On a recent trip to Argentina, National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce® (NGLCC) co-founders Justin Nelson and Chance Mitchell felt like they'd found a home away from home in Buenos Aires.
This was in large part due to the personal atmosphere Maria Jordan, owner of Magnolia Hotels, offered them during their visit to Buenos Aires while they finalized plans for the NGLCC's July 20-27 South American Business and Cultural Exchange.
Jordan, who was inspired to open her own hotel after her own positive experience in a foreign country, understands the challenges and opportunities in the hospitality business, and knows that engaging the LGBT community makes good business sense.
In a recent interview with BIZ, Jordan offered insight into the hotel stay that moved her to launch her own hotel business, what she does to attract diverse clientele and what she now values most in a hotel experience.
BIZ: What inspired you to own and operate a hotel property?
MJ: About 10 years ago I went to a rural hotel in Portugal that had 11 rooms in total, very personalized service and a cozy atmosphere. There I experienced what it was like to feel at home in another country, knowing the owner of the hotel and having the chance to talk to him, and connecting with the whole place on a level that you aren't able to at a chain hotel. From that moment, I thought about opening my own place, and then five years ago I made up my mind to do it. Magnolia opened its doors one year ago.
BIZ: Do you believe that owning a hotel in Buenos Aires is different from owning one in any other city in Argentina? What about other parts of the world?
MJ: Of course each part of the world and each city in Argentina are different from one another and have their own character. Despite living in other parts of the world, Buenos Aires is the only place I feel is mine, which is why I can be a true hostess there.
BIZ: How is gay and lesbian diversity an important component of your business plan?
MJ: Any traveler around the world who is keen on receiving personalized service is welcome to our hotel, regardless any life preference that they may have.
BIZ: When marketing your hotel, what creative things are you doing to attract a diverse clientele?
MJ: Our main publicity rests on former guests' opinions and comments to people they know in their own countries. We believe the word-of-mouth method is one of the most reliable ones. Nevertheless, we advertise in different magazines and Web pages. Also, during off-season periods, we offer different types of promotions.
BIZ: What compelled you to partner with Pablo De Luca and Gustavo Noguera, co-founders of the Argentina Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce and owners of LGBT tourism company Gmaps360, recently in connection with NGLCC co-founders Justin Nelson and Chance Mitchell on their recent trip to Argentina?
MJ: A concierge at our hotel knows them and contacted us.
BIZ: What are your future goals for your business?
MJ: Given the fact that we are a new hotel, our main objective would be to become more visible to potential guests.
BIZ: When traveling yourself, what is important to you in your hotel experience? Do you have a hotel stay experience that stands out as the best ever?
MJ: As I said before, the hotel in Portugal definitely left an impression on me. Since then, I only frequent small hotels with charm.
