From packing light to securing an upgrade and discovering little-known gems to talking your way into the best seat in the house, frequent travelers pick up a few tricks along the way. We asked leading voices in the travel industry to share their most useful tips and experiences.
NAME: Alvaro Rey
OCCUPATION: General Manager, InterContinental London Park Lane
Alvaro Rey began his career in hospitality after training at Ecole Hôtelière Les Roches in Switzerland and the Hotel Management School of Northwood Institute in Midland, Michigan. He started at InterContinental Medellin in Colombia in 1984 as a food and beverage assistant and has remained with the InterContinental Hotels Group ever since. Over the years he has worked across departments in South and Central America, the Middle East, Australia and Europe. In 1994 he became general manager of Las Lomas Forum in Medellin, and has led numerous international properties. He is currently the general manager of InterContinental London Park Lane.
Rey’s sustainable approach to business—focused on staff development and community engagement—has earned him multiple accolades, including the Best General Manager Award (upscale/luxury) at the Worldwide Hospitality Awards.
NUMBER OF ROUND-TRIP FLIGHTS PER YEAR FOR BUSINESS
More than 40. I travel for a large portion of the year, visiting clients, following trends and attending conferences and meetings.
NUMBER OF ROUND-TRIP FLIGHTS PER YEAR FOR LEISURE
My family and I take three vacations a year: a riding holiday at our farm in Colombia with 15–20 close friends, a skiing trip, and a visit to a completely new destination.
FAVORITE DESTINATION
My favorite place is our family farm in Colombia, where my horses live. That is where I truly relax—away from the bustle of hotels and city life—surrounded by horses, cattle, rivers and mountains. Living abroad makes it tempting to always return home for vacations, so I try to balance that with exploring new places.
FAVORITE AIRLINE BUSINESS CLASS
Qantas. They offer comfortable beds, attentive service and excellent food.
FAVORITE HOTEL
InterContinental London Park Lane. I will have been with the company 30 years in 2014 and am a loyal brand ambassador. Even my son tells his friends I work for the “best company in the world.”
FAVORITE RESTAURANT
In London, it’s Theo Randall at the InterContinental, which was recently recognized among the top Italian restaurants in the UK. I appreciate the simplicity and vibrant flavors of Chef Randall’s cooking. At home in Colombia, I favor Harry Sasson’s Club Colombia—Chef Sasson presents modern Colombian cuisine while staying true to authentic flavors.
MOST MEMORABLE TRAVEL EXPERIENCE
That’s a tough one—so many trips leave lasting impressions. I love experiencing the full spectrum of travel, from simple adventures to luxurious stays, and from city breaks to mountain retreats. Each journey offers something memorable.
MUST-HAVE TRAVEL GEAR
My Blackberry. I’m almost always on call and need to stay connected, even while skiing. Hospitality is a 24-hour business, and staying connected is essential to succeed.
ON A LONG-HAUL FLIGHT, I SPEND MY TIME …
I rarely sleep on long flights, so I read, watch movies or catch up on emails. I don’t usually eat much unless I’m flying Qantas.
BEST TRAVEL ADVICE I EVER RECEIVED
Discover things for yourself. I don’t rely heavily on pre-trip advice; instead I ask locals—concierges, taxi drivers, waiters and bar staff—who often share the best tips.
MOST VALUABLE TRAVEL LESSON I’VE LEARNED
Every experience is a lesson. Embrace opportunities to see new places and live fully.
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