With a long history in hospitality, Steven still values the personal touch, greeting guests at his popular and busy Midtown Manhattan hotel as often as he can. Find out why, despite easy access to the Empire State Building, he's hankering to visit Sydney Opera House and the Eiffel Tower.

What drew you to work in the travel industry?
My family owned hotels in South Florida so you could say I have been around the hotel industry since I was a child.

What do you like most about your job?
I love meeting our guests. We have a Lobby Ambassador program and myself, along with my team, are always meeting and speaking to guests in the lobby.

Who do you admire and see as a role model in the travel industry? 
Bill Marriott. My first hotel job away from my family was with Marriott for 15 years.

What do you want to see improve in the industry?  
We need to stay in touch with our guests and keep it on a personal level and not always communicate via email.

What destinations are on your travel bucket list? 
Australia and Paris.

What’s a memorable travel experience you’ve had?  
Traveling on my honeymoon on the  Cunard, QE2 to London – it was amazing!

What are three things you must always take with you when you travel? 
My family, my golf clubs and my Blackberry.

Name someone famous you’d like to travel with and where you’d like to take them.
Phil Mickelson (PGA pro golfer) and we would play golf in Ireland and Scotland.