Where do hotel executives like to stay?

Four honchos offer insight on what to look for and why, based on years of experience.

By Judy Mandell | Special to the Los Angeles Times

Even the pros need to take a vacation and recharge. Where do top hotel executives choose to go and why? What are vacation strategies of hoteliers that we travelers can learn from? What draws them to a vacation spot? We asked four top hoteliers to share their thoughts.

Michael J. Quinn

Complex Director of Sales and Marketing, Crestline Hotels & Resorts

What do you seek when you travel for pleasure?

Water, history, culture or any of these combined.

What are your top priorities?

Authenticity and great service. When in Greece, I want my experience to measure up to the rich history and traditions of Greece. I don't want American food or an American hotel/travel experience. I want service to reflect my price point. If I'm dining (and paying) for five stars, I want five-star service. If I'm going budget, then clean and safe will do.

What are your favorite vacation spots?

Tahiti for the authenticity -- overwater bungalows do not exist here in my hotel world. Untouched, unspoiled and authentic at every touch point. Hawaii is not that place any longer. New York City for a great weekend of eating, shopping and Broadway -- how authentically New York. Chicago for its friendly residents and stunning architecture. Maine for its beautiful coastlines and quaint villages. Miami for its beauty, water, weather and Latin influence. San Diego for everything. Lake Como, Italy. My wife writes, and the solitude, beauty and splendor of the villages along the lake give her what she needs and allow me the time and freedom to explore. The food is wonderful, as well. Paris, London, the Greek Isles are amazing destinations that have pretty much stayed authentic in their offerings.

What's the draw of travel for you?

I love my work. I love hotels. I love travel and always have. As a child, I spent nights with a flashlight under my covers perusing airline brochures. This was back in the days when you could make a reservation and the airline sent you brochures and you could, of course, cancel just prior to departure. I got the best stuff and fell in love with the intrigue of travel.

Peter Koehler

General Manager, InterContinental

San Francisco

What are your favorite vacation spots?

I prefer small boutique properties that have their integrity still intact. My favorites are places with unique local attributes, concern for the environment and a sense of purpose, Slow Food villages, etc. On a recent vacation to Mallorca, Spain, my wife and I stayed at an 11th century finca (farm) run by an Englishman and his Italian wife, who was also the chef. Another place we loved was Sri Lanka, where we stayed at a resort in Unawatuna/Galle, then took off exploring other places by car and train, including a beautiful spot called the Elephant Corridor Hotel in Kibissa, Sigiriya. For our next vacations, I'm looking toward Mongolia and Laos.

Why do you love to travel?

I like to explore new places and learn about different cultures. The whole experience of the vacation -- tasting unique foods, learning new cultures, meeting diverse people -- is totally invigorating.

Frank Saitta

Senior Director, Hotel Performance Support, Homewood Suites by