Search

The Obamas, Brian Chesky announce new Voyager Scholarship recipients

President and Mrs. Obama and Brian Chesky, Airbnb co-founder and CEO, announced their second cohort of Voyager Scholarship recipients, 100 college juniors who plan to pursue a career in public service. Following the success of the inaugural cohort, this new group of “Voyagers” are a testament to the Obama Foundation’s unwavering commitment to fostering emerging leaders dedicated to addressing global challenges and driving positive change in their communities and around the world.

The Florida Panhandle Remains a Top-Tier Destination

The Florida Panhandle remains popular among hotel developers and investors given the strength of the market in the post-pandemic period. An easy-to-reach destination for drive-to and out-of-state travelers alike, this Gulf Coast region has been a hotbed of activity for construction and transactions in the traditional-model hotel space since the summer of 2020.

Vi Nguyen has been appointed as Campus Director of Sales and Marketing at Hotel Citrine, Palo Alto, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel and AC Hotel by Marriott Palo Alto

Hotel Citrine and AC Palo Alto announce Vi Nguyen, CMP as Campus Director of Sales and Marketing for the dual-branded property in the heart of Palo Alto. The campus-style development features more than 4,000 square feet of flexible indoor and outdoor meetings and events space, multiple food and beverage concepts including Wild Onion Bistro & Bar in addition to nearly 300 guestrooms. The destination is managed by California-based Evolution Hospitality.

Highgate-managed Romer Waikiki at the Ambassador will open October 1

While there are many ways to experience Oahu, the heart and soul of the island is uncovered by the boots-on-the-ground insights, experiences and insider knowledge that only true neighborhood natives can provide. The antidote to ordinary Oahu itineraries, Romer Waikiki at the Ambassador will open October 1, 2023 following a multi-million-dollar renovation. Formerly known as The Ambassador Hotel Waikiki, the eclectic and spirited hotel will reemerge as the heartbeat of the neighborhood - a place where guests and residents come together to share ideas, break bread, and discover something new.

Natalie Serse has been appointed as General Manager at Homewood Suites By Hilton New Orleans French Quarter

Serse brings more than a decade of leadership experience managing and operating hotels. She joins Homewood Suites New Orleans French Quarter from Bridge Hotel Group where she most recently served as general manager at Hampton Inn NYC Empire State Building and was responsible for overseeing daily operations of the Manhattan property. Prior to that, she held general manager and director of sales roles at several New York hotels including Hyatt Place NYC Chelsea, Citadines Connect Fifth Avenue, Hilton Garden Inn NYC Financial Center Manhattan Downtown and Hilton Garden Inn Long Island City.

Margaritaville Opens Its First San Diego City-Center Hotel on The West Coast

Margaritaville Hotel San Diego Gaslamp Quarter is now open in downtown San Diego, marking the beloved brand's first city-center location on the West Coast. Following a nearly $30 million property-wide reimagination, the property is a distinctly Southern Californian take on the Margaritaville experience and is now home to San Diego's largest rooftop pool deck, vibrant and beachy accommodations, three dining and entertainment destinations to sip and savor, flexible meetings and events spaces, and thoughtful amenities. Seamlessly blending the excitement of the city with the carefree feeling of the islands, Margaritaville Hotel San Diego delivers fun and escapism to the heart of downtown, just steps from some of city's top attractions including Petco Park, the San Diego Convention Center, and the USS Midway Museum.

Ted Knighton has been appointed as Managing Director at Thompson Houston, by Hyatt

Bringing a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success, Ted Knighton assumes the role of Managing Director at Thompson Houston. With over two decades in the hospitality industry, Knighton brings a career of operational excellence to his role as managing director of Thompson Houston. An experienced hospitality executive, Knighton will lead the hotel operations of Thompson Houston, introducing Thompson Hotels to a dynamic new market in Texas, and establishing the hotel as a sophisticated new destination for stylish accommodations, dining, socializing and events, situated beside Buffalo Bayou Park with unobstructed views of downtown Houston. Knighton's commitment to curating an extraordinary guest experience will undoubtedly set the tone for Thompson Houston's exceptional service and unrivaled ambiance.

Lisa Hudson has been appointed as Director of Sales and Marketing at Thompson Houston, by Hyatt

Steering the hotel's sales and marketing initiatives is the accomplished Lisa Hudson. Bringing over fifteen years of experience to the new Thompson Houston, Lisa is a highly experienced leader in the hospitality space, with a proven record for driving sales and increasing revenues and she will oversee the hotel's sales, marketing, and events team, as well as assist in dedicated efforts to drive the property's overall revenue through market analysis and strategic planning. As Director of Sales & Marketing, Hudson will continue upholding and furthering the Thompson brand legacy while introducing the hotel to the Houston market and establishing Thompson Houston as one of city's finest new luxury hotels.

Daniel Padberg has been appointed as Director of Food and Beverage at Intercontinental Buckhead Atlanta

InterContinental Buckhead Atlanta - Atlanta's no.1 hotel, courtesy of Travel + Leisure, is proud to announce the appointment of Daniel Padberg as Director of Food & Beverage. Bringing a successful track record of culinary leadership to the team, Padberg will hone and direct the sophisticated property's esteemed food and beverage program inclusive of The Americano, the hotel's Club Lounge and in-room dining.

Stefen Shatto has been appointed as Executive Chef at Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection

Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection has selected Stefen Shatto as executive chef to oversee Solaire Restaurant + Bar in addition to banquets, catering, and in-room and poolside dining at the 170-room boutique hotel. Born in Santa Cruz, Calif., raised on a farm in Iowa, and trained in Italy, Stefen brings his distinct culinary perspective rooted in quality agriculture, sustainability, flavor, presentation and a culture of community to reinvigorate the concept of “expect the unexpected.”