San Antonio’s first Kimpton property, Kimpton Santo, opened in August. The hotel development and opening season is one of the busiest times in the life of any hotel team. “It’s a whirlwind—from finalizing operations to onboarding staff and ensuring everything is ready for our guests,” says Lynn Snyder, Kimpton Santo’s general manager. “The pace is intense, but the excitement and camaraderie as we push toward the finish line together as a team make it incredibly rewarding.”
To handle the fast pace, Snyder says consistency in processes and systems is essential. “It’s easy to feel overwhelmed during high-occupancy periods, but the key is not to let the hotel or the busyness run you,” she says. “Stick to the cadences that have been put in place—whether that’s daily property walks, team meetings, or reviewing reports—these routines are even more essential during the busiest times. Staying composed and organized ensures the guest experience remains seamless despite any behind-the-scenes hurdles.”
Snyder began her hospitality career as a part-time night auditor with Indiana-based White Lodging, the development and management company behind Kimpton Santo. Through strong mentorship and support, she became one of the youngest general managers in the company. Over the last 17 years, she has opened eight hotels and moved nine times. “Variety is what keeps me engaged and energized,” she says. “Flexibility is also essential—embrace the unexpected, because no two days will be the same.”
To keep her focus during all that change, Snyder has learned to keep an eye on her highest priorities. “What I have found most helpful is taking time at the end of each day to set myself up for the next,” she says. In addition to reviewing her objectives for the next day, Snyder has an inspiring practice that illustrates her servant leadership approach. “I keep the names of every associate on my wall and read them each night, reminding myself of the responsibility I have to help them succeed,” she says.
“I do not take the gravity of my unique position lightly. The 210 associates I interact with daily rely on me, and the ripple effect of supporting them extends to every guest they serve and everyone they interact with beyond work,” she says. “This isn’t just a job for me. It’s my passion. It’s who I am at my core, and I take immense personal pride in it.”