Hilton missionary is answer to our prayers

EVERYBODY’S name is their calling card but when your name is John T.A. Vanderslice you have more of a story to tell than most.

John is in Dublin in his role as Hilton’s Global head Luxury & Lifestyle Brands and we’re talking about his Irish heritage in Hilton’s flagship Dublin hotel, the Conrad.

The TA I discover stands for Thomas Aquinas and it runs through the family – his father is a Thomas Aquinas as are his brothers and his son.

Their prayers, of course, were answered when they were born Irish-American... the Vanderslice bit is Dutch. ‘I have Irish grandparents and the Irish part of me has always been very important to me.

‘I’ve been coming here since 1990 and, of course, I know Ireland through golf but I also brought my entire family over when Boston College played over here in the Aer Lingus College Football Classic.’

Even when at play, or particularly when at play, John is looking to see what the luxury traveller might want from their stay in a Hilton hotel which is why when we meet for lunch he is enthused after taking his morning constitutional across our Ha’penny Bridge and around Temple Bar.

He is full of vim and vigour to talk about the innovative 1/3/5 programme, part of the Conrad Stay Inspired programme where luxury travellers are recommended ways to spend their valuable time.

Hilton thinks of everything... it even takes the hassle out of looking for your key with an app which will help you just run your mobile phone past the door for entry.

And that’s not all in his portfolio. There’s the Canopy by Hilton which immerses the hotel in the community... he recommends Reykjavik as well as updating us on Waldorf Astoria Driving Experiences, and the Taste of Waldorf Astoria.

But the most important literature he’s carrying... his card. John Thomas Aquinas Vanderslice has made his mark on Dublin.