Thanks for the response. Yes I did spend many nights with both Shangri-La and IC (over 150/yr in Shanghai, for a few years and 80+ for a year and a half in SIN) respectively so got to know the folks well. Usually spent an evening or two per trip having dinner with one or more of the senior staff sometimes outside so I could buy it for them and show appreciation and sometimes inside so they could schmooze with me. Never met a hotel person who didn't like the chance to let their hair down away from the public eye of the hotel.
Interesting comment on the outside hiring of people for dep-GM, GM etc. I thought this was the case (from listening to a number of disgruntled F&B managers) but had no source of confirmation.
Thanks again,
Mike