In the heart of Old Town, where Duval Street meets legacy, La Concha Key West stands as both a historic landmark and a reimagined destination. At its helm is Paul Pruitt, a seasoned hotelier whose career has been defined by curiosity, thoughtful leadership, and a passion for authentic guest experiences.
Originally drawn toward a career in professional golf, Paul’s path took a turn when he stepped into a hotel for work—and never looked back. His fascination with the intricacies of hospitality, paired with his commitment to team culture and operational excellence, now guides the transformation of this iconic property into a flagship experience for Marriott’s Autograph Collection.
We caught up with Paul to explore how he’s balancing heritage and innovation, shaping his leadership philosophy, and why asking questions has been one of his most powerful tools.
What inspired you to pursue a career in hotel management?
Initially, hospitality was just a side job while I pursued a future in professional golf. But once I stepped into the world of hotels, I was hooked.
There was something compelling about how every role, from the front desk to housekeeping, played a part in crafting a seamless guest journey. I loved the sense of teamwork and the opportunity to create positive, lasting impressions.
What started as a job became a passion—and eventually, a career path that aligned perfectly with my strengths: service, strategy, people, and problem-solving.
How do you balance emerging trends and evolving guests’ preferences?
It’s a balance between data and dialogue.
I regularly review industry insights, attend webinars, and keep a close eye on what competitors are doing. But I also spend time listening to guests and staff—whether that’s through surveys, reviews, or informal chats. Those conversations are often the most revealing.
It’s important not to blindly follow trends. Instead, I assess whether an idea adds genuine value to the guest experience. Does it enhance comfort? Streamline service? Reflect who we are as a brand?
That’s how we’ve built our approach—through thoughtful integration of innovation with timeless service values.
Looking back, is there anything you would have done differently?
Yes—early in my career, I wish I’d been more open-minded to new ideas and unfamiliar approaches.
There were moments when I stuck with what I knew instead of exploring different perspectives. Over time, I’ve realised that curiosity and adaptability are crucial in this industry. Embracing change, asking more questions, and listening to a wider range of voices has made me a better leader.
If I could go back, I’d adopt that mindset from day one.
What defines your management style?
I lead with a balance of trust, support, and accountability.
I believe in empowering my team—giving them autonomy, while being present and accessible when they need guidance. I focus on setting clear expectations, encouraging continuous feedback, and creating a culture where collaboration and high standards go hand in hand.
I want my team to feel proud of their work and motivated to grow—not because I’m telling them to, but because they feel ownership and connection to what we’re building.
What are your strategic goals and vision for the hotel?
My vision for La Concha Key West is to honour its rich heritage while positioning it as a top destination for modern, discerning travellers.
As part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection, we have the unique opportunity to blend individuality with brand support. We want guests to feel immersed in Key West’s story—from curated local partnerships to thoughtful touches in every room.
Strategically, we’re focused on three pillars:
- Creating personalised, memorable guest experiences
- Driving operational and financial excellence
- Fostering a culture rooted in Marriott’s Spirit to Serve
We’re enhancing service, refining programming, and building team engagement to ensure La Concha remains “exactly like nothing else” in the Autograph portfolio.
What advice would you give to someone starting out?
Stay curious, stay humble, and lead with heart.
This industry is built on people, and the most important thing you can do is listen—really listen. Ask questions. Learn from every experience, no matter how small. Hospitality is a career where initiative and empathy go a long way.
Also, build relationships. Your growth will be shaped by the connections you make—with guests, teammates, and mentors.
And remember: the Spirit to Serve isn’t just a slogan—it’s a mindset. If you focus on helping others succeed, your own success will follow.