Shiels: How a Hawaii native found a home, and career, at Loews Miami Beach Hotel

Students in the Michigan State University School of Hospitality and Business may want to meet Mutlu Kucuk, who studied in Hawaii and works in Miami.

Standing behind a hotel front desk recently, Kucuk watched a family push a stroller toward the pool; a stylish young couple in cleavage and linen gliding out into the South Beach scene; and a mustachioed South American businessman, who just enjoyed VIP check-in, heading toward the elevator with his room key in one hand and a glass of champagne in the other.

Such is life at Loews Miami Beach Hotel, an oceanfront property that is a buzzing hub of haute couture, cuisine, music, and art in the heart of Florida’s famous neon, art deco playground.

Grateful, Kucuk takes it all in as his mind takes him back in time to the day when he took a job working behind the desk. But now, 23 years into his career, he is managing director of Loews Miami Beach Hotel and the Loews Coral Gables Hotel across town.

He stops by the desk to remind himself of his fortune.

“So many opportunities Loews, as a brand, has given me and allowed me to provide for my family and loved ones.”

As a young man, he studied business in Hawaii and never expected to be in Miami…or even the hotel business.

“I wanted to be a business consultant for Meryll Lynch, so I applied there. I figured a hotel front desk job could hold me over until they called,” recalled Kucuk, who didn’t want a career as a hotel industry. “I left Hawaii and moved to the mainland because if I stayed in Hawaii all the opportunities there were tourism-related.”

In retrospect, Kucuk said was lucky Loews hired him with no experience…and then trained him.

“I have come so far, and if had to go back, I would not change a thing. Starting at the front desk and the doing every position including housekeeping, VIP, and food and beverage, made me a much-better and well-rounded general manager.”

Kucuk is, therefore, a leader and mentor.

“In truth, some young people with a degree think they should start their career as a general manager. But if you want to learn the business, you need to start from the bottom, so you can learn each step of the way,” he maintained, as we talked in the hotel’s chic Bar Collins off Loews’ lobby. “If you have the right attitude, and the right business mind, and you are hospitable – as in ‘hospitality’ – and friendly, this industry can provide a lot of opportunities. The key is continuing to work hard. There are going to be some failures. You fall and you stand back up and remember what you are trying to accomplish and go for it.”

I tested Kucuk’s theory when I descended the palm tree-shaded walkway heading to the beach through the Loews Hotel’s pleasing swimming and sunning area just after sunrise.

In the glamorous setting amidst the luxury cabanas and chase lounges, I found young, uniformed attendants already preparing the zero-entry pool and waterfall.

“You’re all here so early! What’s the matter, none of you could sleep?” I joked. The attendants folding towels and straightening chairs laughed.

“I have been looking at that jacuzzi wishing I could jump in there,” one of the staffers admitted. “But the crowds are coming.”

“Don’t take any guff from the guests,” I implored.

“Sometimes we have to, sir. It’s our job,” one fellow said with a smile and a shrug.

Soon after, diners on the veranda overlooking the pool began enjoying elaborate breakfasts in Preston’s Market – including Florida fresh fruits; guava and cheese French toast; and arepa benedict. By noon a steel drum Caribbean musician would serenade the swimmers and those enjoying mini cones from the colorful dolce vita gelato Fiat Italian car. (Save some appetite for dinner at Rao’s – the resort’s rare rendition of New York’s exclusive enclave eatery.)

Loews oceanfront location in the heart of South Beach means it is a party for everyone, and Kucuk, a father himself, exhibits a heartwarming affection for families.

“You can come and party, and when it comes to family programming, we lead the market. We have activities parents can do with their children, or they can have them participate in our SoBe Kids Club while they’re sharing a drink the bar.”

Sushi or pizza making classes; cupcake and cookie decorating; and a Smile and Snap photography class, are some choices.

I like the Loews “footprint” because while it is a bigtime resort hotel with event and convention space, it has a cozy, stylish boutique feel.

“You can enjoy the cultural experiences of Miami Beach because Loews is partnered with museums that bring the art component here to the hotel in activations,” said Kucuk.

That makes him part curator and docent, too!

Contact Michael Patrick Shiels at MShiels@aol.com  His new book: Travel Tattler – Not So Torrid Tales, may be purchased via Amazon.com Hear his radio talk show on WJIM AM 1240 in Lansing weekdays from 9 am – noon.