Palladium Hotel Group’s History of Innovation
Sponsored Content: A conversation with Pilar Arizmendi-Stewart, Palladium Hotel Group’s vice president of sales and marketing for the Americas
Q: Kenneth Shapiro, Editor-in-Chief: Tell us about Palladium’s beginnings.
A: In the 1960s, Ibiza businessman Abel Matutes Juan set out to design exclusive hotel accommodations, incorporating luxury, quality and first-class service. His first properties were in the Balearic Islands and Canary Islands, and he later expanded to the Caribbean. Today, Palladium Hotel Group exceeds 50 hotels and 16,000 rooms in Mexico, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Brazil, Spain and Italy. Our 10 brands include all-inclusive Grand Palladium Hotels & Resorts and adults-only luxury all-inclusive TRS Hotels in North America.
Q: What’s the secret behind Palladium’s long-standing success?
A: We’re constantly innovating. For example, when we re-launched the TRS Hotels brand in 2017, the brand became centered around personalization. TRS Hotels give our guests the freedom to vacation how they want with “Infinite Indulgence.” Their personal butler can do anything from setting up a sunrise yoga lesson with a personal trainer to arranging a romantic dinner on the guests’ balcony. We also remember our guests’ preferences, ensuring their happiness when they inevitably come back and join us again.
Q: What are some of the unique experiences Palladium offers?
A: Guests at our TRS Hotels in Mexico can enjoy the award-winning Chic Cabaret & Restaurant, a multicourse gourmet dinner and a show rivaling what you’ll see in Las Vegas. And at our newest resorts in Mexico, TRS Coral Hotel and Grand Palladium Costa Mujeres Resort & Spa, guests can train with top-notch tennis professionals at the Rafa Nadal Tennis Centre.
Q: What is a defining element of Palladium’s corporate culture?
A: Our company culture is “The Palladium Way,” which encompasses honesty, honor and loyalty. Employees always consider the value we offer our customers, rather than the cost and effort required to offer it. The customer always comes first.
Q: Why do you continue to work with travel advisors?
A: Travel advisors are an extremely important part of our business model. They are our best ambassadors, as they truly understand the complex amenities and luxury offerings that Grand Palladium Hotels & Resorts and TRS Hotels bring to their clients.
Q: Tell us a little about Palladium Connect, Palladium’s partnership program.
A: We designed Palladium Connect to reward advisors for their loyalty and to equip them with the knowledge and resources they need to confidently introduce their clients to our brands. Members enjoy exclusive rewards such as exciting gifts, bonuses for special bookings and hotel stays. Additionally, we frequently host webinars and educational opportunities designed specifically for agents, as well as special fam trips throughout the year.
Q: How does your long involvement in the industry benefit agents?
A: With such a long history, agents know they can trust us to delight their customers. And our customers turn into repeat guests, benefiting the agents we work with.
