I’m thrilled to sit down with Katarina Railko, a seasoned expert in hospitality with a rich background in travel and tourism. Katarina has honed her skills in creating memorable guest experiences and is a respected voice in entertainment and events, often sharing her insights at expos and conferences. Today, we’re diving into her perspective on a significant partnership in the hospitality industry, focusing on the collaboration between two legacy companies managing a portfolio of standout hotels in Maryland. We’ll explore the dynamics of this relationship, the unique qualities of the properties involved, and how they contribute to their communities.
How did the partnership between your organization and this prominent real estate company come to be, and what sparked this collaboration?
This partnership really started with a shared vision. Both companies have deep roots in their respective fields, and over the years, we’ve crossed paths at various industry events and through mutual connections. The collaboration came about organically as we recognized how closely our values align—putting people first and prioritizing community impact. It was a natural fit, and after several discussions, we saw an opportunity to combine our strengths in hospitality management and real estate to elevate these properties and grow together.
What specific qualities or strengths made this real estate company an ideal partner for your team?
What stood out to us was their commitment to excellence and their family-owned ethos, which mirrors our own. They’ve built a reputation for not just owning properties but nurturing them as community anchors. Their focus on creating environments where people feel valued—whether they’re guests or employees—resonated with us deeply. Plus, their portfolio of well-maintained, high-caliber hotels gave us confidence that we could deliver exceptional experiences right from the start.
Shared values like integrity and a people-first approach seem to be at the core of this relationship. How do these principles shape your day-to-day work together?
Integrity is everything to us. It means being transparent with our partners, our team, and our guests. In our daily operations, it translates to honest communication and following through on promises, whether that’s about service quality or staff support. The people-first approach drives how we train our team to go above and beyond for guests and how we collaborate with our partners to ensure everyone’s needs are met. It’s about creating a culture where everyone feels heard and respected, and that’s the foundation of our joint efforts.
The idea of stability and growth was highlighted as a key ideal. How do you ensure stability for both your staff and guests at these properties?
Stability starts with a strong team. We invest in our staff through consistent training, fair policies, and a supportive work environment so they feel secure and motivated. For guests, it’s about reliability—ensuring that every stay meets or exceeds their expectations, from check-in to checkout. We maintain rigorous standards for property upkeep and service delivery, so there are no surprises. Stability for us means being a dependable presence, whether it’s for a returning guest or a long-term employee.
This collaboration has been described as a ‘perfect marriage’ of two legacy companies. How do you see this partnership reflecting the history and reputation of both organizations?
Both of us have a long history of dedication to our communities and industries. Our organization has always focused on hospitality that feels personal and impactful, while our partner has built a legacy of creating spaces that enrich local areas. Together, this partnership reflects a blend of tradition and forward-thinking—honoring our pasts by maintaining high standards while pushing for innovation. It’s about carrying forward that legacy of trust and quality that both companies are known for.
Can you share what makes each of the three Maryland hotels unique and special in their own right?
Absolutely. The Cambria Hotel College Park stands out with its modern design and top-tier guest experience—it’s consistently ranked among the best in its brand for a reason. The Hotel at the University of Maryland is a true destination, offering a luxurious yet welcoming vibe with amenities that cater to both business travelers and families. Then there’s the Hotel at Arundel Preserve in Hanover, which is a gem in the region with its upscale feel and prime location. Each property has its own personality, but they all share a commitment to four-star luxury and world-class service.
These hotels are in excellent condition and seen as crown jewels in their areas. What strategies do you have in place to maintain that high standard?
We’re very proactive about upkeep. Regular maintenance schedules, detailed inspections, and quick responses to any wear and tear are standard for us. We’re also looking at subtle enhancements—updating decor, improving energy efficiency, and ensuring technology keeps pace with guest expectations. It’s a balance of preserving the luxury that defines these properties while keeping them fresh and relevant. Our goal is to make sure they remain benchmarks in the region for years to come.
As anchor properties, these hotels play a big role in their communities. How do they contribute to the local area and support nearby businesses or events?
These hotels are more than just places to stay—they’re hubs for the community. They host events like conferences, weddings, and local gatherings, which bring people together and boost nearby businesses like restaurants and shops. We also partner with local vendors for supplies and services, keeping the economic impact close to home. Being a community anchor means we’re invested in the area’s success, whether it’s sponsoring a local event or providing a space for important gatherings.
Looking ahead, what is your forecast for the future of partnerships like this in the hospitality industry?
I think we’re going to see more collaborations like this, where companies with complementary strengths team up to create something greater than the sum of their parts. The hospitality industry is evolving rapidly, with guests expecting more personalized and community-focused experiences. Partnerships that prioritize shared values, like integrity and growth, will be key to meeting those demands. I foresee a trend toward deeper integrations between hospitality and real estate, where the focus isn’t just on managing properties but on building lasting community impact together.
