Rockbridge and Makeready announce the grand opening of The Junto. The highly anticipated independent lifestyle hotel promises to be a dynamic hub to bring people together within the Columbus community. Nestled 'a little west' of downtown and steps away from Franklinton, known for its flourishing art scene, and rich historical heritage, The Junto elevates the city's innovative spirit to new heights.
Makeready, the hospitality company that concepts, manages, andoperates an independent and diverse collection of hotel, restaurant and retail brands, recently named Christian Kraul-Rodriguez as Director of Sales and Marketing for its new independent lifestyle property in Columbus, Ohio, The Junto. Kraul-Rodriguez joins the team after serving most recently as Director of Sales and Marketing at The Viking Hotel (Davidson Hotels) located in Newport, Rhode Island.As Director of Sales and Marketing, Kraul-Rodriguez will lead the independent brand strategy, drive deep partnerships within the community, while building a strong team focused on connection, culture and driving the revenue strategy for The Junto and its wide variety of experiences and offerings.
Valldejuli brings over 25 years of hospitality industry and hotel leadership experience to his new role as Area Managing Director. In his previous position, he was the Vice President/Managing Director of the Sheraton and Le Meridien Complex in Charlotte, North Carolina. His 15-year tenure with Pyramid Global Hospitality began as Area Managing Director for two New Orleans properties, followed by six years working in Pyramid's Luxury Resort Division as Vice President/Managing Director for The Westin Grand Cayman and Sunshine Suites, Seven Mile Beach, Grand Cayman Islands. Valldejuli obtained his undergraduate degree in San Juan, Puerto Rico, majoring in marketing and economics at the University of the Sacred Heart. As the Area Managing Director, Valldejuli will be responsible for overseeing the daily operations of The Lytle Park Hotel, Autograph Collection, The Phelps Cincinnati and the AC Hotel at the Banks, Cincinnati.
Bergeron joins The Lytle Park Hotel as Hotel Manager after spending three years in Austin, Texas, serving as the Assistant Manager of a 300-room full service Marriott hotel. During his time there, he was recognized as a member of the Pyramid Global APEX program, which awards up-and-coming future General Managers in the company. Prior to his time at Marriott, Bergeron has held management positions with other leading hotel chains such as Hilton, Hyatt, and Hard Rock International. Bergeron holds a bachelor's degree in both communications and business from Texas State University. As Hotel Manager, Bergeron will oversee all aspects of the guest experience, ensuring that the hotel continues to provide exceptional service and memorable experiences.
AC Hotel Columbus Dublin is happy to announce that Executive Chef David Belknap has been promoted to Area Executive Chef and will be overseeing culinary in the entire Ohio region for Shaner Hotels, an award-winning hospitality and management company. Belknap first joined Shaner back in 2017 to lead the kitchen at Spanish-inspired rooftop lounge and restaurant, VASO at The AC Hotel. This next endeavor for the esteemed chef will take his culinary expertise and vision to new heights and regions, with an emphasized focus on supporting the opening of Shaner's newest project, AC Dayton and their woodfired rooftop concept, the Foundry, due out in March.
As the City of Dayton continues to invest in and revitalize the downtown area, AC Hotel Dayton joins the movement, opening its doors this March. Developed by Crawford Hoying, AC Hotel Dayton is operated by Shaner Hotels and is the area's newest hotel featuring modern, European-style elegance. The property offers an ideal location just steps away from local dining, shopping, sports and entertainment, arts and culture, and more.
Rockbridge and Makeready are proud to announce The Junto will open May 2023 in Columbus, Ohio and is now welcoming reservations. Known for its vibrant art scene, expanding tech industry and historical contributions, Columbus is undergoing an energetic transformation. Beginning in May, Ohio's capital city will welcome its first independent lifestyle hotel to match its innovative energy.
Dillinger joins the team as Area Director of Sales, bringing a combined 30 years of experience in hotel sales, meeting planning, and travel planning. In 2018, Dillinger was hired as the Director of Sales for Fairfield by Marriott and during her tenure with Shaner Hotels she has supported several properties as Task Force Area Director of Sales, during which Dillinger was designated the 2021 Salesperson of The Year by the Ohio Hotel and Lodging Association. Most recently, Dillinger was appointed Area Director of Sales for the AC Hotel and Fairfield by Marriott Dayton in December.
