Name: Edward Maynard
Title: General manager
Company, city: The Westin New York Grand Central, New York City
Number of employees: 435
Recent project: Opening of the 2,800-square-foot Madison Ballroom, the hotel’s primary social event space
First job: Dishwasher at an ice cream parlor in Aviation Mall, Glen Falls, N.Y.
Little-known fact about you: This November, I celebrated my 50th birthday by running my fifth New York City Marathon with my 24-year-old daughter, who ran her first marathon.
Your Business
Essential business philosophy: I run the hotel as if I own it. That perspective guides every decision I make, from purchases and contracts to evaluating business opportunities. Asking myself, “If this were my money and my business, what would I do?” keeps priorities aligned with the long-term interests of guests, employees and owners.
Best way to keep a competitive edge: Staying informed. Keeping up with industry standards and trends allows our team to make smart, forward-looking choices. Teaching at NYU reinforces that responsibility: students look to industry professionals to share the latest practices and insights.
Yardstick of success: I evaluate success by three measures: RevPAR index (revenue per available room) against our competitive set, guest satisfaction, and employee satisfaction. Together these metrics provide a clear picture of performance beyond simple occupancy or average rate.
Edward Maynard as a Traveler
What is the most important item you take when traveling? A picture of my children.
How do you spend your time on board? On domestic flights I use the time to clear emails; on international trips I strike a balance between work and downtime by watching movies and handling messages.
What is your favorite restaurant in the world? Hostaria Giggetto in Rome, near the Trevi Fountain. They serve what I consider the best mozzarella in the world.
What is your favorite destination in the world? For family time I enjoy Tucson, Arizona, for its horse ranches. For a beach escape, Barbados offers beautiful shorelines and a warm welcome. For culture and history I return to Rome—I once took a cooking-focused tour of Italy that included the city, and I’m eager to go back.
About The Westin New York Grand Central
Tell us about the recent renovations at The Westin New York Grand Central: Our $75 million renovation fully revitalized the hotel. We redesigned guestrooms and public spaces, refreshed the façade and added a porte cochere to create a distinctive arrival. Guestrooms now feature Westin’s signature Heavenly Bed and Bath and include eco-conscious elements to conserve water and energy. We upgraded meeting facilities with high-bandwidth connectivity, new carpeting and lighting while preserving historic touches such as restored oak paneling. The renovation added four breakout rooms and the 2,800-square-foot Madison Ballroom as a premier social events venue. The lobby was extended to 42nd Street to introduce THE LCL: Bar & Kitchen, the Gerber Group’s first concept inside a Westin. Another guest favorite is our 3,000-square-foot WestinWORKOUT fitness studio.
What does the property offer business travelers? The Westin provides a balanced mix of thoughtful amenities and essential business services: high-speed Internet, a fully equipped business center, well-appointed meeting rooms with natural light, and robust food-and-beverage options including THE LCL and 24-hour in-room dining. We help travelers stay well on the road with a complimentary 24/7 gym and a New Balance gear lending program. In short, business guests find everything they need under one roof.
How does your property stand out among other New York City hotels? Our guestrooms are notably spacious and freshly updated with brand signature amenities, offering exceptional comfort in Midtown Manhattan. The hotel’s central location provides excellent access to public transportation and city attractions. We combine competitive pricing and strong value with the benefits of a first-class branded property and the Starwood Preferred Guest loyalty program.