Philip Meyer has been a fixture on the Vancouver hospitality scene for almost two decades. During much of that time, he worked at the renowned Wedgewood Hotel & Spa. Earlier this spring, the consummate hotelier moved over to the award-winning Rosewood Hotel Georgia, a few blocks away on West Georgia Street, near the city’s seawall. Undoubtedly, it was a difficult decision to make but one he’s excited about.
“Rosewood Hotels & Resorts is a well-respected name, but the brand has recently undergone new and dynamic ownership (the hotel company’s president is legendary hotelier Radha Arora),” says the managing director of the 156-room property. By global standards, the hotel chain is small, comprising only 20 locations worldwide but the team hopes to double that number in the next five years. “These are exciting times and we are the only Rosewood in Canada,” he says. Having worked most of his life for independent luxury hotels and resorts, Meyer is looking forward to being part of a bigger group.
Ironically as a young lad Meyer aspired to be a chef. “I sort of fell into the front of house, bussing tables while attending school. I loved the connection and interaction with people; never looked back but always wonder, what if?”
Meyer comes to the hotel at a pivotal time in its 88-year history. “The hotel was renovated and reopened with what I believe are the nicest rooms in Vancouver. The quality of our guestrooms sets us apart — especially our Lord Stanley Suite and the Rosewood Suite featuring private rooftop terraces with stunning city skyline views, a plunge pool and private garden. The owner is committed to being the best and I have every confidence we will be leading the charge in the city,” he says. The hotel also houses the renowned Hawksworth Restaurant, and the recently opened Prohibition, a 3,000-sq.-ft. bar modelled on a roaring ’20s theme.
When he’s not working, Meyer is passionate about cycling. “I’m an avid road cyclist and have been since I raced in Europe as a schoolboy. During my time in Vancouver I have created a team of local business leaders who ride regularly together and help raise funds for the BC Cancer Foundation,” he says. “Cycling is my golf — it’s where I make so many of my business connections.”
Overseeing a group of 250 staff at the Rosewood Hotel Georgia, Meyer attributes his success to past mentors. “My style and service philosophy have been shaped by working with some successful and hands-on independent owners (most recently the late Eleni Skalbania) who taught me the importance of attention to detail,” he says. The astute hotelier is a firm believer in the power of relationships. “I’ve met some remarkable people in my career — both guests and associates I stay in touch with wherever I am in the world. My reputation is my greatest personal asset.”
Volume 27, Number 5
