In hospitality, the foundations are laid in moments that feel small but stay with you for life. For Tony Romer-Lee, our Managing Partner AMEA, the journey began behind the bar of a West London nightclub, where personality, pace and presence were all part of the role, along with a memorable uniform.

“My first jobs at Hotel School were as a barman at Oscars Nightclub in West London; pink bowtie included and then at a chain Steakhouse as a waiter; green bowtie included! These were a great introduction to the energy of hospitality and the importance of engaging with people.”

These were service environments that quickly revealed an essential truth: hospitality is not just about service, but about mindset. “Very early on, I learned you have to be passionate about serving people and humility is mandatory. Bottom line: it’s all about the Guest.”

Shaped by People and Place

Over the years, this mindset has been shaped and refined across an extraordinary range of destinations and experiences, from London to Hong Kong, Cape Town to the Kruger National Park, and from global sporting events to royal occasions.

Yet it was South Africa thatproved especially influential. Early experiences at The Bay Hotel in Camps Bay, followed by time at the iconic Cape Grace, helped define Tony’s approach to leadership in hospitality.

“That was where I really understood ‘sense of place’. It’s interesting to see it now described as a travel trend for 2026, because that’s exactly what we were delivering at Cape Grace 30 years ago.”

It was a philosophy grounded not in trends, but in authenticity, something that continues to inform how Tony leads today.

Staying Local, Thinking Bigger

For Tony, A Whole World of Local is both simple and powerful in its meaning. “It’s about showcasing the very best of where a property is, through its people. It’s about embracing local culture through experiences, whether that’s design, service or culinary, and ultimately creating ambassadors for the destination.”

This connection between place, people and experience sits at the heart of meaningful hospitality, where every interaction becomes part of a wider story.

When asked to describe Valor in three words, Tony chooses: culture, performance, respect:  a reflection of an environment where high standards and strong values go hand-in-hand.

Details Make It Feel Real

Even with a global career, some places remain constant. For Tony, London is one of them, a city that continues to draw him back, not just for its scale or energy, but for its sense of familiarity. “It’s where I was born, and I never get tired of returning.”

And while grand experiences often stand out, it is the smallest details that define whether a place truly feels local. “A simple local greeting can make all the difference. It immediately connects you to where you are.”

That attention to detail is something Tony notices instinctively when stepping into any hotel. “The very first thing I look for is whether I’ve been greeted with a huge smile before I even reach the front door. Then it’s the public bathrooms and very quickly you know where this hotel is at…”

Genuine Warmth Creates Memories

Some of the most memorable moments in hospitality come when everything aligns unexpectedly. For Tony, one of these experiences happened on a remote island in the Seychelles. “I’ll never forget catching a tuna and then being served it for lunch at North Island: sushi and ceviche, paired with a glass of chilled Chenin Blanc. It was a complete surprise, and incredibly special.”

It’s a reminder that hospitality is at its best when it feels personal, thoughtful and real. After years in the industry, Tony defines hospitality in two inseparable words: genuine warmth.

And the advice that has stayed with him captures the challenge at the heart of it all: “Great Hospitality is easy to deliver once, but very difficult to keep doing all day, every day.”

Consistency, care and connection are what truly set great hospitality apart; not just in a single moment, but in every moment.