These interviews are part of a series that highlights new hires within the industry. Have you recently started a new role or do you know someone who has? Submit your ideas to brittany.trevick@tigeroak.com.
Andrea Vieyra was recently hired as director of sales and marketing for The Hotel Landing in Wayzata, Minn.
1. What are you looking forward to the most in your new role at The Hotel Landing in downtown Wayzata?
The Hotel Landing is the first hotel on Lake Minnetonka in more than 50 years, and I’m excited to be a part of the revival of hospitality on the lake. I love the Wayzata area and I’m thrilled to open this hotel, which will add so many amenities to the area with beautiful luxury hotel rooms, Nordic-inspired spa, incredible two-story restaurant and more than 4,000 square feet of event space equipped with the latest technology and A/V.
2. How do you think past experiences have prepared you for this role?
Luxury boutique hotels are my passion. I started in the hotel business by opening the Chambers Hotel in 2006. From there, I spent 10 years at The Grand Hotel, which included transitioning it to become a Kimpton Hotel in 2011 and oversaw the renovation and rebranding. I love seeing a hotel go from the conceptual stage, through design development and finally see the first guests walk through the doors. It’s a truly gratifying process.
3. How did you get into the industry?
Shortly after college—and after giving the corporate world a try—I was referred to the Chambers and spent six months opening the hotel and fell in love with the industry. I spent many years working in high-end salons and spas as well as retail, and I loved the customer-facing aspect of working in a hotel much more than being stuck in a cubicle all day in my corporate positions. Each day is a new adventure and challenge which keeps me inspired and on my toes.
4. What are you hoping to achieve in your new role?
My main goal is to introduce this hotel as a one-of-a-kind, thoughtfully designed, high-end option for corporate meetings and events as well as weddings and social gatherings.
5. What do you enjoy most about the industry?
The clients and travelers I’ve met and engaged with over the years make my job so fulfilling. I love the fact that I’m able to create exceptional experiences that people will never forget; from helping stage an engagement to ensuring a large traveling group has a flawless stay. Also, the people I’ve had the honor to work alongside, both in the past and present, make coming to work a privilege. There’s never a dull moment and we have a lot of fun along the way.
