Kurt Slanaker

Since its inception in 1993, Design Hotels has championed innovation, the extraordinary, and, above all, creativity in hospitality. Design Hotels represents a hand-selected collection of independent, design-driven hotels around the world. We connect a community of entrepreneurial spirits who believe hotels are spaces for meaningful cultural exchange and continuously push the boundaries of travel, culture, and design.

Originality and responsibility—on a social and environmental level—is the bedrock of our community. With offices across the globe, we equip our hotels with knowledge and future-forward expertise that moves in step with our shifting world.

Kurt Slanaker is a business developer and strategic connector who accelerates brands through a connected network of creative entrepreneurs and thought leaders. Since 2022, Kurt has been the Director of Portfolio Development & Partnerships, The Americas for Design Hotels, leading their growth in the region and supporting global brand initiatives. Through his work at Design Hotels, he focuses on the intersection of spaces both physical and digital, the people who inhabit them, and the ideas that are explored through a tenacious approach at collaboration and new business ideas.

As a trend expert in hospitality and a connector of creatives, Design Hotels is constantly on the lookout for innovative companies that match our own brand values. We strive to establish partnerships that bring value to our member hotels and create striking co branded collaborations that generate unforgettable travel experiences.