining you up at evening, you already know, what are these three sizzling buttons or these main deciding components and ensuring that we’re an excellent match for them. And what’s distinctive for our resort right here is that we do have such flexibility, on the subject of, it’s 150 room property, we’ve a gathering area that’s good for the smaller scale, say 25 folks, the place we will do as much as theater, simply sort of actually relying on what that match is so far as their program and what sort of setup they’re on the lookout for. The opposite a part of it’s, is that we do make the most of our rooftop for personal occasions. We even have a buyer that’s going to launch their consulting agency and so we’re doing an occasion for her on Monday. You realize, and that’s thrilling simply to raise it, to be on the, the House coast to launch the brand new, you already know, consolidation for Yeah. On Wednesday. Yeah. It’s so nice. Um, after which, you already know, clearly we’re in Florida so we at all times have to fret about climate and we’ve that backup. And what’s very nice is with the circulation of our resort and the design, is that we will take a few of these bigger occasions of 100, 125 folks and truly accommodate ’em down right here. ’trigger the breakfast bar closes within the morning. In order that area that we will make the most of, we will clearly make the most of this space right here too for the place to learn. That could be a good circulation. And once more, simply sort of relying, if it’s extra of a cocktail reception and so forth, the opposite nice merchandise is that once more with that flexibility is that our sister property, the nation inn suites, she additionally has, a number of assembly rooms over there and we’ve even have shared, teams to the place we’ve housed some right here, they’ve carried out like a bit of govt assembly right here after which they’d extra of the convention coaching proper subsequent door as a result of it’s actually not even 700 toes to the entrance door for there. So, I imply, it’s simply wonderful simply with how versatile we might be and the way we will cater to and handle the wants of all of the markets which might be coming into the world.
Ryan Embree:It’s very cool to see and you already know, once more, to have that peace of thoughts of being like, alright, if this plan A doesn’t work, we obtained plan B and C. And I feel additionally we talked about it the best way that, you already know, group journey is trending, you already know, you’ve obtained your massive greater occasions the place you may want everybody concerned, however then you definitely need your smaller, extra intimate locations and conferences and for these to carry. And people may be along with your stakeholders, these, these may be along with your management crew. So be capable to have these areas at in the identical neighborhood is absolutely vital to these planners for positive.
Jennifer Odom:Completely. Completely.
Ryan Embree:So let’s discuss new properties, wave of pleasure with native partnerships getting, I’ve seen it an increasing number of making an attempt to infuse the area people into a brand new property. How is that being carried out right here on the Hyatt Place?
Jennifer Odom:Completely. So Hyatt’s enormous on that with native flavors. So what we’ve carried out is we’ve partnered with all of our native breweries to the place simply really one of many ones that we make the most of out of this six is simply most likely two blocks up from us, Curry Brewery. So we be sure that we’ve their native brewers of pilsner, we’ve obtained the Pineapple Creb that’s very talked-about for them.
Ryan Embree:They’ll get pleasure from them proper behind us.
Jennifer Odom:Completely. Proper behind us right here. Yeah. After which, um, we’ve additionally partnered with Oceanside Distillery to the place we do their seaside blonde rum. So once more, so these are simply to sort of title just some that we do deliver into the world. Clearly native seafood as properly, that we herald for like our shrimp ceviche that we provide upstairs. So undoubtedly that’s enormous in supporting our neighborhood. Big in supporting our native companies and bringing in that native taste.
Ryan Embree:And the good mural and piece of artwork. Once you stroll out on that remark deck. I imply, it’s so cool and gorgeous to see native artists you talked about, helped you out with that. These are the little sort of items of taste that I feel initially, locals get pleasure from as a result of they really, it makes it really feel a bit of bit extra at dwelling, but additionally folks after they journey, they wish to be infused in that neighborhood that they wish to really feel like they’re a component there. They don’t wanna simply be strolling into, you already know, 4 rooms and a mattress. So it’s these typical items that assist make that a bit of bit extra localized.
Jennifer Odom:Completely. Helps us to face out.
