The Summer Olympics may be winding down in Laurent Ebzant’s native Paris, but that hasn’t stopped the Park Hyatt New York area vice president, general manager and avid runner from thinking about the next workout. “The beauty about New York,” Ebzant says, “is that you can walk around and do 20,000 steps sometimes, and you don’t even realize it.”
As the pace-setting leader of the Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Manhattan property since October 2022, Ebzant says it’s his job to ensure every step of a guest’s visit goes smoothly at his hotel, which celebrates its 10th anniversary this year. It’s a tough ask, but he has trained for it for more than 20 years in various roles with Hyatt.
We don’t know how much time the former Ironman triathlete has for doing marathons these days, but we do know Ebzant gets the gold medal for answering our rapid-fire questions about New York, global travel and the hotel industry.
What are New York’s must-visit attractions?
Central Park, definitely. The Statue of Liberty sounds like a cliché, but it’s not. And definitely Times Square.
What are some underrated places you wish more people knew about?
[My wife and I] just found out about the Bushwick graffiti. Living and working in Manhattan and being in Bushwick [Brooklyn] is a big contrast.
What’s one dish everyone should try in New York City?
The bagels from Russ & Daughters.
What is a can’t-miss New York restaurant?
The first time I went to Katz’s Deli was like 15 years ago. The famous pastrami sandwich was a hit then and still is.
Where do you relax in New York?
I like nature. Finding nature in New York can be a challenge, but I really like the High Line.
What are some of the best ways to experience New York culture?
I really like going to Little Italy but not in Manhattan. I like the Little Italy in the Bronx. That’s where you see what Little Italy was actually like 20 years ago in New York.
What’s a good souvenir visitors should bring home from New York?
The “I Heart New York” tee shirt sounds cliché, but it’s a classic.
What’s a good insider tip for New York City?
I would say to get “lost” within the city because you cannot really get lost.
What borough outside of Manhattan deserves more attention?
Staten Island. It’s very residential, but it’s very remote.
What fun activity is within walking distance of Park Hyatt New York?
Strolling in Central Park. You can run and bike, too.
What hospitality trend do you want to see more of?
The eco-friendliness initiatives.
What’s an overrated culinary fad?
The gold leaf on the steaks. This is so ridiculous. Having a steak that’s nearly $1,000 because it’s wrapped with some gold leaves?
What does hospitality mean to you?
Turning the expression “I’m just visiting” to “I’d like to live here.”
What’s the most underrated trait in a good leader?
Empathy. It has always been important, but even more so in the world we live in post-COVID.
What’s a destination that you could visit over and over again?
Kyoto for the serenity.
What’s your favorite cocktail?
The Negroni.
What’s your favorite room service order?
The club sandwich at 11 p.m. is always good with french fries.
Favorite room view — beach, city or nature?
City for the noise and the vibes.
If you could change one thing about the travel industry, what would it be?
More transparency when it comes to pricing.
What are some essential things that you always pack?
Noise-canceling headphones.
Window seat or aisle?
I would say aisle for the facility reasons. But long hauls? I’ll go for windows.
What’s your go-to airport outfit?
Nice jeans and a tee shirt. No tie.
Which movie could you watch on repeat on an airplane?
Casino. I’m going to watch it probably when I go to Vegas in three weeks.
What city has pleasantly surprised you the most?
An underrated destination is Scotland. This is really nature, nature, nature. Cold weather and very remote. The landscape looks like the moon. Beautiful, beautiful landscapes.
What’s been your proudest accomplishment?
Being able to have started as a room service waiter working overnight in an airport hotel to becoming general manager of a landmark property in New York.
