Business Details
49 Years
experience
Your Trusted Hotel Management Partner in Houston, TX
Vista Host stands as a premier hotel management company with a legacy spanning over 47 years. Our expertise lies in managing a diverse portfolio of properties, including limited-service hotels, extended-stay accommodations, mid-scale full-service hotels, convention centers, and resorts. We partner with renowned brands such as Hilton, Marriott, and InterContinental to deliver unparalleled service and profitability for ownership groups. Our operational excellence is driven by six core pillars: guest satisfaction, revenue management, digital marketing, sales training, cost efficiency, and talent development through initiatives like our Manager In Training (MIT) program. Founded in 1977 by Michael Harrell, we remain committed to his vision of hospitality excellence while continuously innovating to meet industry demands.Our proven systems, including advanced revenue management tools and vendor partnerships, ensure optimal performance across all properties. With a focus on community engagement and strategic growth, Vista Host has developed 30 new properties over the past decade and maintains a robust pipeline for future projects. Our accolades, including recognition in the Hilton Legacy Awards, underscore our position as a trusted leader in hospitality management. Through decades of experience and a dedication to continuous improvement, we empower stakeholders and team members alike to achieve lasting success.
Services
Hotel Management
Revenue Management
Digital Marketing
Sales Training
Talent Development
Property Renovations
Vendor Partnerships
Profitability Consulting
Market Expansion
Brand Development
Details
- Year established: 1977
Highlights and features
- We have over 47 years of experience in hospitality management.
- Our General Managers lead revenue and sales optimization initiatives.
- We leverage proprietary digital marketing strategies for maximum visibility.
- Our MIT program develops future hospitality industry leaders.
- We utilize proven systems for labor and cost efficiency.
Services
Hotel Management
Vista Host provides comprehensive hotel management services for limited-service, extended-stay, and full-service properties. Our expertise spans operational efficiency, brand compliance, and guest satisfaction optimization. We deliver profitability through strategic revenue management and cost control for ownership groups.
Revenue Management
Our revenue management services utilize advanced analytics and industry tools like Hilton GRO and Marriott OneYield. We implement dynamic pricing strategies, demand forecasting, and inventory optimization to maximize RevPAR while maintaining occupancy levels across all property types.
Digital Marketing
Vista Host's digital marketing team enhances online presence through SEO, reputation management, and targeted advertising. We leverage partnerships with OTAs and brand platforms to increase direct bookings while maintaining consistent brand messaging across all digital channels.
Sales Training
Our proprietary sales training programs equip teams with skills for lead generation, client relations, and closing deals. The curriculum includes CRM implementation, market analysis, and strategic account management to drive consistent revenue growth across hotel portfolios.
Talent Development
The Manager In Training (MIT) initiative develops future hospitality leaders through structured mentorship and hands-on experience. Our talent development focuses on operational excellence, service standards, and leadership skills to maintain industry-leading service quality and team performance.
People
Evan A. Studer
Chief Executive Officer
Evan Studer leads Vista Host's strategic direction with over 25 years of hospitality executive experience. Prior roles include leadership positions at Crescent Hotels, Remington Hotels, and Sunstone Hotels. He holds a BS in Mathematics and Business Administration from Eastern Kentucky University.
Kathie A. Long
Chief Financial Officer
Kathie Long oversees all financial operations with 35 years of hospitality accounting expertise. A certified public accountant, she joined Vista Host in 1989 after nine years in public accounting. She graduated from Memphis State University with a BBA in Accounting.
Michael K. Gulotty
Senior Vice President of Operations
Michael Gulotty directs operational strategy with 30 years of hospitality leadership. He joined Vista Host in 2005 and previously served as General Manager in Albany, NY. His community involvement includes board positions with tourism and business improvement organizations.
Bob Northup
Vice President of Project Management
Bob Northup manages hotel openings and renovations with 32 years of Vista Host experience. He previously served as General Manager in Minnesota and provides strategic oversight for new developments and property upgrades across the portfolio.
Cindy Matulich
Vice President of Accounting
Cindy Matulich leads financial operations with 15 years of Vista Host experience. She brings 30 years of hospitality financial management expertise, including technology infrastructure implementation. She holds an MBA from Texas Tech University.
Questions
What types of hotels does Vista Host manage?
We manage limited-service, extended-stay, mid-scale full-service, convention hotels, and resorts under brands like Hilton, Marriott, and InterContinental.
How long has Vista Host been in business?
Vista Host has provided hotel management services since our founding in 1977 by Michael Harrell.
Do you operate outside Texas?
Yes, we manage properties in multiple states including Florida, Colorado, Utah, and Tennessee with developments in the Mountain West region.
What makes Vista Host different from competitors?
Our six core pillars include revenue management expertise, proprietary digital marketing, and the MIT leadership development program for sustained operational excellence.
How do you support new hotel developments?
We provide comprehensive support from pre-opening through stabilization, including vendor partnerships, staffing solutions, and revenue optimization strategies.
Can I apply for career opportunities?
Yes, visit our careers page or contact our Director of People & Culture for current openings in hotel management and corporate positions.