Legros arrives at the AC Hotel Dayton with over 15 years of experience working in hotels, including Hilton Head Marriott Resort and Spa, where he was selected to fill a variety of roles over the course of 8 years. Those roles span operations, guest service, and management positions. With in-depth experience and years of cross-functional leadership, Legros assumed his first General Manager role in just eight years at DoubleTree by Hilton Cincinnati Airport Hotel in 2014. At AC Hotel Dayton, Legros oversees team and guest satisfaction while engaging with the local community.
Commonwealth Hotels announced today that Cierra Bickel has been appointed the director of sales and marketing of the Springhill Suites Cincinnati Midtown. Ms. Bickel brings over 10 years of hospitality experience to her new role as director of sales and marketing having previously served as the director of sales for the Holiday Inn Express Cincinnati.
If enthusiasm is contagious, Columbus' newest and first independent lifestyle hotel has chosen exactly the right leader who will bring people together through partnership and hospitality for social connection and good times at The Junto.
New tower expands hotel capacity to 1,000 guest rooms.
Property offers new lodging, dining and event spaces for business and leisure travelers.
Commonwealth Hotels announced today that Jamie Baker has been appointed the general manager of the Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Canton South. Ms. Baker brings over 10 years of hospitality experience to her new role as general manager having previously served as the general manager for the Hampton Inn Akron, Ohio.
Today, Hotel Equities ("HE") announced the Hyatt Place Columbus / Polaris hotel is officially open, expanding the Hyatt Place brand's footprint in markets that matter most to guests and World of Hyatt members. The new hotel features the Hyatt Place brand's intuitive design, casual atmosphere and practical amenities, such as free Wi-Fi and 24-hour food offerings. Witness Investments owns and developed the project and Hotel Equities operates the hotel.
Commonwealth Hotels announced today that Brian Wipprecht has been appointed the general manager of the Residence Inn by Marriott Cincinnati Airport. Mr. Wipprecht brings over 10 years of hospitality experience to his new role as general manager having previously served as the general manager for the Crowne Plaza Cleveland Airport in Middleburg Heights, Ohio.
George Toma has joined the Kimpton Schofield Hotel as director of sales and marketing, bringing more than 20 years of industry experience to the position. Toma has been part of the local hotel scene for more than a decade.
21c Museum Hotels, the multi-venue contemporary art museum and award-winning hospitality company, has promoted Vanessa Miller, Executive Chef & Director of Food & Beverage of Metropole at 21c Cincinnati to Senior Director of 21c Food & Beverage.Prior to joining 21c, Miller held several impressive leadership roles throughout New York City restaurants, included Director of Restaurants for Spring Place, a members-only club focusing on fostering creative, shared workplaces and community, and Director of Culinary Operations at Citizens Coffee. There, Miller was instrumental in their expansion from one to five locations, a role that spanned kitchen design and construction, sourcing staff and training, and revamping menus seasonally. Similar to her role with 21c, Miller also served as the Director of Food and Beverage + Executive Chef at iconic boutique property, The Royalton, a member of Morgans Hotel Group, which is also part of the Ennismore family of brands.
Hilton Columbus Downtown has named globally-renowned Chef Sebastian La Rocca, as Executive Chef of Restaurants for FYR, Spark, and Stories on High, the three-anchor food and beverage concepts set to open this fall as part of the hotel's second tower expansion. Hilton Columbus Downtown will be the largest hotel in Ohio, with 1,000 rooms.
Opened today, the newly built Hotel Versailles is a modern, luxury retreat in the heart of downtown Versailles, Ohio. With a "heritage meets hospitality" mentality, the hotel offers a refreshing perspective on a site that holds over 150 years of hospitality history, as hotels have occupied the plot since 1865. A destination unto itself, the upscale, boutique property is the only full-service boutique hotel in central Ohio and features 30 spacious, well-appointed guestrooms and suites; celebrated chef Aaron Allen's seasonally driven restaurant Silas; and ample meeting and event space for up to 200 guests in the 1819 Room.