MIAMI—Robert Hill knows the Miami hotel market. He's smack dab in the middle of it and has proven success amid heavy competition—and major renovations.

GlobeSt.com caught up with Hill, general manager of InterContinental Miami, to discuss how the project it performing, how the renovation has impacted sales, and how the Miami hotel market is becoming more competitive. He also discusses hotel branding trends in this segment. If you missed part one of this exclusive interview, click here to read it.

GlobeSt.com: How is the hotel currently performing and has the renovation impacted this performance by way of rooms rates and occupancy?

Hill: The InterContinental Miami is a market leader in Miami's urban core and expects this upward trajectory to continue. Year-over-year, the hotel spiked 15% in RevPAR growth and occupancy increased by 9%. For the first three months of 2013, we have been at or near full capacity, with most weekends completely sold out. These travelers are individuals on business, families on vacation, and groups and events looking to capitalize on our centralized location and enhanced amenities. The renovation has certainly played a part in this growth, bringing a renewed sense of enthusiasm and excitement to the property.

GlobeSt.com: With so many new hotels coming online and more established brands being sold, is the market becoming more competitive?

Hill: The Miami market is among the most competitive in the country, particularly as new hotels come into the market and older hotels re-establish their brands. A high tide lifts all ships and the large concentration of four and five star hotels available only enhances our region's attractiveness as a destination. Miami's cache is growing at an unprecedented rate, with Miami International Airport setting a record for passenger traffic in 2012. According to the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau, the number of international passengers has grown by more than 5% in the past year to 19.4 million.

GlobeSt.com: What are some of the biggest trends we'll be seeing from a hotel brand standpoint?

Hill: With the influx of travelers and the ever-discriminatory guest seeking new luxuries and amenities, hotel brands will be looking for new ways to differentiate themselves from the competition and elevate the guest experience.

This can be seen in a number of ways, namely through technology and food and beverage enhancements. More hotels are moving beyond simply providing high-speed wireless--which in today's day-and-age is a baseline of expectation--and are moving into new realms, providing iPod docking stations, electronic room features, etc.

For example, the InterContinental Miami has introduced touchscreen coffee and bar tables. These are oversized Microsoft Surface tablets embedded in coffee tables throughout the lobby, where guests can order drinks, book spa appointments, learn about some of Miami's fun facts, or even explore the top visitor destinations in the region.

Additionally, as guests become more eco-conscious, hotel brands will respond with their own set of green initiatives. The InterContinental Miami does this in a number of ways, through the purchase of wind power, and other energy reduction and water conservation measures. To date, the InterContinental Miami stands as the largest purchasers of wind power in the state.

Instant Insights /

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