Interview with Paul Sauceda, Director of Sales and Marketing at The Godfrey Hotel Boston

Lifestyle - Interview

by Melisa Kaya

When Boston is mentioned, some of the most prestigious universities in the world, professional sports teams bearing the name of the city, and unique architectural masterpieces come to mind. The Blake and Amory building, built-in 1904, is one of these masterpieces and is now home to The Godfrey Hotel Boston. The Blake and Amory building, located in the Downtown Crossing area of ​​Washington Street, said hello to its new guest in 2016, and the arrival of The Godfrey Hotel Boston brought a fresh breath to the area. With its modern interior design, the hotel has been designed to offer its guests peace and convenience from the moment they enter from the door. RUKA's presence and the menu it offers takes guests to far more remote lands. Designed for both business and leisure travelers, The Godfrey Hotel Boston promises a memorable stay for its guests. I talked with Paul Sauceda, Director of Sales and Marketing at The Godfrey Hotel Boston, about The Blake and Amory building, The Godfrey Hotel Boston, and the city.

Paul, before talking about The Godfrey Hotel Boston, could you tell us about yourself? Who is Paul Sauceda?

Like most hoteliers, I have a passion for travel. My partner and I always put Spain at the top of our list and hope to make Portugal a second home in the next coming years. I enjoy cooking and trying out different recipes. In the summer, we spend most of our weekends in a small arts town, Provincetown in Cape Cod. It’s a great getaway and an easy drive from Boston or by boat via Boston Harbor Cruise.

How did your interest in the hotel business has begun? Please tell us about your journey to The Godfrey Hotel Boston?

I got into the hotel business by default, but once I was working in hotels, I was hooked. I have over 15 years of experience within independent lifestyle hotels. I came up through Kimpton and Morgan Hotels, two brands which I really respect. These jobs allowed me to learn lessons that have translated well into my current role with Oxford.

The Godfrey Hotel Boston

What values do The Godfrey Hotel Boston represent? How does it feel to be responsible for accurately reflecting these values?

As the Corporate Dırector of Sales and Marketing, one of the most important responsibilities is to not only personally reflect Godfrey Hotel Boston’s values but ensure the entire staff understands our core values as well. The Godfrey Hotel Boston’s goal is to serve our historic landmark while adding value to our community through repositioning of buildings - this has become a cornerstone of change for our downtown Boston area. Previous to the opening of The Godfrey Hotel Boston in 2016, the Downtown Crossing area of Washington Street was desolate. The opening of the hotel allowed for repositioning of the area and assisted the propelling of a renaissance of Downtown Crossing.

The Godfrey Hotel Boston

The history of your building dates back to 1904. Could you briefly tell us about the details of the historic Blake and Amory building that designed by architect Arthur Bowditch?

The building is actually two separate buildings. The newer of the two, Blake is a fine example of neo-gothic aesthetic, which was vogue in its era. The facade of the buildings- and several historic buildings around us- are surrounded by white terracotta- much of which had to be restored during the construction period of the hotel.

The Godfrey Hotel Boston is located in the center of Downtown Crossing. Could you tell us about the hotel’s location and the advantages of being there?

Downtown Crossing is its true namesake- it is at the crossroads of all Boston has to offer. The red line (which is steps from our hotel) is one of the busiest stops and intersections. We have the advantage of being in the middle of the city, which allows you to walk and easily get to all of Boston’s neighborhoods from North End to Fenway.

The Godfrey Hotel Boston

What do you enjoy most about your building and its location?

I love being in the very center of a very vital neighborhood. No other neighborhood is as pedestrian-busy and friendly as the Downtown Crossing neighborhood of Boston. It is a true crossroads of the Financial District/Chinatown and historic Boston Common.

The Godfrey Hotel Boston

Could you tell us about The Godfrey Hotel Boston and the overall concept?

Our hotel’s overall concept is a lot like our core values. The name Godfrey roughly translates to Peace and Welcome. That is what we want every guest to feel when you step into the Godfrey. The inside of the hotel is modern, providing a welcome atmosphere. Being located in a busy urban neighborhood provides peace and relaxation once you step through our front lobby doors while still being in the center of it all. I am very proud that our entire staff strives to make our guests feel welcome, which is reflected in our online reputation and guest satisfaction reviews.

The Godfrey Hotel Boston

What kind of services and amenities do you offer to your guests for making their stay unforgettable?

The Godfrey Hotel Boston’s goal is to provide each guest - whether business or leisure – an elevated home away from home. We extend a running concierge program which allows guests to take advantage of a guided run through the city at your own pace. Our lobby is situated so that it allows a social setting to sit and work or enjoy a coffee or drink from our lobby lounge. Many of our amenities and services are tailored to how our guests are: social and looking for unique experiences.

The Godfrey Hotel Boston

The Godfrey Hotel Boston is host to RUKA. Could you tell us about RUKA and the other gastronomic experiences that The Godfrey Hotel Boston offers?

RUKA is one of the most fascinating restaurants that I have personally eaten in. It’s a visual wonderland and represents a very interesting culinary concept: nikkei. Nikkei is a Peruvian/Japanese culinary experience. Peru actually has the second largest population of Japenese in South America. RUKA compliments The Godfrey Hotel Boston in the facest that it also promotes a social atmosphere presented through its dynamic dining floor and bar set-up and shared plate approach. Guests may also experience RUKA through our In-room dining menu from 11am-11pm and also our Lobby Bar from 5:00 pm to close.

The Godfrey Hotel Boston

Do you have any advantage packs or loyalty program that you offer to your regular and long-term guests?

We offer our guestbook, which allows guests to earn cashback on their stays when booking directly on our website.

How can travelers make their individual or business/group reservations?

Please make reservations here: http://www.godfreyhotelboston.com/meetings-en.html

The Godfrey Hotel Boston

What are the most notable attractions near the hotel?

Boston Common, Boston Opera House, and the Freedom Trail to name a few. We are steps away from everything!

If you have only one weekend in Boston as a first-time visitor, in this limited time, what are the best things to do?

You can’t come to Boston and not experience the neighborhoods and some of the Revolutionary Era history. There is a self-guided tour that you make take through the city- The Freedom Trail. It’s a great way to experience the neighborhoods, even if it is popping in along the way to grab a coffee or a famous lobster roll.

How would you describe Boston in one sentence?

Old meets new, historic meets dynamic.

Thank you Paul for your time.

For more information, please click here to visit the website of The Godfrey Hotel Boston

This interview was conducted in a Question-and-Answer format. The answers were checked for grammar and punctuation and published without any additional editing. Wednesday, July 3, 2019. All photos are the property of their respective owners.