Meet Mychal Milian | Hotelier

We had the good fortune of connecting with Mychal Milian and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mychal, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
As a hotelier, husband, and father to a young boy, maintaining a healthy work-life balance has been a crucial aspect of my personal and professional growth. In the early stages of my career, my focus was on building a strong foundation in the industry, which often demanded long hours and dedication, leading to an imbalance between work and personal life.

Over time, I have come to understand the importance of striking a balance between my professional responsibilities and my role as a husband and father. I’ve learned that nurturing both aspects of my life is essential for overall well-being, productivity, and long-term success.

Now, I make sure to prioritize my family and personal interests alongside my career. I strive to be present and fully engaged in my son’s life, as well as with my spouse, cherishing the moments that matter most.

To maintain a healthy work-life balance, I:

Set realistic goals and expectations for myself in both personal and professional contexts.

Prioritize and plan my time efficiently, ensuring that I allocate time for my family and personal interests.

Learn to say “no” to additional responsibilities or projects when necessary, to avoid becoming overwhelmed and compromising my family time.

Establish boundaries between work and personal life. While working in the hotel industry might require occasional weekend or evening attention to emails, I consciously avoid checking work-related communications when I am with my family or engaged in personal activities, unless they are of utmost importance. This allows me to focus on the present moment and fully enjoy my time with my loved ones while still addressing critical work matters when required.

Make time for relaxation and self-care, including exercise, hobbies, and spending quality time with my spouse and son.

I recognize that work-life balance is a dynamic concept that requires continuous reevaluation and adjustment as priorities and circumstances change. By being mindful of my needs and maintaining open communication with my team and family, I can effectively manage the balance between my professional and personal life, allowing me to thrive as a hotelier, husband, and father.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Throughout my career, I have always been driven by a passion for hospitality and a commitment to providing exceptional guest experiences. What sets me apart from others in the industry is my dedication to continuous improvement, innovation, and a genuine desire to make a positive impact on both my team and guests.

My journey to where I am today professionally has not been without challenges. I have worked my way up through various roles within the hotel industry, from entry-level positions to becoming a Hotel General Manager. Each step of the way, I have gained valuable experience and insights, learning from my mentors and colleagues, and seizing opportunities for growth and development.

One aspect of my career that I am particularly proud of is my Certified Hotel Administrator (CHA) certification, awarded by the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI). This prestigious certification reflects my commitment to industry best practices and my dedication to providing the highest level of service to our guests.

Overcoming challenges in my career has required resilience, adaptability, and a willingness to learn from my mistakes. I have faced setbacks, but I have always approached them as opportunities for growth and self-improvement. The lessons I have learned along the way include the importance of effective communication, teamwork, and leading by example.

In addition to my work in the hotel industry, I am also passionate about sharing my knowledge and experience with the next generation of hospitality professionals. As an adjunct professor at Everglades University . I have the opportunity to mentor and guide students, inspiring them to pursue careers in hospitality and equip them with the skills and knowledge required to succeed in this dynamic and rewarding field.

I want the world to know that my story is one of perseverance, hard work, and dedication to my craft. My brand is centered around providing exceptional hospitality experiences, leading and inspiring my team to reach their full potential, and constantly seeking opportunities for growth and improvement. I am excited about the future of the hospitality industry, and I am committed to playing an active role in shaping its evolution and success.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Day 1: South Beach & Ocean Drive

Start the day with coffee at Panther Coffee.
Head to South Beach and rent some chairs behind a popular hotel.
Walk down Ocean Drive, admiring the Art Deco hotels, and end south of Fifth to grab lunch at Joe’s Stone Crab Take Out.
People-watch and shop along Lincoln Road.
For dinner, choose from Prime 112 or Cecconi’s, both iconic spots in South Beach.
Experience Miami’s nightlife with cocktails at Broken Shaker or Sweet Liberty.

Day 2: Wynwood & Design District

Begin the day exploring the street art at Wynwood Walls.
Visit the nearby Perez Art Museum and Frost Science Museum.
In the afternoon, shop and people-watch in the Design District.
Have dinner at Michael’s Genuine or Coyo Taco for a more inexpensive option.
Finish the night with some rooftop vibes at Bellini at the Mr. C Hotel.

Day 3: Coconut Grove & Coral Gables

Start the day with brunch at Sadelle’s in Coconut Grove, a renowned brunch spot.
Stroll around the charming Coconut Grove neighborhood.
Visit Coral Gables Miracle Mile for great food and bars.
Enjoy lunch at Hillstone Coral Gables, a favorite steakhouse, or Versailles for authentic Cuban food.
Relax at the Biltmore Hotel’s lobby bar for a date night.
End the night at The Bar in Coral Gables, a local bar and lounge where you can dance the night away.

Day 4: Downtown & Little Havana

Begin the day with coffee at Panther Coffee in downtown Miami.
Spend the afternoon kayaking at Oleta State Park or visit the beautiful Vizcaya Museum and Gardens.
Head over to Little Havana and enjoy lunch at Café La Trova.
Sip on some wine at Lagniappe, a cozy wine bar with a beautiful outdoor area.

Day 5: Miami Beach

Visit 1 Hotel South Beach, Delano (when it reopens), the Edition Hotel, and the Setai Hotel.
Shop and people-watch in Midtown.
Have dinner at Shuckers or Amara at Paraiso, both offering fantastic outdoor dining experiences.
Finish the night with a favorite happy hour at Sushi Garage in Miami Beach.

Day 6: Day trip to the Redlands & Florida Keys

Take a day trip to Schnebly’s Winery in the Redlands and grab some treats at Knaus Berry Farms.
Continue down to the Florida Keys and enjoy the beautiful scenery and laid-back atmosphere.
Have dinner at a local seafood spot in the Keys before heading back to Miami.

Day 7: More Miami hotspots

Enjoy the best croquetas at Islas Canarias for breakfast.
Catch a sports game: Marlins, Heat, or Dolphins.
Visit El Carajo, a hidden gem (a restaurant in a gas station).
End the day with dinner and a stunning view of Miami at Rusty Pelican.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to dedicate my shoutout to my loving and supportive family, who have always stood by me and encouraged me to pursue my dreams and aspirations. Their unwavering belief in my abilities and their constant encouragement have played an invaluable role in shaping the person I am today. They have provided me with the strength to tackle challenges, learn from setbacks, and celebrate successes.

In addition, I want to express my gratitude to my mentors and colleagues in the hotel industry who have generously shared their knowledge, wisdom, and guidance throughout my career. Their passion for hospitality and commitment to excellence have inspired me to push boundaries and strive for the highest standards in my work.

Lastly, I want to recognize the various organizations and educational institutions that have played a role in my career, particularly Florida International University, where I earned both my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Hospitality Management. The knowledge and experiences gained during my time at FIU have been instrumental in shaping my approach to the hospitality industry and providing me with the tools necessary to succeed.

Each of these individuals, groups, and institutions has contributed to my story in meaningful ways, and I am grateful for their support, guidance, and inspiration.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/1ina_milian/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mychalmilian/

Other: marriott.com/fllmp marriott.com/fllac