Do Your Thing: Cynthia Davis has the right attitude at Rebel Hospitality

Cynthia Davis of Rebel Hospitality is our WorldHotels Hero, she talks to us about attitude, self-expression, winning awards and ‘those ACME Hotel robes’…

?Q: Cynthia, can you tell us about the philosophy behind the ACME Hotel? Who do you appeal to?

ACME was born out of the idea of bringing an approachable lifestyle boutique hotel to market that was singular, that went beyond the expectation, that stood out, and most importantly, that allowed our guests to stand out. The first thing we did was envision a hotel experience that exuded a culture of genuine self-expression, where creative thought and endeavors are appreciated, in fact, celebrated. Once that vision was cemented, we developed the design, the brand, and laser-focused amenities that support this culture, this ethos. We then sought to onboard individuals who thrive in an environment of individuality, of self-expression. The beauty of ACME, and this solely unique position, this celebration, is that while times change, attitudes shift, and travel expectations evolve, ACME organically pivots as well, because the very brand itself, the experience is driven by the self-expression of our staff, our guests. “Do Your Thing” is more than our tagline, it’s our philosophy, and it’s timeless.

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?Q: What is something that is completely unique to ACME Hotel?

There are so many elements we consider to be unique, it’s hard to drill it down! But if we were to encapsulate the layers, I would say it’s our attitude.?It’s our people, being genuinely who they are, unapologetically genuine and authentic, which creates commonality for our guest, encourages them to step out of themselves and be who they want to be.?There is no uniform, there’s no script, but there is a human element and an effortless ability to relate to every kind of guest and connect with them. We have guests who check-in and wonder if the place is ‘too cool’ but soon realize they love it.

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?Q: What are the best things about being exactly where you are in Chicago?

Think of ACME as the bullseye, surrounded by and within walking distance to a multitude of experiences that are true Chicago - the Gold Coast, the Mag Mile, River North, Oak Street Beach, The River Walk. Guests love to step out our front door and know in any direction, they’ll discover some of the city’s best restaurants, night spots, galleries, music venues, tattoo parlors, people watching, you name it – and they’re just steps away.

Q:?Why did you join the WorldHotels? Crafted collection?

The Crafted collection ideally fits the ethos of ACME. Recognizing that no two hotel stays are alike, no two guests are alike, and recognizing if you create a hotel that leads with the celebration of creativity, self-expression, people will catch that vibe and run with it.?The Crafted Collection very much mirrors our goals. Our goal has never been to be “all things to all people” but rather to lay out the opportunity for guests to craft whatever experience they desire.

Q:?What makes ACME Hotel truly crafted?

I think our approach to hospitality is what mostly makes us “crafted” . . . We also partner quite frequently with local entities that support that position and regularly offer timely, personalized programming to our guests that brings yet another layer of “experience”. ?We’ve partnered with local artisans from ETSY to create a Pop-up Holiday Market at the hotel. When the Cubs won the World Series, we brought in a notable barber and offered free Cubs Buzz cuts to guests and locals. For several years we’ve offered guests a free walking street art tour of Chicago through a local partnership. And the décor at ACME is filled with the works of local artists, from the painted mannequins in the lightwells, to the graffiti in West Town and stairwells. The examples go on and on. We’re not selling extra room-nights off these initiatives, necessarily, but rather enhancing the environment, the guest experience, giving guests something uniquely ACME, while emphasizing our core value. (And potentially, yet another reason to return).

Q: What is your philosophy when it comes to leading your teams?

It’s all about empowering our team and encouraging that ever important self-expression. The ACME experience starts with our staff. They are the personification of the brand. And like ACME, our staff is quite literally, unscripted. At check-in, for instance, while of course there are a few crucial informational points they need to hit, (because who wants total anarchy?), how they hit those points is entirely up to them. From the music that plays in our elevators which is solely curated by our front desk staff, to the personal messages and drawings left by housekeepers on the guestroom door chalkboards, these touchpoints encourage self-expression and contribute to the guest experience.??As employers, as a business, as human beings, self-expression is our most valued asset – How can you expect the staff to truly embrace their workplace, the brand, while suppressing who THEY are? It would be counterintuitive to who we are. Employees are the brand, naturally, organically, and that’s where the real magic is, with them. For our employees, it isn’t “here’s what I do” . . . It’s “here’s who I am, and here’s how I do it”. There’s a big difference in those two statements.

?Q:?And what values do you look for in your staff?

At Rebel, we believe that how we treat our employees directly reflects how they treat our guests – we celebrate them for the individuality and uniqueness they bring to the equation. It all circles back to our culture. We empower our staff, encourage them to be involved, creative, to think on their feet, and most of all, embrace and share their genuine selves. You give employees that kind of latitude and watch them soar.

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Q: If you stayed at your hotels, which room would you stay in & why?

I’ve stayed in every room-type at ACME, and being completely unbiased, I love them all for different reasons, the different vibes. It’s really the small touches that inspire me. But to answer the question, I’d be lying if I didn’t say the King Suite – Who turns down a suite? Whether I’m working or relaxing with friends, the separate living room offers a great space with amazing city views. Plus, I love having the guitar in the suite (yes I play). As a sidebar, ACME’s robes are by far the best hotel robes I’ve ever experienced. They look similar to the robes prize fighters wear when they enter the ring. And I’m happy to say that all rooms at ACME feature these robes.

?Q: What is the best thing on the menu?

The Berkshire Room is the cocktail lounge at the ACME. The Berkshire is highly lauded in the press, but most importantly, it’s a favorite go-to for locals as well as guests. ?It’s hip, it’s cool, but without really trying. My favorite thing on the menu is a cocktail called “dealers’ choice”. You pick the spirit, your preferred flavor profile, even the glass and type of ice, and they create a custom cocktail to your specifications. It’s fun because you sort of have a hand in your choice of poison. They also have a small bites menu that changes seasonally, and I have yet to consume anything from the menu that I don’t love. ?

?Q: Where are your favourite spots at the hotels?

The side booths at the Berkshire room are completely lovely. They feel intimate, yet you’re a stone’s throw from the action. There is also a balcony on the second floor with two large sofas that overlook The Berkshire Room. During the day it’s a great place to hang out on your laptop, or by night, to people watch from above. This is going to sound strange, but I love to ride the elevators – decorated with album covers from our owner’s personal collection, I discover something new every time. Plus, I like listening to the music the front desk staff has selected. After all, what better way is there to garner insight into a person than through their choice of music? Did I mention we also have a Hot Tub Bar called Bunny Slope? It’s a giant Hot Tub, in a ski chalet setting with a bar and bartender, smack dab in the middle of Chicago. It’s bookable for small events, and available for guest use (sans the bar).

Q: So, what’s next for ACME Hotel?

We’re always looking for innovation, what’s next . . . ways to thrill our guests with the experience, but most importantly, we’re just going to continue keeping it real, being as genuine, as self-expressive as our guests have come to know and love.

Q: You’ve consistently been voted in the top ten winners of the Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards, and Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards, and you’re up for another award in both this year, so good luck with it!

Thank you! We’re so proud of the team. These specific awards, they come from the people, and that’s everything! We have our fingers crossed!

Q: Do you have a parting quote to leave us with?

“Those robes, though . . .”

?This interview was conducted by Joanna Becker-Birck, Communications Director EMEA at WorldHotels.

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