Vijay Dandapani on New York Hospitality

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VijayDandapani has years of experience in the hospitality industry, and his expertise has earned him many accolades.  In 1998 he was named one of the top 100 minority business leaders in New York City by Crain’s New York Business.  In 2002 he was chosen as one of 50 Outstanding Asian Americans in Business by the Asian American Business Development Center.  He has also been a guest speaker on hospitality issues for many organizations, such as Arthur Anderson, University of California at Los Angeles, Columbia University, New York University, and the National Association of Corporate Real Estate Executives.  And, he is on the board of directors at the Hotel Association of New York City, NYC & Company, and NYSHTA (New York State Hospitality & Tourism Association).  He is also a contributor to the International Hotel Motel & Restaurant Show at Javits.

Mr. Dandapani has been an important part of numerous successful hotels both in the United States and abroad.  Since 1993, Mr. Dandapani has put his experience to use as the president and chief operating officer of Apple Core Hotels.  The company has five hotels, all of them in the middle of Manhattan. 

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The hotels are not only famous for their prime locations that are within walking distance to the most popular New York City attractions, they are also known for their affordability.  Apple Core Hotels runs a La Quinta and a Ramada in the heart of Manhattan, but they also run three independent boutique hotels.  All of the Apple Core Hotels have many amenities to please travelers, whether they are in the city for business or pleasure.  The hotels offer free WiFi Internet access, complimentary continental breakfast, in-room coffee makers and coffee, fitness centers, free calls nationwide, laundry and valet services, a phone with private mailbox, and cable TV with movies on demand.

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Hospitality Hero

As president of Apple Core Hotels, Vijay Dandapani understands the importance of hospitality and marketing.  Most of his writings and contributions are related to the hospitality industry as well as uncovering effective marketing techniques that are designed to acknowledge and appreciate the value and importance of each prospective customer.

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Whether he is investigating buyer behavioral tendencies or is discovering new methods for delivering elite services to his guests, Vijay Dandapani will never stop thinking, learning and growing.  Despite earning kudos from his peers and the hotel industry, he prefers not to rest on his laurels but instead intends to continue improving services and business prospects for his high end hotel chain in midtown Manhattan.

His entire life has been focused in hotels and hospitality services.  With an international reputation, Vijay Dandapani finds himself invited to speak at many conventions and symposiums on the latest and most relevant trends in the world of guest accommodations.  

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A large part of the continuing success and influence of Vijay Dandapani stems from an eagerness to embrace and utilize the latest technologies available.  One of his hallmark achievements was to incorporate the latest and most advanced computer systems in each of his hotel renovations.  He also keeps his finger on the pulse of all forms of marketing, from traditional and established practices to the cutting edges and unexplored frontiers of social media and web sites.

However, probably the most significant contribution to his success was his ability to keep his focus on his guests and learning how to stay current and relevant to the needs of his clientele.  Most of his musing seems to center around the changing perceptions and wants of consumers and how to best recognize their evolving needs and desires in order to continue offering the best service possible.

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For anyone in the field of hospitality, there is much to be learned by following and listening to the advice of Vijay Dandapani.

Vijay Dandapani of Apple Core Hotels

Apple Core Hotels aren't just your average hotel – they offer a comfortable place to stay, right in the middle of Manhattan, with rates for every budget, whether you are traveling to New York City for business or pleasure. 

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There are five hotels to choose from – one is La Quinta and the other is a Ramada.  The other three are boutique hotels: Broadway @ Times Square, The Hotel @ Times Square, and nyma, the new york manhattan hotel.  All hotels offer affordability and a long list of free amenities, such as fitness centers, in-room coffee makers and coffee, free WiFi Internet access, 24-hour business centers, nationwide calling, and continental breakfast.  The hotels also offer cable TV with movies on demand, laundry and valet services, free daily newspapers, and a phone with a private mailbox. 

 

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The hotels are located in places that make it easy to enjoy Manhattan.  They are close to Broadway, the Empire State Building, and Times Square.  It is also easy to get to and from airports and bus and rail stations from the hotels. 

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Vijay Dandapani has been president and chief operating officer of Apple Core Hotels since August 1993.  Mr. Dandapani has worked in the hotel industry for years, and has contributed greatly to the company's development.  He has helped the company to grow by implementing both hotel renovations and acquisitions.

Mr. Dandapani has been a part of many successful hotels and has held many key operational positions in the industry.  He is also on the board of directors for many hotel, tourism, and hospitality organizations, such as NYC & Company, the Hotel Association of New York City, and NYSHTA (New York State Hospitality & Tourism Association), and he is involved in the International Hotel Motel & Restaurant Show at Javits.  He is often invited to be a guest speaker for hospitality groups.

New York City on a budget

It is understandable that many people think New York City is a pricey destination, and there is truth to that. After all, the metropolis is home to some of the world’s fanciest hotels, restaurants, and shopping districts.

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But it is also true that travelers can enjoy the Big Apple even on a tight budget. New York Magazine in fact did a budget itinerary for those who would still like to experience the city in all its splendor sans the sky-high cost.

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A strategy is what frugal traveler Seth Kugel recommends when touring the city on wallet-friendly terms. And he dispensed perhaps the best advice for any NYC visitor or traveler for that matter: “Pay top dollar for what you’re dying to do, look for bargains elsewhere, and don’t do anything you could do anywhere else in the world, especially in your hometown.”

So it is okay to grab lunch from one of the food trucks in the city and enjoy the meal in Central Park, ditch the cab and just take the subway, or go window shopping while taking in the city’s sights as well. Kudos to those who are able to explore NYC without spending any cent at all.

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What makes New York City such a great place to visit is that people will never run out of places to explore and things to do that don’t necessarily come with a hefty price tag. Traveling, after all, is an adventure, and doing so on a budget is exactly that.  

Vijay Dandapani, president and chief operating officer of Apple Core Hotels, believes that travelers can still get their ultimate NYC experience even on a budget. This is exactly what the five boutique hotels he oversees offer to guests. Learn more about these economy hotels with outstanding value here.