Tom Disselkoen, General Manager, Omni Houston Hotel

In an interview with Invest:, Tom Disselkoen, general manager of the Omni Houston Hotel, discussed Houston’s sustained hospitality growth and the property’s positioning for business, leisure, events, and sports. “Our diversity allows us to flex and do different things,” Disselkoen said.

What changes over the past year have had the greatest impact on Omni Houston Hotel, and what have those changes revealed about the state of the hospitality market?

The biggest change has been continued growth. Houston continues to expand as a destination, but hotel room supply is not growing at the same pace as demand. That has positioned established hotels like Omni Houston well, and we’re seeing strong, sustained demand that we expect to continue.

Construction costs remain high, which has slowed new hotel development and limited movement on the real estate side. At the same time, Houston has done an outstanding job attracting major events, including the FIFA World Cup, the NCAA Sweet 16, PGA Tour events, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, and the World Baseball Classic. Those events have had and continue to have a tremendous positive impact on the hospitality industry.

One of our most memorable experiences was serving as a host team base hotel during the FIFA tournament. We welcomed the Congo national team, who stayed with us for three weeks throughout the competition. Initially, we assumed they would prefer a private arrival through the loading dock, but instead they chose to enter through the front lobby.

As they arrived, our lobby filled with supporters playing drums, cheering, and celebrating. Guests and visitors who weren’t attending the matches still felt connected to the excitement of the tournament simply by being at the hotel. It created an unforgettable atmosphere and reinforced how hospitality can become part of a city’s biggest moments.

What factors are influencing how business travelers, meeting planners, and leisure guests choose where to stay?

One of the biggest trends we’re seeing is the continued growth of “bleisure” travel — guests who travel for business but extend their stay to enjoy the destination.

Omni Houston is uniquely positioned for that. During the week, we’re a polished, professional hotel serving meetings and business travelers. On the weekends, however, guests can enjoy resort-style pools, live entertainment, our nightclub, and our whiskey bar — amenities that aren’t typically associated with a traditional business hotel. The Black Swan nightclub and La Reserve whiskey bar are unique to Omni, and that is what sets us apart from other hotels in our area.

Our focus is on creating memorable experiences through activations. Whether it’s live music, welcoming guests with complimentary drinks and snacks, or creating engaging social spaces, we want guests to have reasons to stay longer.

Many business hotels see occupancy drop significantly after Thursday and compensate by lowering rates and/or amenities and offerings through the weekend. Our goal is different — we want guests to remain on property through the weekend by offering experiences they can’t find elsewhere.

What are some of the most effective strategies for attracting and retaining talent in hospitality?

Attracting talent begins with investing in our associates and showcasing the unique lifelong career opportunities that hospitality provides.

Personally, I entered this industry because I love to travel and experience different destinations. I take advantage of the wonderful benefit of discounted hotel stays. 

At the Omni Houston, we invest in our associates not just through a competitive wage plan but also through our Omni Culture, which provides complimentary meals during shifts, on-site parking, and competitive benefits.

Ultimately, recruiting the right people and creating an environment where they feel valued is what drives long-term retention.

How are you leveraging technology while preserving the relationship-driven side of hospitality?

Hospitality will always be about people and genuine human connection.

Technology allows us to spend less time on administrative tasks and more time engaging with our guests. For example, texting has become an important communication tool because many guests prefer receiving a quick message rather than a phone call. Technology simply gives us another way to build those relationships.

Unlike some industries where automation replaces people, hospitality still depends on personal interaction. Technology supports our associates — it doesn’t replace them.

Technology also strengthens our loyalty efforts. Through the Omni Select Guest program, we build detailed guest profiles, recognize returning visitors, and personalize their experience with the information that we have collected.

What sets Omni apart as America’s Hotel Company is our size. With approximately 50 hotels, we can maintain a centralized guest database that allows us to recognize guests across the portfolio. Larger hotel companies often face more challenges sharing guest information across independently owned properties and multiple systems. That consistency gives us an advantage in building guest loyalty.

What role does hospitality play in supporting Houston’s broader economy?

Hospitality helps shape a visitor’s first impression of Houston.

Having lived in several parts of the country, I’ve found that people in Houston — and throughout Texas — are genuinely welcoming. That sense of Southern hospitality is something visitors notice immediately.

Every touchpoint is an opportunity to make our guests feel welcome. Whether it’s the valet opening a car door, a front desk associate offering a warm welcome, or a team member simply saying hello, those interactions leave lasting impressions.

For international travelers especially, Houston feels welcoming and approachable. Whether they’re here for a few days or several weeks, hospitality helps transform the city from simply being a destination into a place that feels comfortable and familiar.

That welcoming spirit is one of Houston’s greatest competitive advantages as it continues to grow internationally.

What are your top priorities for the property over the next three to five years?

We’re excited about several initiatives currently in development, with additional announcements planned for next year.

One of our major priorities is continuing to expand our presence in the wedding market. We’re seeing increased demand for everything from traditional celebrations to intimate micro weddings, and our property is uniquely suited to accommodate both.

Although we’re located in Uptown Houston, our expansive green space creates an atmosphere that feels removed from the city’s hustle. Couples have the flexibility to host indoor or outdoor ceremonies, and our variety of event spaces allows us to customize experiences for weddings of all sizes.

That versatility extends well beyond weddings. Our setting is also one of the reasons sports teams continue to choose Omni Houston. We’re close to everything the city offers, yet secluded enough to provide a quiet, relaxing environment where athletes can focus.

We like to brag that teams staying with us have about a 65% winning percentage, and we’re happy to say the Congo national team helped improve that statistic by advancing out of the group stage. While it’s a lighthearted talking point, it reflects something we genuinely believe: creating the right environment helps our guests perform at their best.

As we look ahead, our focus remains on growing strategically, enhancing guest experiences, and continuing to position Omni Houston as one of the city’s premier destinations for business, leisure, weddings, and major events.