Alex Novo started his career in Miami, serving milkshakes and cones at Carvel and moonlighting as an engineer at the Doral Golf resort in the summer. But Novo also grew up in the hospitality business — his father worked in esteemed hotels like Casa de Campo Resort & Villas in the Dominican Republic. “He was my mentor,” Novo says. Today, he’s moved beyond soft-serve — Novo recently was named the area managing director for the stylish W Hotels lifestyle brand in the U.S. and Canada.
The Port Washington, N.Y.-based tastemaker chatted with us from Aspen, sharing everything from his favorite destination to his travel essentials.
What’s the best under-the-radar attraction in your home city?
The summer sunsets in Port Washington, N.Y.
What’s your favorite room service order?
Club sandwich and fries.
What’s your favorite hotel amenity?
Spa.
What’s your go-to minibar snack and drink?
Mixed nuts and Diet Coke.
Favorite room view: beach, city or wilderness?
City.
What’s your on-the-road wellness routine?
Never more than two days without a workout.
What was the most awe-inspiring natural wonder you’ve encountered while traveling?
Niagara Falls.
What are your favorite outdoor activities?
Boating and fishing.
What’s your dream vacation?
What was your most memorable meal?
First time I went to Daniel in NYC.
Window seat or aisle?
Aisle.
What are your travel essentials?
My Rimowa carry-on and Aer backpack.
What’s your go-to airport outfit?
If I have a meeting when I land, it’s usually jeans and a blazer. If I don’t have a meeting, anything by Vuori.
Which movie can you watch endlessly on the plane?
These days, Top Gun: Maverick.
What destination is having a moment right now?
Japan.
Which city pleasantly surprised you the most during a visit there?
Malaga in Spain.
How do you explore a new destination?
Ask the Uber or taxi drivers where to venture.
Who do you most admire in the hospitality industry?
There are so many, but people I have had direct contact with: Ian Schrager, [founder of EDITION hotels]; Jon Tisch, [co-chairman of the Board of Loews Corporation and executive chairman of Loews Hotels & Co]; Dan Flannery, [COO of Loews Hotels & Co]; Bob Kharazmi, [SVP and managing director, Luxury Brands, Marriott International and The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection]; and Tony Capuano, [president/CEO of Marriott International, Inc.].
What’s the worst hospitality trend you’ve seen?
So many talented young managers leaving our business permanently during and after COVID.
What hospitality trend do you want to see more of?
Comfortable and approachable luxury.
What’s an overrated culinary fad?
I recently read an article about flowers frozen in ice cubes. And avocado toast.
What does hospitality mean to you?
Building a great culture for guests and our employees.
What’s the most underrated trait in a good leader?
Never settling and punctuality.
What will be the biggest change in the industry in 10 years?
AI is the easy answer, but I believe it’s talent retention and development.
What destination can you return to again and again?
Spain.
What’s the last great book you read?
The Obstacle Is the Way by Ryan Holiday.
What’s your favorite cocktail?
Slightly dirty vodka martini with extra olives.
What’s the best business advice you ever received?
When you are starting, always say yes to projects and new opportunities, and be open to different disciplines.
If you could change one thing about the travel industry, what would it be?
Perception of our talent outside of our industry. Our talent does not receive enough credit for all the skills they develop.
What’s been your biggest accomplishment?
My family — my wife and two wonderful daughters.
