• We caught up with our YOTEL Washington DC General Manager Shawn Jervis on what we can expect from our newest hotel, located just steps away from Capitol Hill!

YOU’RE OPENING OUR FIRST ACQUIRED HOTEL PROPERTY. AS AN INDUSTRY VETERAN, WHAT MADE THIS RENOVATION DIFFERENT FROM THE OTHERS?

• We’re one of the first properties to open during this period of extended health-related travel restrictions in Washington, so we’re in new territory. There have been some challenges, but the overall support of the brand and enthusiasm of our staff has really made this renovation rewarding.
   
• YOTEL is determined to make the travel experience for modern travellers seamless and it’s unlike anything I’ve seen from my previous experience working with other hotel brands. There’s a deep understanding of what travellers want and how we can help them make the most of their time and money without compromising comfort –
   
• guests can feel that first-hand when they walk through our doors and check into their cabins.  The thoughtful signature integration of technology around the property and room design are features that still impress me!
   

WHAT HAS IT BEEN LIKE TRYING TO OPEN A HOTEL DURING A PANDEMIC? HAVE THERE BEEN PRESSING CHALLENGES YOU’VE FACED AND RESOLVED IN THE PAST YEAR?

• My biggest challenge earlier in the year was the reconstruction and rebranding of the hotel. As COVID-19 hit in March, our construction challenges grew as we had to not only determine how best to continue working through this pandemic but also consider what changes we needed to make in live time to follow proper safety measures. There’s constant changing of COVID-19 protocols and procedures, which impacts every facet of our hotel from staff, suppliers, construction and outside companies that we’re working with.
   

HOW HAS COVID IMPACTED THE WAY YOU BUILD A TEAM AND MANAGE THEM THE YOTEL WAY?

• I learned a long time ago in the Marines that you need to lead from the front. I want my front-line leaders to be taken care of and mentored in the right way. I got to where I am because I had meaningful mentors, and it’s important to me that I pay it forward. I come from a mindset where I will walk into anything, stick my hands into anything – no job is too big or small – we’re all part of the team and working towards offering the best guest experience possible.
   
• There’s definitely a fine line as you want your team to feel independent and confident in their abilities. It’s my belief that we each have our roles and it’s how we execute them together that delivers the strongest impact. Customer service has always been a priority for us but instilling the importance of self-care to our staff is our priority too.
   

WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS AS THE GENERAL MANAGER FOR YOTEL WASHINGTON DC?

• Honestly, it’s keeping the essence of hospitality alive. I’ve lived through the industry and horrific times like 9/11 and throughout all of these different scenarios, we sometimes moved on as operators because we’re also adapting to the changing environment. Some call it innovation and in many cases it truly is, however it’s important for me to continuously bring the core of hospitality to whatever function I lead. I think guests will be able to see that in our staff when they visit.
   
• Our business is based upon relationships and sometimes that gets lost in translation. I love being able to impact lives and being able to have my hands on meaningful work, both amongst our team and with the guest experience. No one is walking away with a bed, they’re walking away with the experience. I want to make sure our guests and staff always feel the heart behind our service.
   

IF YOU COULD OPEN A YOTEL ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD, WHERE WOULD IT BE?

• I’m on what I call my “fourth tour” in D.C. but Seattle will always have a special place in my heart. As YOTEL continues to expand out west, I would love to see us open a hotel in the Emerald City.
   

WHAT CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT THE NEW WASHINGTON DC LOCATION?

• The new YOTEL Washington DC will debut a new version of the brand’s cabins, providing an even greater level of modern hospitality in the signature YOTEL offering. There are 136 Premium King cabins and 241 First Class Cabins in both King and Queen/Queen cabin types. Each cabin is equipped with high touch, experience-enhanced design elements like our signature SmartBed and luxurious rain shower.
   
• Guests will find themselves in the middle of the vibrant Capitol Hill neighbourhood. Our convenient location means we are just moments away from some of the most sought-after spaces in the world, including the US Capitol, Supreme Court, and Library of Congress. Guests will find themselves just steps off of the National Mall.
   
• When you get here, please say hello. I can’t wait to meet YO!