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The Carlyle’s McHale blends past and present

Anthony McHale has been since May in charge of The Carlyle, a Rosewood Hotel, in New York City. The Englishman, who most recently was GM of the Burj al Arab in Dubai, is now charged with taking the famed hotel to the next level. No pressure.

HOTELS asked McHale a few questions about his life and career.

HOTELS: What is your hotel pet peeve?

Anthony McHale: Check-in. To me it’s not the welcome I wish for in any shape or form. Technology will take over.

H: Favorite travel item?

AM: Wife!

H: Best idea you’ve ever stolen?

AM: 24-hour check-in from the car rental business.

H: What most people don’t know about you?

AM: My love of speed.

Anthony McHale
Anthony McHale

H: Favorite app?

AM: Google Maps – I have no sense of direction.

H: Historical figure you’d like to host?

AM: Escoffier.

H: If not a hotelier?

AM: Race car driver.

H: Biggest lesson learned?

AM: I worked in the Caribbean in my early 20s, and as a European I expected tasks to be completed instantly, which did not happen often and frustrated me. A colleague suggested I must better understand the culture, respect and embrace it, and in turn develop and grow the team. This has worked for me around the world.

H: A personal skill or experience that makes you unique as a hotelier?

AM: As a child (from 8 years old), I was brought up with fine wines from Bordeaux and Burgundy, and fine food. My knowledge, therefore, of both is very strong and I am creative on both fronts.

H: What do you do better than anyone else you know?

AM: I do the best BBQ ever!

H: What part of your job requires the most creative thinking, most improvisation or thinking on your feet?

AM: The Carlyle is a New York institution, an iconic, storied hotel, a co-op, and now is the time to work on The Carlyle of the future. Respect the past and blend with today and the future – that’s not easy.

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