Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Vaughn Davis. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Vaughn , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Do you have a hero? What have you learned from them?

Ah, the question of heroes. It’s always been a fascinating one for me. Growing up in Guyana before making the leap to New York, my heroes were the everyday people around me — my family, my neighbors, those who exhibited extraordinary strength in ordinary circumstances. But if I were to pick one, it would undoubtedly be my mother. Her resilience, generosity, and unyielding love have been the backbone of my character.

My mother taught me that humility and strength go hand in hand, and that intelligence is not just about knowledge, but about understanding people and making a positive impact. She showed me that generosity is not just about giving, but about enabling others to give, thereby creating a ripple effect of kindness and empowerment.

These lessons have been the guiding principles of my journey, from a manager in training program at the Gansevoort to now, as the Managing Director of Dream Hotel Hollywood and CEO of Relevant Hospitality. I’ve endeavored to instill these values into the heart of our brand, ensuring that we don’t just provide a service, but create a community and an experience that resonates with the authenticity and generosity that I’ve learned from my hero.
It’s about making every guest feel seen, valued, and understood, creating a home away from home. It’s this unique approach that I believe has set us apart in the hospitality industry and has allowed us to form genuine connections with our guests.

Sharing these stories and lessons from my hero is not just about personal reflection, but it’s about fostering a dialogue on the true meaning of hospitality and inspiring others to bring warmth, understanding, and a sense of community into whatever they do. After all, we are not just in the hotel business; we are in the people business.

Vaughn , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

As the Managing Director of Dream Hollywood, Vaughn Davis is a seasoned leader in luxury hospitality, with over a decade of experience at prestigious lifestyle hotels in New York and Los Angeles. Vaughn began his career at Dream Hotel Group’s Dream Downtown in New York in 2011. His exceptional vision and attention to detail have led to the successful opening of hotels across North America, collaborating with renowned names such as Dream Hotel Group, Gansevoort Hotel Group, Hyatt, and Two Roads Hospitality.

Drawing inspiration from his diverse background in fashion and entertainment – coupled with a Political Science degree from Hofstra University and a passion for new tech – Vaughn has become known for driving the hospitality industry forward in dynamic environments. At the Dream Downtown, Vaughn notably introduced the innovative “Sneaker Concierge” program, allowing guests to order rare sneakers and have them delivered to the hotel, whether to their rooms, the club, or as part of their arrival experience.

Vaughn’s passion for technology and coding has driven innovative guest experiences, including AI and NFT galleries, QR code luggage tags, Apple Pay integration, podcasts, and art residencies in hotel lobbies of Dream Hollywood. Under his guidance, technology-forward milestones were achieved by introducing groundbreaking initiatives such as The Crypt Gallery—an NFT artwork partnership—and The Social Club membership program sets new standards for guest engagement and satisfaction, offering the first-ever VIP membership program purchasable through a Non-Fungible Token (NFT). As the CEO of Relevant Hospitality, a vertically integrated, design focused real estate development company, Vaughn spearheads several captivating projects currently in development worldwide.

Beyond his professional achievements, Vaughn is a devoted family man, mentor, and community leader. In 2019, Vaughn moved to Los Angeles, where he became actively involved in various nonprofits, uniting different boards to improve the community. He actively serves on various nonprofit boards in Los Angeles, including the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, Los Angeles Tourism and Convention Board, LA Tourism Board’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee, and Hollywood Partnership, where he holds the positions of Treasurer and Vice Chairman. Vaughn also dedicates himself to aiding the unhoused community in Los Angeles, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to social responsibility.

Vaughn’s journey exemplifies extraordinary dedication to innovation, tech-driven experiences, and community service, making him a powerful force in the world of hospitality and community advancement.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

My reputation within the hospitality industry has been significantly shaped by a relentless commitment to elevating the guest experience. Through innovative programs like the Sneaker Concierge service at Dream Downtown and the unique partnership with the NFT-focused gallery, the Crypt Gallery, at Dream Hollywood, I have been able to bridge traditional hospitality with contemporary lifestyle and tech trends. My diverse cultural background, growing up in Guyana and later transitioning to the urban setting of New York, has endowed me with a unique perspective that contributes to a more inclusive and innovative approach to hospitality management.

We’d love to hear about how you keep in touch with clients.

Staying connected with clients and nurturing brand loyalty is a cornerstone of my management philosophy. I believe in creating memorable experiences that resonate with our guests long after their stay. This is achieved through a blend of personalized services, consistent quality, and a culture of warmth and hospitality. Moreover, I value feedback and engage with clients through various channels to understand their needs and expectations better. By fostering a community around our brand and continually evolving to meet our clients’ desires, we not only retain loyal customers but also turn them into advocates for our brand.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: vtothe2ndpower
• Linkedin: Vaughn Davis