Ryan Embree:Completely. Sure. In order we wrap up, we’re gonna finish with a pair quick speedy hearth inquiries to get to know you and this new property higher. So that you talked concerning the launches, you’ve got a favourite area launch reminiscence up to now?
Jennifer Odom:In order that’s exhausting as a result of I’ve a pair. Clearly coming from the Midwest, you already know, I didn’t know what was happening right here with being so younger and so I fell asleep and we lived on Cape Canaveral and I woke as much as our glass doorways simply rattling and I rise up screaming earthquake! And it was really shuttle launch that was happening that my mom had forgotten to advise me of. In order that was sort of like my first introduction. It was an evening launch, so it was stunning. It lit up the sky. In order that’s at all times simply such a fond reminiscence that I’ve. I might say most just lately although, I used to be very impressed that we had the inspiration for launch that passed off in 2021. And what was so particular about that, it was simply an strange crew that they’d. Jared Isman got here in, they’d Haley who was a survivor of most cancers that labored for St. Jude. They concerned St. Jude with elevating funds and so they reached their aim. They really exceeded it with elevating like $240 million for them or possibly 240,000. I may be incorrect on that one. However simply to sort of see that and simply sort of the place the area tourism and the place we’re going with it and that people like me and also you possibly in the future be capable to go on a shuttle or a rocket, to outer area and even go to the moon. I imply, it’s simply phenomenal. It sort of jogs my memory rising up as a child and I’m sort of relationship myself right here, however just like the Jetsons, who would’ve ever considered that? You realize? Proper. And it’s all sort of come into fruition, which is simply wonderful. And I feel that’s why I really like this space a lot simply to be concerned simply in that little facet as a result of then it’s so cool. After which I nonetheless have, all the opposite markets that I’m simply very keen about. So yeah. So yeah, in order that was sort of exhausting. After which after all the opposite two is the final shuttle launch of the Atlantis and the Atlantis is now displayed at Kennedy House Heart is simply breathtaking. And should you’ve by no means been, you need to go. ’trigger it simply makes you are feeling so proud to be an American and sort of see what we’ve completed.
Ryan Embree:Yeah. It’s so inspiring and each single time a launch goes up, it’s simply so cool to see and I’m positive to have a view from up there these evening launches. Oh, I imply that’s, you discuss social media content material. I’m positive that will make for some nice ones. What about your favourite rooftop menu merchandise at Altitude 360?
Jennifer Odom:Okay. So for upstairs it’s extra sort of sips and savory bites that we’ve. So I feel one among my favorites is the Elote Dip, which is sort of a deconstructed road corn dip with the ticking chips, which is absolutely good. I’m at all times a fan of charcuterie boards after which extra so I completely love like our area themed drinks. So we’ve the rocket gas rum runner, love that. Darkish matter espresso martini as properly. So you already know, simply to sort of tie in with the world and stuff. So these are simply a few of my favourite.
Ryan Embree:That’s so cool. One phrase that will describe a traveler’s expertise right here on the Hyatt Place Cape Canaveral.
Jennifer Odom:I must say actually for right here could be elevated.
Ryan Embree:I like that it goes proper together with that.
Jennifer Odom:Completely. Simply to raise the expertise, whether or not you’re right here on enterprise. I imply, think about being right here on enterprise and simply seeing that rocket launch as you’re making an attempt to wrap up your day and test a couple of emails elevated by the Hyatt model requirements and simply the customer support and simply actually exhibiting that we care about you as a person so that you might be your greatest. And clearly taking our meals and beverage to a brand new peak that we’re elevating that as properly, with the rooftop right here. So find it irresistible, undoubtedly elevated, must be the phrase.
Ryan Embree:Then lastly, favourite native partnership or collaboration. You have been speaking about some occasions that you just guys are doing right here too.
