It’s an exciting time to be running the Radisson Hotel in New Rochelle, according to Colby Brock. The uptick in commercial and residential development in the city has brought a new wave of energy to Southern Westchester, she says.
Brock embraces the transformations and has seen New Rochelle change much in the more than two decades she has worked at the property. She has performed almost every duty at the hotel, from bartender to front-desk clerk to reinvigorating the property with a major facelift for NoMa Social, the hotel’s chic restaurant and lounge.
In an ever-evolving industry, Brock views the hotel — opened by her grandfather and father — as a hub for the city. “We are more than just a place to sleep and relax,” she explains. “We need to stay relevant in the industry, and this city, and ensure that each guest has an experience like no other.” To create that exemplary customer experience, Brock fosters a collaborative spirit on her management team, which is almost 90% female.
“Our grandfather always told us: ‘Be good to your business, and it will be good to you,’” adds Brock, who splits her time between New York and Palm Beach, where she manages two other hotels in the family’s portfolio. (The latest one, a Marriott Residence Inn in Palm Beach Gardens, is scheduled to open this February.) Her other guiding principle comes from her father: “‘You have to care every day,’” she says.
