Large Oak Brook hotel run with a 'boutique mindset'
Q: Tell us a little bit about the Hilton Oak Brook Hills Resort?
A: The Hilton Chicago/Oak Brook Hills Resort & Conference Center is a multifaceted retreat. Just 30 minutes from either downtown Chicago, O'Hare or Midway, we're centrally situated in the middle of it all. Yet, with 150-plus acres of Audubon certified grounds, guests who stay with us feel like they're getting away from it all. The newly remodeled, 386-room resort also features over 42,000 square feet of IACC certified meeting and event space, so we're an ideal venue for business conferences, weddings, banquets and social functions. Above all, our philosophy here is centered around the fostering of community.
Q: Can you tell us about the history of the hotel name and the land it sits on and how that lends itself to the design?
A: The hotel's newly renovated design inspiration is motivated by the region and the golden age of leisure throughout the mid-20th century. Back then, the site that Oak Brook Hills resides on was a polo club owned by the illustrious Butler family, and the area was a leading destination for golf and recreation. Embracing the quality of the Hilton brand, the overall direction of the design scheme mixes luxury with midcentury modern influences.
Q: Describe the atmosphere.
A: The resort is managed and operated by Westmont-based Portfolio Hotels & Resorts, pioneers in the "boutique" hotel industry. Thus, although we run a large operation here, we do so with a boutique mindset. The Championship Willow Crest golf course, which surrounds the resort with its sprawling fairways, is visible from most vantage points inside the hotel. The result is a focus on delivering personalized and memorable experiences for every guest whether you are here to golf, attend a meeting or spend the evening.
Q: What are people in your industry talking about? What's trending?
A: The impact of Millennials. They are the first generation to grow up online and are most comfortable with the Internet, cellphones and social media. They research online before making decisions, therefore it is important to have a very strong online/social presence. This means interesting and relevant social media messaging across all platforms, positive reviews (and responses) on Trip Advisor and Google and engaging promotions. Millennials seem to look for hotels that are affordable and close to where they want to be. Important amenities for them are free, fast Wi-Fi, the ability to make room reservations and check in online, green initiatives, memorable experiences and quality service.
Q: What about relaxation?
A: The resort offers a wide variety of relaxation options. In addition to indoor and outdoor pools and tennis, volleyball and basketball courts, we also offer the aforementioned 18-hole Championship Willow Crest Golf Club and Golf Simulators. Designed by award-winning architect Dick Nugent, the multitiered tees and pristine greens of Willow Crest Golf Club present a new test each time a golfer steps up to swing.
Q: Tell us an interesting fact about the venue.
A: The resort's executive chef is a certified beekeeper. Chef Sean Curry tends to 10 beehives on-property that provide a working home for close to a half million honeybees. Chef's tiny sous chefs serve a dual-purpose: they pollinate on-site Chef's Gardens for hyperlocal sourcing and produce honey that flavors dishes and desserts, everything from cheese and charcuterie boards to sweetener substitutes to dressings. For Curry, it's about sustaining resources for future generations.
Q: How's social media a part of your marketing plan?
A: Oak Brook Hills has a social media marketing team who post on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and the other social outlets. Our dedicated social media staff are on social networks every day - communicating, sharing pictures/videos, researching competition, etc. Building a strategic social media plan is now a core part of the whole operation. Oak Brook Hills seeks to engage in social media promotions, unique events and appealing images that resonate with our targeted demographics and overall goals for the hotel. Additionally, we have recently upgraded our Internet and broadband to accommodate three devices per guest simultaneously. In addition to more business center computers, we are installing self-check in pods in the lobby so that tech savvy guests can enjoy an expedited, self-guided arrival.
Q: Tell us a little about yourself. What is your past experience in the industry?
A: I'm a Santa Barbara native with a long track record of helping hotels maximize performance. I started in hospitality career over 20 years ago with The Ritz Carlton Hotel Company before pursuing other opportunities around the country to perfect my craft. By the time I was in my mid-30s, I received my first GM role and never looked back. I gained perspective by taking on new challenges around the country rather than staying put. At Oak Brook Hills, I'm focused on renewing the tradition and history of this renowned resort.
Hilton Chicago/Oak Brook Hills Resort & Conference Center
Address: 3500 Midwest Road, Oak Brook, IL 60523
Owner: Portfolio Hotels & Resorts
When business opened: 1987 & rebranded in 2014 to a Hilton Hotel
Web address: www.oakbrookhills.com