Staypineapple's Approach to Hospitality: Scaling Authenticity Across Multiple Properties

What's Happening?

Staypineapple, a hotel brand known for its unique and personal approach to hospitality, is expanding its operations while maintaining its core philosophy of genuine connection. Dina Belon, President of Staypineapple, emphasizes the importance of people over buildings in creating memorable guest experiences. The brand encourages staff to be authentically themselves, fostering a culture where interactions are unscripted and genuine. Staypineapple operates 10 hotels across seven cities and plans to expand to 50 properties, using technology to support this growth without losing its distinctive personality. The company has implemented a complete technology transformation, integrating systems like Mews for property management and Toast for point-of-sale, to enhance guest experiences and streamline operations.

Why It's Important?

Staypineapple's approach highlights a shift in the hospitality industry towards more personalized and authentic guest experiences. By prioritizing genuine interactions over scripted service, the brand sets itself apart from traditional hotel chains. This strategy not only enhances guest satisfaction but also fosters a strong brand identity that can drive loyalty and repeat business. The use of technology to support personalized service at scale demonstrates how innovation can be leveraged to maintain quality and consistency across multiple locations. As the hospitality industry continues to evolve, Staypineapple's model offers valuable insights into balancing growth with maintaining a unique brand ethos.

What's Next?

Staypineapple plans to expand its operations to 50 hotels, focusing on maintaining its culture of authenticity and personal connection. The brand will continue to leverage technology to support its growth, ensuring that guest experiences remain personalized and consistent across all properties. As the company expands, it will likely face challenges in preserving its unique approach while scaling operations. However, by prioritizing trust and empowerment among staff, Staypineapple aims to overcome these challenges and set a new standard for hospitality. The industry will be watching closely to see how this model of unscripted hospitality can be successfully implemented on a larger scale.

Beyond the Headlines

Staypineapple's approach to hospitality raises important questions about the role of technology in enhancing human interactions. While technology is often seen as a tool for efficiency, Staypineapple uses it to facilitate genuine connections between guests and staff. This model challenges traditional notions of hospitality, suggesting that technology can be an enabler of personal service rather than a barrier. Additionally, the brand's emphasis on authenticity and individuality among staff reflects broader cultural shifts towards valuing diversity and personal expression in the workplace. As Staypineapple continues to grow, its approach may influence other hospitality brands to reconsider their strategies for guest engagement and employee empowerment.