By James Wilkinson at IHIF in Berlin
He’s the man credited for creating the boutique hotel segment and today (Mar 4, local time) Ian Schrager was recognized for his hard work by receiving the IHIF (International Hotel Investment Forum) Lifetime Achievement Award.
Schrager, who entered the hotel space in 1984 when he opened Morgans in New York, has been a visionary for the sector, having helped create the world of designer hotels.
Alongside opening his own properties in the coming years, he has been the creative force behind Marriott’s Edition hotels, a brand that is going from strength to strength.
“I consider myself so incredibly lucky to have spent my life doing what I love and probably would have done it for no money, but let’s keep that as a secret,” Schrager said.
“I have had an opportunity to work with some of the most talented people in the world and now working with the best and brightest in the business, including my friends at Marriott, which has been such a great opportunity for me.
“And now I find myself lucky enough to be in the room with all of you fine people and receiving recognition for all of the work I have done for all of my entire life. And I’m truly honoured to be receiving this,” he said.
Following his acceptance speech, he spoke to Omer Isvan, President of Servotel Corporation, about his life in the hotel world.
To hear that interview, click on the YouTube image at the top of the page.
HM flew to Berlin with British Airways. BA flies to Berlin via London and the author recommends flying in Club World (Business Class), which features flat-bed seats, hundreds of hours’ entertainment on demand, a great selection of wine and some of the best meals in the sky. For bookings, visit www.ba.com