Meet Anna Ly-Luu | Marketing Manager at W Scottsdale

We had the good fortune of connecting with Anna Ly-Luu and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Anna, how do you think about risk?
Great question! Comfort zones are cozy, but growth happens beyond borders. Nothing great has ever come from staying in one’s comfort zone. I think taking those leaps of faith and embracing uncertainty are necessary in order to become the best version of yourself, personally and professionally. One significant risk I took in my hotel career was transitioning from a coordinator to a manager role, which was particularly risky during the pandemic. It involved stepping into a more demanding position with increased responsibilities while the hospitality industry was facing unprecedented challenges. To navigate through the pandemic era, I sought professional development opportunities, fostered open communication with my team, and implemented innovative marketing strategies. We implemented a successful marketing strategy by prioritizing online visibility through website optimization and social media advertising. Additionally, we adapted our messaging to emphasize health and safety measures, building trust among potential guests. Moreover, we pivoted our food offerings to align with changing customer preferences and safety concerns, ensuring that our culinary experiences met new expectations while maintaining high standards of quality and service. These efforts resulted in a significant increase in website traffic, online bookings, and overall brand recognition. The hospitality industry came back in full swing and I am so happy I was able to take that leap of faith into my position now!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.

In reflecting on my work and career, I’ve continually been driven by a passion for creativity, customer interaction, and the art of crafting unforgettable experiences. My journey first started at W Scottsdale as a W Insider and around the same time I also worked as a local wedding planner for Your Jubilee. This where I discovered the joy of connecting with people, attention to detail and orchestrating special moments in their lives.

As I transitioned into a more focused marketing role at W Scottsdale, I appreciate the overall W Hotel’s brand commitment to innovation and pushing the boundaries of luxury hospitality perfectly aligned with my own aspirations. My day-to-day consists of leading our marketing and PR campaigns, creating collateral, being a brand liaison to the hotel, coming up with creative events for the hotel and spa and more. Some of my favorite projects have to be our community led events that can include working with local instructors to host a fitness class or putting major events like What She Said or Queer Me Out. As I move forward in my career, I am committed to pursuing opportunities that allow me to continue shaping innovative campaigns and delivering exceptional experiences and events that captivate and delight our guests building on the foundation I’ve established and beyond.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
There are so many great spots around the city and in Arizona, I have to list in categories! Scottsdale is really the epic center of what is new and next. For great drinks and people watching some of my favorite spots are AZ/88, Cottontail Lounge and EVO. My favorite drinks are typically an espresso martini or a great red wine. For dinner any of these restaurants would satisfy any craving, Citizen Public House, House Brasserie, Diego Pops, Salt Cellar, and Cafe Monarch. Dinner is great, but I thrive during brunch time so Berdena’s or Sip Coffee are my go-to’s to get a buzz in the am. Brunch locations for boozy or chill I would recommend Prep and Pastry, Maple and Ash, Sumomaya, Schmooze or Arcadia Farms. My must-do recommendations for visitors is shopping at the 5th avenue district, hike Mcdowell Sonoran Preserve, view the desert on an atv or horseback, go wine tasting at Scottsdale’s wine trail, see a show at ASU Gammage, and or lost at the Desert Botanical Garden.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?

I feel lucky to have many mentors and aspiring people in my life, but I have to first and foremost shout out my mom. Growing up, I witnessed my mother’s relentless work ethic and determination as she pursued a better life for our family.  Furthermore, with my mother’s courage, persistence and background this fueled my passion to champion diversity and create opportunities for individuals from all backgrounds, knowing firsthand the transformative power of providing a positive environment.

I have had the privilege of working with many leaders that have left an indelible mark on me, imparting invaluable lessons that have guided my professional journey. Particularly when I first started my hospitality career as an W Insider my Director of Operations, Wil and Guest Experience Manager, Rachael at the time taught me everything I needed to know about luxury and personalized service. From Your Jubilee Weddings the two amazing female owners, Ashley and Megan taught me a lot, but the best gift they have given me is the encouragement to believe in myself. My passion for marketing ignited with my past Marketing Manager, Brianna who is an amazing mentor and now friend. My current General Manager, Todd has a knack for turning challenging situations into teachable moments, all while maintaining a sense of humor that keep our team motivated and united. I aspire to emulate this approach in my own leadership journey.

I can’t finish this section without mentioning my amazing husband, Jake who is the ultimate leader in his field and is always showing up and supporting me in mine.  In dedicating my career to my past leaders and my family, my goal is to create spaces where both guests and team members feel not only welcomed, but truly valued. After all, a little bit of magic can go a long way in the world of hospitality.

Website: https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/phxwh-w-scottsdale/

Instagram: @wscottsdale

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annalyluu