Eric David Meeuwsen is a seasoned hospitality consultant based in Palm Beach, Florida. With over 30 years in the hotel and resort industry, Eric has built a reputation for turning underperforming properties into thriving destinations.
His journey began in the 1990s working guest services at a luxury hotel in Miami Beach. From there, he steadily rose through the ranks, holding leadership roles across Florida and the Caribbean.
In 2018, Eric founded Meeuwsen Hospitality Consulting. His work focuses on improving guest experience, training hotel staff, and streamlining day-to-day operations. He also helps new hotels launch successfully with tailored pre-opening support. Eric’s approach is hands-on and practical. He believes that real insights come from spending time with teams on the ground, not just in boardrooms.
What sets Eric David Meeuwsen apart is his people-first philosophy. “At the end of the day, people remember how you made them feel,” he often says. He mentors young professionals through the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association and speaks at local colleges to support the next generation of hospitality leaders.
Palm Beach has been Eric’s home for more than two decades. When he’s not consulting, he enjoys fishing at sunrise, biking the Lake Trail, and boating with his wife, Melissa. His interest in vintage travel memorabilia reflects a lifelong fascination with the golden age of hospitality.
For Eric, hospitality isn’t just a job. It’s a way of life—rooted in empathy, detail, and care.
Eric, take us back to the start. What drew you into hospitality?
It started quite simply—I liked helping people. My first job in hospitality was in guest services at a hotel in Miami Beach back in the ’90s. I remember how much I enjoyed the energy of the lobby. You’re meeting people from everywhere, solving problems in real time, and making their day better. That stuck with me.
How did your career progress from those early days?
I just kept showing up and learning. I moved up through operations and eventually into leadership roles. I worked at resorts across Florida and the Caribbean. That gave me a broad view of the industry—from beachfront hotels to private island retreats. I began to understand not just what makes a hotel run, but what makes it stand out.
What led you to start Meeuwsen Hospitality Consulting in 2018?
After three decades in the business, I wanted to help hotels in a more direct and focused way. I’d seen too many places with potential that just weren’t reaching it. Sometimes it’s the systems, sometimes the team dynamics. I realised I could bring value by stepping in, identifying the gaps, and working side-by-side with leadership to fix them.
What’s your approach when working with a struggling property?
I always start by listening. I walk the property, observe staff, talk to guests. That tells you more than a dozen reports ever will. One of my favourite examples is a boutique property in the Keys—we brought it from 30% occupancy to waitlisted weekends within a year, just by making smarter decisions and investing in the right areas.
You’ve mentioned mentorship as a key part of your work. Why is that so important to you?
Because someone did that for me. Early in my career, I had people who took the time to teach me—not just the job, but the mindset. Now I try to do the same, especially through the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association. I also speak at colleges. It’s not about giving speeches—it’s about helping students see what’s really possible in this field.
How do you see the hospitality industry evolving right now?
There’s a lot of talk about technology, and rightly so—digital guest journeys are important. But we can’t forget the human side. Automation should support staff, not replace connection. Guests want to be seen and remembered. That’s what builds loyalty. Tech can’t replicate a genuine welcome or a thoughtful gesture from a well-trained team.
What’s your leadership style?
I’m collaborative. I don’t believe in barking orders from a corner office. I believe in walking the property, talking with the team, and setting the tone through action. One method I use often is shadowing the night shift. That’s where you see the culture. If your night team feels empowered and supported, that says a lot about your management.
You’ve lived in Palm Beach for over 20 years. How has that shaped your perspective?
Palm Beach keeps me grounded. It’s a place where people value quality and consistency. That aligns with my approach. My wife Melissa and I have raised our family here. It’s home, even though my work often takes me elsewhere. We enjoy boating, biking the Lake Trail, and I still love collecting vintage travel memorabilia.
Final thoughts—what advice would you give to someone starting out in hospitality?
Learn the details. Show up early. Watch the good managers closely. Hospitality is not about titles—it’s about habits. And don’t lose sight of the fact that you’re helping someone, every single day. That’s the job.
Read more:
Eric David Meeuwsen on Leadership, Loyalty and the Heart of Hospitality