Jennifer Odom:Completely. Oh my gosh, there’s so many. So you already know, clearly we’ve lots of not-for-profit within the space and so forth. And one of many actually cool issues that we get to collaborate on this yr is that it’s a tenth anniversary of an annual occasion for the American Most cancers Society. They really host a marathon out on the area middle the place they really run proper there on the launchpad. And so because it’s their 10 yr celebration, we’re working with them and collaborating to the place we’re going to accommodate registration right here with packet pickup. We’re doing like a pasta celebration for them. We’re gonna home the runners after which that means they rise up very first thing within the morning and so they head out to Kennedy House Heart and so forth. So an awesome partnership there. One other one is I’m very keen on the cruise enterprise. They’ve such great folks which might be enterprise growth managers, journey managers and so forth. So we’re really gonna accomplice and home what’s known as a familiarization journey the place we, herald some prime producing journey brokers. And so earlier than a ship inspection, we’re really going to host a breakfast within the morning. So why not a dawn breakfast, get to see the dawn, begin your day, get pleasure from it, after which go over and see these stunning ships that we’ve by means of ship inspections and stuff. And I imply, and there’s simply so many extra. So we’ll be right here perpetually.
Ryan Embree:Properly, I really like these occasions. I imply, ’trigger they’re, you already know, the, the occasions now are getting so curated. They’re getting so, and that’s the place when you’ve got a crew that works along with your occasion coordinator to love put these little touches to it, I feel that’s what makes very memorable experiences. And that’s what actually fuels in hospitality group journey proper now’s like, individuals are carried out with simply the drained, boring occasion. They need all the pieces curated, all the pieces personalised. And each the, I feel the occasion coordinators and the gross sales, the gross sales and group managers are serving to them with that. And it’s making for a extremely cool second in hospitality proper now. So. Completely. Properly Jennifer, as we wrap up, thanks once more for internet hosting us right here at your unbelievable property. Proper behind us is the foyer. We at all times prefer to kinda wrap up the episodes speaking about should you may overhear a dialog or, or what, what would you like your friends to really feel as they try and so they sort of go head on dwelling? What would you like them to really feel and say about their expertise right here?
Jennifer Odom:Actually for us is simply that they have been actually cared for and actually, sort of creating, once more, that fond reminiscence simply to remove fond reminiscences with them. Positive. I imply, it, it, you already know, that’s actually what units folks aside. That’s what it’s all about, is simply sort of creating these reminiscences. Throughout our time whenever you journey, whether or not or not it’s for social, like happening a cruise otherwise you’re right here for a marathon, otherwise you’re right here for, you already know, an organization occasion and simply realizing that they’d simply that have once more that was elevated that actually did seize the second and create that fond reminiscence that they’re, they’re by no means gonna overlook. And simply to sort of share, we have been up watching the Rocket Launch and there was a household right here and the children have been younger, possibly six and 7. They’d by no means seen it. And I simply occurred to be upstairs making an attempt to take a photograph of the launch. And I captured this treasured second to the place the children, you already know, dad had one child on his shoulders and the mother was holding the opposite child. And I simply occurred to have him in one of many pictures and I used to be like, would you guys like this picture? Like I simply, by likelihood, I didn’t imply to get you within the image, however I did. You realize, I captured that second. Would you find it irresistible? They usually have been simply completely thrilled to have the ability to have that. So, once more, simply sort of taking away simply fond reminiscences and realizing that we do actually care about our friends, clearly our staff as properly. However, yeah, I might love for them to go away with that.
Ryan Embree:What a particular second to share. Thanks a lot, once more, for internet hosting us right here. Would encourage all of our Suite Spot listeners and viewers, come go to Jennifer and her crew over right here on the Hyatt Place, Cape Canaveral. She’ll take nice care of you. Try a rocket launch, go completely bounce on a cruise. So, a lot to do right here. Thanks a lot once more.
Jennifer Odom:Completely, my pleasure.
Ryan Embree:And thanks for listening. We’ll speak to you subsequent time on The Suite Spot. To affix our loyalty program, you should definitely subscribe and provides us a 5 star score on iTunes. Suite Spot is produced by Journey Media Group. Our editor is Brandon Bell with Cowl Artwork by Bary Gordon. I’m your host Ryan Embree, and we hope you loved your keep.
