Daniel A. Hostettler is a respected figure in luxury hospitality, with over 25 years of experience across hotels, restaurants, and private clubs. As President and CEO of The Boca Raton, he is leading the landmark property’s transformation into a world-class luxury destination, marking his ninth successful hotel opening or repositioning. Previously, he spent over a decade as President and Group Managing Director of the Ocean House Management Collection, overseeing five acclaimed New England properties, including the prestigious Triple Five-Star Ocean House.
In this conversation, Hostettler reflects on how early travels with his CEO father introduced him to the elegance of luxury hotels, an experience that sparked his passion for hospitality. A defining moment came with the opening of The Peninsula’s first U.S. property, which set the stage for a career shaped by innovation and excellence.
- What initially drew you to this industry, and when did you realize it was your passion?
My interest in the luxury hospitality industry began early in life, shaped by my experiences traveling with my father, who served as a CEO. Our journeys took us to some of the world’s most renowned hotels, where I was captivated by the refined elegance and quiet grandeur that defined these spaces. Each stay offered a distinct atmosphere, sophisticated yet welcoming, and left me deeply curious about the intricate details that brought such experiences to life.
As we explored destinations across the globe, I became increasingly fascinated not only by the beauty of the surroundings but also by the impeccable service and attention to detail demonstrated by the staff. It was in those moments that I recognized my growing passion for hospitality. I saw how thoughtfully crafted spaces and genuine service could leave a lasting impression on guests. It felt like the perfect convergence of my interests in travel, design, and human connection, and I knew this was a world I wanted to be part of.
That curiosity soon turned into a career. I pursued hospitality education and found myself constantly drawn to the elegance and discipline of luxury brands. From day one, it was never about just managing a hotel; it was about creating meaningful experiences.
- What were the key turning points or milestones as you progressed in your career?
Early in my career, a pivotal moment was the opportunity to be part of the opening team for The Peninsula Beverly Hills, the brand’s first U.S. property. Experiencing firsthand the dedication, precision, and collective effort required to launch a hotel of that caliber ignited a lasting passion in me for property openings and turnarounds, particularly within the luxury segment.
Since that defining experience, I have successfully led eight hotel openings, each one a unique chapter and a lasting contribution to the brand’s legacy. One of the most significant milestones was my tenure at Ocean House in Watch Hill, Rhode Island, a property that went on to become one of only a handful in the U.S. to earn Triple Five-Star status from Forbes Travel Guide. That recognition validated the rigorous standards and culture we had built.
Another key moment came in 2021, when MSD Partners, the investment firm backed by Michael Dell, invited me to lead the transformation of The Boca Raton. I was asked how I would reposition the nearly century-old resort. In 45 minutes, I laid out a vision that involved dividing the 950-room property into five boutique hotels, each with its own identity and General Manager, all tied together by a single philosophy of uncompromising excellence. They handed me the keys and the resources to bring it to life.
- How has your leadership style evolved over the years?
Over the years, I’ve taken a deep interest in studying the leadership philosophies of some of the world’s most respected figures, from Jack Welch at GE to Bob Iger at Disney. Their approaches have shaped how I lead, but I’ve also distilled my leadership principles through hands-on experience and continuous reflection. What follows is the foundation of my approach to building strong, motivated, and high-performing teams:
- Clarity of Goals: Set clear, measurable objectives and communicate well. When expectations are understood, alignment and accountability naturally follow.
- Empowerment: Give individuals the autonomy to take ownership of their work. Trust breeds confidence and drives initiative.
- Open Communication: Create an environment where ideas, concerns, and feedback can be shared freely. Consistent, two-way communication builds trust and cohesion.
- Recognition: Acknowledge individual and team achievements through formal rewards or a simple word of appreciation. Recognition fuels morale.
- Resources and Support: Equip your team with the tools, training, and support they need to thrive. A well-supported team is a resilient one.
- Team Cohesion: Foster relationships through team-building initiatives. Strong interpersonal bonds enhance collaboration and reduce friction.
- Adaptability: Stay responsive to feedback and open to change. Flexibility ensures strategies remain relevant and effective.
- Leading by Example: Demonstrate the standards and integrity you expect. Consistency in behavior earns respect and inspires trust.
- Continuous Development: Encourage lifelong learning and create pathways for professional growth. People grow when given the chance and stay where they’re valued.
- Positive Culture: Build a work environment of respect, inclusion, and optimism. A healthy culture is the bedrock of sustained performance.
At The Boca Raton, we’ve invested in growing our HR team from 5 to 15 people, including hiring an in-house director of training and multiple managers underneath him. We’re not just teaching service steps, we’re cultivating a mindset.
- What is your vision for the future of Boca Raton?
We are calling this “The New Golden Era,” not just as a nod to the past but as a bold vision for the future.
The goal is to make The Boca Raton one of America’s top five resorts by its 100th anniversary in 2026. And we’re already on our way: The Beach Club and Spa Palmera have each received Five-Star recognition from Forbes.
But success won’t just be measured in stars. It will be measured in moments, the warmth of a welcome, the satisfaction of a perfect stay, and the sense of belonging our guests and members feel from the moment they arrive. It’s about bringing back the charm, elegance, and intimacy that defined the resort in its heyday and enhancing it with world-class amenities, one-of-a-kind experiences, and exceptional service.
To me, that’s what truly defines luxury.
- What would your advice be for budding leaders entering this industry?
One essential piece of advice I offer to aspiring leaders entering the luxury hospitality space is to master the art of personalized service.
To excel in this area, consider the following:
- Anticipate Needs: Learn to recognize guest preferences and unspoken expectations, often before they are articulated. Anticipation is a hallmark of exceptional service.
- Mind the Details: No detail is too small in the world of luxury. From the room’s ambiance to the tone of an interaction, refinement lies in precision.
- Empower Your Team: Equip and encourage your staff to engage with guests thoughtfully and intuitively. Personalized service is a collective effort.
- Foster Genuine Connections: Take time to build relationships, remembering names, preferences, and meaningful touches that turn a stay into a memory.
My personal belief in leadership is that at the heart of every successful business lies a simple yet powerful principle: when you prioritize the well-being and happiness of your people, they will, in turn, care for your guests with genuine warmth and compassion.
This nurturing environment creates a positive cycle where employees feel valued and motivated, leading to exceptional service that delights customers. Walt Disney famously said, “You can design, create, and build the most wonderful place in the world. But it takes people to make the dream a reality.” By investing in your team and fostering a culture of care and collaboration, you build not just a thriving business but the greatest place on earth for both employees and guests alike.
