Craig Barnett

Residence Inn Tampa-Wesley Chapel has announced the appointment of Craig Barnett as general manager of the 128-room hotel, which is scheduled to open in December. As general manager of the highly anticipated hotel, Barnett will oversee the hiring of new staff and day-to-day operations, as well as help direct the opening of the property.

An accomplished hospitality executive, Barnett brings 15 years of experience in management, marketing and sales to his new position. Prior to joining Residence Inn Tampa Wesley Chapel, Barnett was Resort General Manager with Bluegreen Vacations Ltd., managing The Studio Homes at Ellis Square in Savannah, Georgia. Barnett led and mentored multiple department teams to ensure the highest level of service, while recruiting, hiring and training all hotel leadership personnel. His career also includes time as Hotel General Manager at multiple Marriott affiliated hotels, including the Residence Inn by Marriott Nashville at Opryland; SpringHill Suites by Marriott Nashville Brentwood; Fairfield Inn & Suites Nashville MetroCenter; and the TownePlace Suites by Marriott in Lexington, Kentucky. Prior to that, Barnett served eight years as Vice President of Sales, Marketing & Public Relations at the Renfro Valley Entertainment Center & Resort in Mount Vernon, Kentucky, where he directly managed all marketing and sales departments.