A day in the Life of a Hotelier
Table of Contents
- 1. A day in the Life of a Hotelier
- 2. How does John Fitzpatrick balance his work as a hotelier with his personal life, especially on Saturdays?
- 3. A Saturday with John Fitzpatrick: The Hotelier Who Loves New York
- 4. Finding Balance: business Fuses with Leisure
- 5. Keeping it Personal
- 6. A Touch of New York Flair
- 7. Looking ahead
- 8.
John Fitzpatrick, a prosperous hotelier and philanthropist, shares a glimpse into his bustling Saturday routine, a day dedicated to both business and personal enjoyment. He admits to being a “night owl” in his industry, often working late, but Saturdays provide a unique rhythm.
While he isn’t an early riser, a streak of punctuality runs through his day. “I get up at about 9:30 or 10 am as midweek I’ll be up at around 8 am,” explains Fitzpatrick. “I’m not an early bird because in my business, I might not get home until midnight depending on what’s going on.”
FitzpatrickS love for his business is evident. He prides himself on his hotels, especially the Fitzpatrick Manhattan and Fitzpatrick Grand Central, emphasizing their unique character: ”It is very hard to find an owner operator run hotel in the US. I have a grate team around me including many Irish people so they no Irish hospitality and what I wont at my hotels.”
Customer service is paramount to Fitzpatrick. “It’s all about customer service – I can’t stand staff walking by a customer and not looking after them,” he states firmly. His dedication to this beliefs shows in his personal involvement, actively visiting both hotels every Saturday morning. With decades of experience, he has an uncanny knack for understanding the pulse of his establishments: “After 40 years in this business, I can look around and tell within five minutes whether everything is running smoothly or not. I couldn’t walk by my hotel and not go in — it’s part of my DNA.”
His love for New York extends beyond his hotels. He enjoys the city’s energy, but also cherishes moments away from the hustle. “I need 24 hours out of the city once a week. It’s not like othre cities – New York never quietens down.” He finds solace in the Hamptons during summer or cozy escapes to Sleepy Hollow in winter.
He also shares his favorite spots. “If you see locals in a restaurant than you know it’s good,” he says, highlighting his preference for authentic experiences. “My favourite places to eat are Le Bilboquet and Mr Chow.”
Beyond the booming city, Fitzpatrick finds joy in the simple pleasures of life. “I’m more of an outdoor person. I prefer to go for sailing or to walk the beach,” he admits. Golf is another passion, particularly the annual golf memorial tournament he hosts in honor of his parents at Sleepy Hollow.
He concludes, “It took me a long time to get it off the ground, and we’ve gone through some very tough times including 9-11 and covid, so my business is my main priority. It’s not like work though — I never look at my watch to see what time I’ve to go home.” His dedication to his craft is unwavering, fueled by his love for hospitality and a deep sense of purpose.
- Hotelier and philanthropist John Fitzpatrick is the owner of the Fitzpatrick Manhattan and the Fitzpatrick Grand Central in New York. To find out about available packages see fitzpatrickhotels.com. for all there is to see and do across New York City visit nyctourism.com.
How does John Fitzpatrick balance his work as a hotelier with his personal life, especially on Saturdays?
A Saturday with John Fitzpatrick: The Hotelier Who Loves New York
John Fitzpatrick, the triumphant owner of the Fitzpatrick Manhattan and Fitzpatrick Grand Central hotels, enjoys his saturdays differently. He tells Archyde about his typical day, blending business and personal joys.
Finding Balance: business Fuses with Leisure
Archyde: John, your hotels are renowned for their hospitality. How do you find a balance between your professional responsibilities and personal life, especially on a saturday?
John Fitzpatrick: I’m a “night owl.” My hotel business often keeps me busy late into the evening. Weekdays, I’m up at around 8 am, but on Saturdays, I sleep in a bit and rise around 9:30 or 10.It’s crucial for me to have this time to recharge.
Archyde: What’s a typical Saturday morning like for you?
John Fitzpatrick: I always make a point to visit both my hotels every Saturday morning. I have an uncanny knack for knowing within five minutes if everything is running smoothly. After 40 years in the business, it’s almost instinctive. I can’t walk by my hotels without stepping in. It’s part of my DNA.
Keeping it Personal
Archyde: What do you genuinely look forward to doing outside your hotels on Saturdays?
John Fitzpatrick: I enjoy the city’s energy, but I also need a break from the hustle. Once a week, I’m out of the city. It’s not like London, Paris, or Tokyo – New York never truly quiets down! I escape to the Hamptons in the summer or find comfort in the coziness of Sleepy Hollow in winter.
I’m an outdoor person. I love sailing and walking the beach. Golf is another passion, especially the annual memorial tournament I organize in Sleepy Hollow to honor my parents.
A Touch of New York Flair
Archyde: What are some of your favorite local spots in the city?
John Fitzpatrick: If you see locals in a restaurant,you know it’s good! That’s my rule. I love Le Bilboquet and Mr Chow, both for their fantastic food and ambiance.
Looking ahead
Archyde: You’ve built a successful hospitality empire. What keeps you going after so many years?
John Fitzpatrick: My business is more than just a business; it’s my passion. It’s about creating genuine experiences for our guests, going above and beyond to make their stay memorable. I never look at my watch to see what time I have to go home.It’s not like work for me; it’s a calling. I believe our success comes from staying true to our Irish hospitality, wich is about warmth, genuine care, and creating a sense of belonging.
Hotelier and philanthropist John Fitzpatrick is the owner of the Fitzpatrick Manhattan and the Fitzpatrick Grand Central in New York. To find out about available packages see fitzpatrickhotels.com. for all there is to see and do across New York City visit nyctourism.com.
