Resort Co-Developer, Resort Finance Facilitator, Resort Project Evaluator

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About

Global hotel and resort operator of luxury properties with several major international brands and operators. Official voice of the hotel and restaurant industry, enthusiastic leader of the team re-inventing hospitality with Cirque du Soleil, junior cook at Maxim's in Paris and a member of the Distinguished Alumni of the Waldorf Astoria. Sometimes a cynical observer of the hospitality industry changes and shortcomings. Co-Developer of a limited number of luxury resort properties.

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Testimonials

  • Dr Gerry Allison, Wimberley Allison Tong & Goo (WATG)
    Dr David McMillan ,The cloak of Doctorship is not a one size fits all type of garment. Only someone who has proven to be exceptional in his field is fit to wear it. You, David, are most certainly the right size. I am honoured to be your tailor. Congratulations and thank you for your wisdom and friendship.
  • Linked In. Top 1% searched in 2012 amongst the 200 million members
    David McMillan is amongst the Top 1% searched in the 200 million member Linked In Network. Now if he can just get his Twitter Followers to ramp it up at @hoteldeveloper he can start to lay claim to really being connected!!
  • Jeff Weinstein, Editor In Chief, Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc
    “David is a seasoned and affable hotel professional with outstanding contacts around the world. He has a very strong grasp of both the operational and investment side of the hotel business and was a great ambassador for the business while president of the International Hotel & Restaurant Association.”
  • Camille Ducharme, Director of Operations and Assistant Manager, Commonwealth Hospitality Ltd.
    “An authority in the hospitality industry, David is a natural leader who relentlessly achieves target objectives through strong personal relationships without compromise. His vast global experience in all aspects of the industry make him, without doubt, a business partner of choice.”
  • Gary Dodds, Regional VP Human Resources - United Kongdom, Ireland, Middle East & Africa's 82 hotels, Marriott Hotels International
    “I had the pleasure for a number of years recently to serve on the International Hotel Associations HR committee, which David chaired. He was a passionate, direct leader and adept at getting the best out of people for the association and industry; encouraging support for those in other countries most needing help. He was also a powerful advocate of the industry's opinions with government bodies in each country, with global associations who could effect our industry and on consultation committees who could impact our industry. Great focus and professionalism.”
  • Alan Orlob, Vice President, Marriott International
    “David was extremely helpful in organizing a task force to deal with crisis management in the hotel industry when it was most needed. His organization and public diplomacy skills were assets that helped to bring a diverse group of people together. I am happy to recommend him.”
  • Hiran Cooray, Managing Director, Jetwing Hotels
    “Within a very short period of time, David was able to win the hearts and minds of members of our association with his focus on reaching out to all of them. He had patience and the skills to handle the many demands of the members, while having his long term plan to take IH@RA to greater heights. I wish he was allowed to stay on for a few more years” http://www.jetwinghotels.com
  • Paul Moxness, VP Corporate Safety and Security, Rezidor Hotel Group
    “David facilitated the creation of a global council for safety, security and crisis management for the hospitality industry that brought together a panel that cooperated on these important issues at a critical period in time. I found David to be an excellent communicator who was well-connected, well-organized and an extremely pleasant person to work with. I highly recommend him.”
  • Michael Hirst. CB Richard Ellis. Former President Hilton International
    "I do believe your stewardship of the IH&RA has made a considerable impact on its good standing and substantial progress achieved to make it a meaningful and influential organisation."
  • Peter Yesawich
    "You represented the Association in a very professional and persuasive manner, and I suspect your talents will be missed greatly."
  • Ruud J. Reuland, General Director, Ecole Hoteliere de Lausanne
    "I thank you personally for all your efforts to bring education and industry together: you had in my opinion a great vision."
  • Santoso Hanitijo, Vice President Jardin Sinomonde
    "I was most impressed with their ability to work with owners of different nationalities while maintaining a high standard of hotel management."
  • Mr Curt R. Strand, Senior Consultant, American Express Bank
    "I have the highest regard for your qualifications in large, upscale hotel operations. I can also attest to your high ethical standards and professionalism."
  • Juergen Bartels, Chairman WESTIN Hotels & Resorts
    "It is unusual when people of this high calibre get together to form a management company. Westin Hotels & Resorts would be very pleased to work with them to manage a high quality Westin Hotel or Resort"
  • Ken Hine, Former Pres & CEO, AH&LA and IH&RA
    "It is rare to fine this blend of experience and focused skills brought together in one company. The combination presents a set of resources which are hard to duplicate"

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« THEY APPEAR TO OFFER YOU A ROSE GARDEN....OR DO THEY? | Main | THINK LOCAL, ACT LOCAL, PRETEND GLOBAL »

KUDOS TO EMBASSY SUITES HOTELS FOR THINKING FOR THE GUEST

HOW REFRESHING TO LEARN OF A 'HIP CASUAL' RESTAURANT THAT IS WELL THOUGHT THROUGH.

On far too many occasions I have been scathingly critical of my industry colleagues who have failed, in my opinion to fully think through a new concept.

Kudos therefore to Embassy Suites Hotels' new concept "Flying Spoons" that I think has absolutely and unqualifyingly nailed it.

Part European-style cafe and part American coffeehouse, this new creation seems to cater to what their customers would want if they knew what to ask for, which they generally don't.

Here is my take on the key components.

  • Open from 5AM to 1AM.
  • In the hotel Lobby.
  • Integrated into Breakfast and Manager's Reception.
  • Social environment.
  • Fornasetti dinner plates... a design statement.
  • Easily accessible electrical/computer ports.
  • Comfortable casual furniture.
  • Varied seating to include,
    • bar height/transactional seating,
    • restaurant seating,
    • wing back chairs,
    • ottomans with a famous verse from the Declaration of Independence.
  • Innovative menu choices,
    • fresh soups,
    • salads,
    • gourmet sandwiches,
    • salmon, scallops and lobster enchiladas,
    • rotating desserts and pastries.

