Hyatt Regency Chicago, the Windy City's largest hotel and a premier urban destination, is pleased to announce a strategic appointment to its executive team. Following the retirement of long-standing General Manager Patrick Donelly, who concludes his 39-year tenure with Hyatt Hotels Corporation, Roberto Alicea has been appointed Hotel Manager.
Hyatt Regency Chicago, the Windy City's largest hotel and a premier urban destination, is pleased to announce a strategic appointment to its executive team. Following the retirement of long-standing General Manager Patrick Donelly, who concludes his 39-year tenure with Hyatt Hotels Corporation, Mark Wagner has been named General Manager.
Romero's career includes more than 35 years with Hilton Hotels Corporation, where he served as Regional Director, Full-Service & Lifestyle Brands North America, supporting a large portfolio of full-service and lifestyle hotels across the Americas, and on-property leadership positions at world-renowned assets such as Hilton Chicago, Hilton Los Angeles/Universal City, The Beverly Hilton and the legendary Waldorf Astoria New York. Throughout his tenure, he earned a reputation for elevating brand standards, strengthening service culture, and delivering measurable growth in revenue and profitability.
Hyatt Centric Chicago Magnificent Mile, situated in the heart of Chicago's upscale shopping and dining district, announces the completion of its multi-phase renovation project that transforms the hotel's guestrooms, suites, expansive meeting space and restaurant & lounge. Operated by Davidson Hotels, the redesign captures the essence of Chicago's Streeterville neighborhood, blending bold artistry, warm minimalism, and a distinctly local spirit to deliver a refreshed experience for both leisure and business travelers.
Outset Collection by Hilton properties are now accepting reservations for stays beginning later this month. From an urban hotspot to an adventure outpost, the first properties offer stays deeply rooted in their location:
First Hospitality, a national hotel operating, management, and development company, has assumed management and operations of the Hyatt House and Hyatt Place Chicago – Medical/University District. This dual-branded property marks First Hospitality’s fifth multi-brand hotel and expands the company’s Chicagoland presence to 16 properties.
Four Seasons Hotel Chicago announces the appointment of Brent Balika as its new Executive Chef, including leading the hotel's contemporary American concept, Adorn Bar & Restaurant. A Chicago-area native with nearly three decades of culinary experience, Balika joins the iconic Gold Coast hotel from RPM Steak, where he served as executive chef, bringing his signature focus on seasonality, simplicity and refined technique to the acclaimed dining destination.
The Thompson Hotel Chicago is pleased to announce the appointment of Anthony Beach as General Manager. Anthony officially assumed the role on August 4, 2025, bringing with him more than two decades of hospitality leadership across both upscale and luxury properties. His career includes successful hotel openings, brand repositionings, and award-winning management experience in key markets.
First Investors, the real estate investment affiliate of First Hospitality, has appointed Jan Hajek as Executive Vice President, Asset Management & Investments. In this role, Hajek will lead the execution of investment business plans across the firm's portfolio of premium select-service, full service and lifestyle hotels, leveraging two decades of experience in asset management, real estate investment and financial planning.
Experiential Capital Group, owner and operator of The Neighborhood Hotel, has partnered with Chicago-based Staffolio to enhance its customer service and operations through the strategic use of Virtual Assistants (VAs). The initiative is part of a broader effort to scale efficiently while maintaining the brand’s signature high-touch guest experience across its four locations in Chicago and Southwest Michigan.
Globally-trained chef brings multicultural flavors, fine dining pedigree, and a passion for community to downtown Chicago.
As family travel continues to evolve, The Neighborhood Hotel remains at the forefront—offering comfort, convenience, and closeness for multi-generational trips. The Neighborhood Hotel Little Italy feature 35 thoughtfully designed one‑ and two‑bedroom suites, all within walking distance to the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC). The new property delivers a seamless blend of practical amenities and heartfelt, tech forward hospitality.
The Neighborhood Hotel Little Italy proudly marks one year of serving the healthcare professionals, patients, and families connected to Rush University Medical Center and the broader Illinois Medical District. Located on Taylor Street in Chicago’s historic Little Italy neighborhood, the boutique hotel has quickly become a preferred lodging option for traveling doctors, nurses, medical students, and those visiting loved ones undergoing care.
The Talbott, a historic landmark in Chicago's Gold Coast, has completed a full-scale renovation and officially joins Marriott Bonvoy's Autograph Collection—a portfolio of over 330 independent hotels across the world - each hand selected for their inherent craft and distinct perspective on design. This milestone marks a bold new chapter in the hotel's legacy, where timeless elegance meets modern individuality. As part of the Autograph Collection, The Talbott reflects the brand's belief that beauty without heart is meaningless—with every detail telling a story, from its curated art program to its warm, layered interiors.
Adorn Bar & Restaurant, located on the seventh floor of Four Seasons Hotel Chicago, announces the appointments of new Executive Pastry Chef Yudith Bustos Taleno. This new addition further elevates Adorn's commitment to creativity, craftsmanship, and innovation in both its culinary and beverage programs.
Agilysys, Inc., (Nasdaq: AGYS), a leading global provider of hospitality software solutions that enable organizations to go beyond what they can accomplish with traditional property management systems (PMS), point-of-sale (POS) solutions and food-and-beverage inventory and procurement (F&B I&P) systems, announced it will participate in the William Blair 45th Annual Growth Stock Conference to be held in person, in Chicago, Illinois, June 3rd – June 5th.
NexGen Hotels, a hotel development and management company based in Itasca, Illinois, today announced the acquisition of the Claridge House Chicago hotel in Chicago’s Gold Coast Historic District. Located at 1244 North Dearborn Parkway, the boutique hotel will rebrand as a Tapestry Collection by Hilton as one of its unique, independent hotels this summer.
Veteran hotelier returns to the JW brand with decades of leadership experience across luxury and lifestyle properties.
Kimpton Gray Hotel is pleased to announce the appointment of Amy Leahy as Director of Sales and Marketing, bringing over a decade of hospitality experience and a people-first leadership style to the landmark Loop property.
The Hiltons of Chicago Sales & Marketing Complex, representing Palmer House, a Hilton Hotel, Hilton Chicago, and The Drake Hotel, is pleased to announce the promotion of Alison Wallace to Director of Sales, Citywide Strategy, effective April 1, 2025. With more than 28 years of experience-25 of which were dedicated to the Hiltons of Chicago Sales Complex-Alison is a seasoned hospitality professional uniquely positioned to lead in her new role across Palmer House, Hilton Chicago, and The Drake Hotel. Since beginning her career with Hilton in 1996, Alison has consistently grown with the brand, culminating in her most recent position as Director of Sales.