In a city that never sleeps, the most stylish New York City hotels offer a place for locals and travelers to reset, refresh, and relax. Manhattan is home to more than 500 hotels—each one of them boasting of their own aesthetic and heritage.

Behind these complex structures are integral individuals that not only curate the hospitality that they offer but also breathe life into the community that it supports. Hannah Fair and Michael Zayas are the dynamic duo creating cool experiences at GrandLife Hotels and its many venues across New York City. I recently had the opportunity to speak with Hannah and Michael about their thoughts and strategies in the hospitality industry.

How important is community here in the city?

Hannah: Wildly important! Community is New York’s unofficial survival plan. Most people here aren’t collecting square footage, they’re collecting relationships. It’s what turns New York from a place you endure into a place you belong.

Michael: NYC is all about community. Whether you’re finding your chosen family, exploring your culture and heritage, or you’re living out your professional dreams and aspirations, the support structure you build along the way is EVERYTHING.

If you can share – what makes GrandLife Hotels and all of its venues special?

Hannah: At the risk of sounding trite, the team that works here. There is a big focus on hiring charismatic and interesting people at our properties and that unique creative energy really shines through in all aspects.

Michael: The authenticity that goes into everything we do. We’re always changing. There’s a commitment from leadership to keep moving the needle. And we love what we do. That’s probably the most important thing.

Neither of you are strangers to nightlife. Can you describe the difference between clubbing and an experience?

Michael: Hannah and I represent two different generations of nightlife. In 90’s New York, “clubbing” was “the experience.” In the days of storied venues like The Roxy, Club USA, Limelight and others, you spent your entire night (and sometimes morning) in one place. There was no jumping around from spot to spot throughout the evening. The music of legendary DJ’s including Junior Vasquez, Danny Tenaglia & Victor Calderone was enough to keep you moving and grooving, but also staying put.

Hannah: I moved to New York at 17, and it was a whirlwind of American Apparel disco pants and Lita boots. I spent my formative years at places like Provocateur and The Box, right at the height of door politics and promoter tables. If you remember that era, that’s what I think of as “clubbing.” It was exciting but transactional.

An experience is different. It’s intentional. You arrive knowing why you’re there, who you’re with, and what you’re meant to feel. The focus shifts from being seen to being present!

What is on the horizon for 2026 with respect to events at GrandLife Hotels?

Michael & Hannah: In January, The Gallery at Soho Grand will be launching a new exhibit curated by The Mudd Club’s Richard Boch called Downtown Lens. It will feature the works of approximately 20 photographers who captured the sights and sounds of classic downtown New York City’s art, music, fashion, and nightlife scenes.

We’ll also be launching a new downtown jazz festival in April on all three of our stages (The Django, Roxy Bar, and Club Room at Soho Grand) that will showcase the important role that downtown Manhattan continues to play in the evolution of the New York City jazz scene.

And finally, Roxy Cinema will kick off the year with a retrospective of the work of legendary director Gus Van Sant. He’ll be joining us in person for a post-screening Q&A to celebrate his latest film Dead Man’s Wire.

Hannah: How did you get your start and how do you avoid burnout?

I got my start as an unpaid intern (very much another era) coming up through fashion with Dolce & Gabbana, Ferragamo, and later Cartier. I moved through agencies, magazines, and high-end food and beverage before finding my way to hospitality. It wasn’t a straight line, but it gave me a really well-rounded understanding of how culture, media, and experience all intersect.

To avoid burnout, I reframe everything and take care of myself physically. I remind myself that I get to be in these rooms, not that I have to be. I’m also truly nuts about self-care and I don’t care how unhinged it sounds. Give me heated upside down pilates and salmon sperm injected into my face asap!

Michael: What are a few special secrets to success in your career?

Stay interested. Don’t be afraid to reinvent yourself. Continue learning. Take some time to have fun and laugh every day.

For those that are not aware – can you explain all that goes into producing a special event?

Hannah: A successful event looks effortless, which is the biggest lie in the room. What you don’t see is the months of planning, the constant pivoting, and the last-minute fixes. If an event feels seamless, it’s usually because we are behind the scenes calmly putting out fires and privately losing our minds!

Michael: The raison d’être plays an important role as well. Before anything, the reason for the event has to be established. Then comes the type of event, followed by who would be the desired audience. Once all of these pieces are put into place, curating both the experience and the crowd can begin. As mentioned earlier, this is where your community and network play an integral role in the overall success of the event. Have we mentioned that community is EVERYTHING in New York?

Talk to us about the culture at The Gallery at Soho Grand.

The Gallery at Soho Grand is committed to spotlighting downtown New York’s enduring creative legacy. Since opening, The Gallery has showcased rare works by Chris Stein, Norman Reedus, Bob Mackie and Dustin Pittman. The Gallery’s mission is to celebrate artists who have defined and redefined the visual landscape of style, music, and art.

Fast Fashion Time

Prada or YSL?

Michael: Versace (Spent 3 years working for Gianni)
Hannah: YSL (Tom Ford Era)

Still or Sparkling Water?

Michael: Sparkling (like my personality)
Hannah: Sparkling with LOTS of lemon and ice

Spin, Pilates or Yoga?

Michael: Yoga (Easiest on the body)
Hannah: All three

Dinner with friends or binge a drama series?

Michael: There’s always time for both.
Hannah: Ice Cold Martini and a steak always wins.

As New York continues to evolve, so does the way it gathers, celebrates, and connects. Through their thoughtful approach to hospitality and culture, Fair and Zayas remain part of the ongoing conversation shaping what the city becomes next.