This is a concept which recognises the existence of outside restaurants, acknowledges the need for social interaction, real comfort, convenience, road warrior necessities, small, frequent appetites, almost round the clock needs and the feeling of a really comfortable family room at home.

This is also a facility that would be equally as feasible and welcome in an upscale, city centre property where some of my colleagues still promote tea & finger sandwiches in sofas that are easy to fall into and virtually impossible to get out of with not a single, accessible electrical outlet in sight.

Now if we could just get some of these babies into the airports, life on the road might become a little more bearable.

Come to think of it they are there already but only for the Business & First Class passengers......... which sort of proves my point!!

Posted at 10:42 AM in CREATIVE DEVELOPMENT, DESIGN TRENDS, MARKETING & CREATIVITY |

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What we can do for you

  • Co-Development
    The capacity and resources, the expertise and imagination to provide the Pre-Planning of a Resort Project in 6 months followed by a period of facilitating the Financing in 3-4 months.
  • Global Hotel & Resort Financing
    Financing, re-financing, equity or loans, construction loans, Mez-financing for major, credible hotel & resort projects between $50 and $300 million +. We work with credible sponsors anywhere in the world.
  • Brand Selection & Contract Negotiation
    Assistance to owners who are suspicious of hotel operators selfishly selling their own brands! Providing independent, un-biased help to determine what is best for the property and the owner.
  • Cuba Hospitality Advisor
    Strategic, practical advice on how it works regardless of which Castro is in the driving seat. How the system works now and where are the obstacles. Where do they have to make changes? Where must we adjust?
  • New Hotel/Resort Development
    Conceptualise, Business Plan, Pre-Opening Prep & Open. Done it a few times. Should be fun. Definitely save you money. Will do it anywhere!! Well, almost!!
  • Manage or Plan Pre-Opening & Opening
    In a bind with the manager tripping over construction, architects, management company, brand, designers and equipment suppliers. Call us and we'll put order back into the day and save you money.
  • Space Planning
    Assist the Architect and Interior Designer to create cost-effective, user friendly, inter-active spaces in the FOH and BOH areas. The result......great savings.
  • Manage Your Hotel or Resort
    Could mean takeover the management for a short time or a long term. Might involve managing the 'status quo' or making some improvements in quality or profits.
  • Development for Dummies
    Assistance in taking your idea for a hotel or resort and making it a reality, if feasible.... or not.
  • Cuba Resort Specialist
    Strategic & basic down to earth advice on Management Opportunities, Joint Ventures as well as Resort Operations & Development.
  • Profit Engineering or Break-even Analysis
    Have never forgotten this lesson Q(P-V)=F+ Profit desired..... which has helped me re-build restaurant profits, re-position failing assets and energise supervisors, staff and management. Works for the cornerstore as well. It's fun too!
  • Should you develop....or not!
    Too many projects go forward with support from those who will benefit without risk. The fortune that you save may be your own.
  • Design Resolutions
    Off the Cuff resolutions that have saved 'big-time'.....from a beach solution on a rocky coastline, an innovative new design for a banquet dish to a carnival menu for a travelling circus.

Some of our Great Clients

  • InterContinental Dhaka Bangladesh
    Assisted the government Owners of the former Sheraton Dhaka to re-position, recruit and select a new Brand/Operator. Assignment required that the iconic hotel project be rejuvenated, rooms enlarged & totally brought up to a competitive Five Star position. InterContinental was elected and the project successfully completed.
  • Le Meridien Hotel & Conference Centre, Oran, Algeria
    Assisted Sonatrach, the largest company in Africa develop, design, brand, build and open Le Meridien in Oran Algeria through Canada's Genivar (now WSP Group) that supported the developer in architecture, engineering and project management.
  • Marriott Chateau Champlain, Montreal, Canada
    Strategic Planning and consulting on ownership, management and strategic direction of two major full-service branded hotels in Canada including the iconic Chateau Champlain.
  • WSP Group Canada (formerly GENIVAR)
    One of Canada's largest engineering, architectural and project management companies. About 5,000 employees, more than a hundred offices. Great hospitality projects....new builds, renovations, restorations, resorts' master-planning, re-positioning and re-branding.
  • University of Western Ontario (Canada)
    Analysis and develepment of a Strategic Plan for the operation and financial turnaround of Spencer Hall, a hotel & conference facility co-owned by the prestigious Richard Ivey Business School and the Bank of Nova Scotia.
  • Hospitality Investors Group (Canada)
    Takeover and management of the Hotel Constellation in Toronto. Redevelopment and planning for the repositioning and re-branding of the hotel and its convention and public space, the largest of its kind in Canada.
  • WHS Resources (Malaysia)
    Feasibility and planning for the development of a mid-scale hotel in Shah Alam Malaysia, development of a Master Franchise for a major European chain and evaluation of resort opportunities in Malaysia.
  • Villa Bellevue (Mont Tremblant)
    Development of plans for the owner for the renovation, expansion and re-positioning of the Villa Bellevue under a plan that involved both hotel and restaurant brands and franchises.
  • Thibault Messier Savard & Assocs (Canada)
    Strategic Planning and consulting on ownership, management and potential opportunities of two major full-service branded hotels in Canada.
  • Red Deer Holdings
    The pre-opening, opening, management and performance reviews of the 690 room El Senador Resort in Cayo Coco, Cuba. A strategic review and three year plan was developed & implemented.

Some Interesting People I've Met

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