The Early Days: From Front Desk to the Big Picture: Eric David Meeuwsen didn’t plan on becoming one of Florida’s most trusted hospitality consultants. He just loved the feeling of a great guest experience.
In the 1990s, Eric was working guest services at a luxury hotel in Miami Beach. He remembers those early shifts well. “You learn quickly that hospitality isn’t just about check-ins and room service,” he says. “It’s about people. And paying attention.”
Born and raised in Fort Lauderdale, Eric earned his degree in Hospitality Management at Florida International University. It wasn’t just about classes. It was about learning how the business works—on the ground, in real time.
He steadily moved up, earning leadership roles at resorts across Florida and the Caribbean. From beachfront hotels to private island retreats, Eric gained a wide-angle view of what makes a property succeed—or fail.
What Makes a Hotel Work? A Consultant Who’s Been There
In 2018, after nearly three decades in the business, Eric launched Meeuwsen Hospitality Consulting. His goal: help underperforming properties find their edge.
“I work best when I’m in the trenches,” Eric says. “I’m not the kind of consultant who sends over a checklist and walks away.”
His services range from operational audits to team training, and from food and beverage strategy to digital guest experience upgrades. He’s also a go-to expert for pre-opening guidance, helping new hotels get their launch right the first time.
One of his most memorable moments? “Helping a boutique property in the Keys go from 30% occupancy to waitlist weekends in under a year. We didn’t spend more. We just got smarter.”
Eric doesn’t pitch flashy ideas. Instead, he listens. Then he acts. “It always starts with a walkthrough,” he explains. “I observe the team. I talk to the guests. That’s where the real insight comes from.”
A Mentor in the Industry, Not Just a Manager
Eric’s leadership style is different. He leads with mentorship. He credits that to mentors who guided him in his early days.
Now, he gives back through the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association, mentoring younger professionals and speaking at local colleges. “I tell students this: your future in hospitality won’t be built in a classroom. It’ll be built in your habits—how you show up every day.”
One GM he worked with described Eric’s coaching style as “steady, smart, and always two steps ahead.”
Local Roots, Global Reach
Eric has lived in Palm Beach for more than 20 years. He and his wife, Melissa, raised their children there. Even as he’s worked internationally, Florida has stayed home.
“You don’t need to be in New York or London to think big,” Eric says. “Palm Beach keeps me grounded. It reminds me of why we do this—to serve people, not just processes.”
His global work has included Caribbean resorts, island getaways, and regional gems that needed new vision. But the core values haven’t changed.
“The best hotels are the ones that never forget the basics: clean rooms, warm greetings, and staff who feel supported,” he says.
The Secret Sauce: Details, Data, and Heart
Eric is known for noticing what others miss. He points out outdated check-in processes, inefficient room layouts, and missed upsell opportunities before they hit the bottom line.
He also leans into tech. “Digital guest journeys are huge now,” he says. “It’s not just about apps. It’s about how guests feel before they even arrive.”
Still, for all the strategy and systems, Eric believes the heart of hospitality is human. “At the end of the day, people remember how you made them feel,” he says.
That belief drives his work with leadership teams. One of his favorite methods is shadowing the night staff. “It shows you what happens when no one’s watching. That’s where a hotel’s culture really lives.”
Life Outside the Lobby
When he’s not helping hotels run better, Eric enjoys life outdoors. He’s often found fishing at sunrise, cycling Palm Beach’s Lake Trail, or playing tennis with friends. He’s also a proud collector of vintage travel memorabilia—a nod to the grand hotels that first inspired his passion.
He and Melissa support environmental and youth development causes in South Florida. “This industry gave me a life,” he says. “The least I can do is help build it for others.”
Final Word: A Leader Who Still Loves the Lobby
Eric Meeuwsen’s story is about steady growth, grounded insight, and a love for the industry that’s never faded. His ability to turn underwhelming hotels into standout performers has earned him respect in boardrooms and back offices alike.
But ask Eric what he’s proudest of, and he won’t mention numbers. “It’s seeing someone I trained become a GM. That’s when you know you made a difference.”
In a business that often chases trends, Eric’s lasting success comes from staying true to the basics: listen, care, and deliver.
“Hospitality isn’t something you do,” he says. “It’s who you are.”
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