Search

Retro Hospitality To Open Restored 64-Key Hotel Petersburg in Virginia as Part of Hilton’s Tapestry Collection

Retro Hospitality, the leading operator of boutique hotels in Virginia, is excited to announce the December 5 opening of Hotel Petersburg, a Tapestry Collection by Hilton property. An architectural gem in the heart of Old Towne Petersburg, the building has been a city cornerstone since its establishment in 1916. The newly restored 64-room upscale boutique hotel masterfully blends historical preservation with modern amenities.

Brian Koenitzer has been appointed as General Manager at Hilton Richmond Downtown

Koenitzer brings over ten years of managerial experience to his new role. He joins Hilton Richmond Downtown from the Embassy Suites Hampton Roads Convention Hotel & Spa where he served as general manager. Prior to that, Koenitzer held the position of general manager with Remington Hotels, overseeing a diverse portfolio of brands including Embassy Suites by Hilton Dallas Near the Galleria and Courtyard by Marriott Wichita. Koenitzer possesses deep expertise in sales and financial management, complemented by a robust background in food, beverage and operations.

Greg Monjure has been appointed as General Manager at The Publisher Hotel

Before joining The Publisher Hotel, Monjure made an impressive impact in immersive leadership roles across the United States, including as Director of Food and Beverage at Hilton DC National Mall, The Wharf in Washington, D.C., where he seamlessly managed diverse departments, to his time as Director of Operations at Potomac Point Winery & Le Grand Cru Bistro in Stafford, Virginia, and as the General Manager at Hawthorn Grill Restaurant at the JW Marriott Resort & Rampart Casino, where he consistently raised the bar in hospitality, among other notable roles throughout his career.

Nicholas Barry Owen has been appointed as Director of Food and Beverage at Salamander Middleburg

Owens brings over 20+ years of international leadership experience in food and beverage across a global mix of luxury hospitality establishments. His background crosses a range of Four Seasons properties, where he served in roles overseeing all food and beverage operations as well as leading in the kitchen. In his most recent role as Director of Food & Beverage and Culinary Operations at the AAA Five Diamond Four Seasons Hotel & Private Residence New Orleans, where he oversaw five outlets and 30,000 sq. ft of event space, he achieved a slew of culinary accolades from Food & Wine, Esquire, and Southern Living, amongst others. Prior to that, he served as Executive Chef at Four Seasons Hotel & Residence Kyoto, Four Seasons Hotel Seoul, Four Seasons Hotel Singapore, and the Five-Star Five-Diamond Four Seasons Hotel Washington DC. He began his career at the acclaimed Clio Restaurant at the Eliot Hotel in Boston where he rose to lead cook within his first year.

Primland, Auberge Resorts Collection Unveils Property Refresh

Primland, Auberge Resorts Collection, a premier resort nestled in Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains, today debuts a significant redesign effort that redefines back-to-nature luxury and sensibility in the Southeast. In collaboration with renowned design firm, Chad Dorsey Design, the renovation introduces fully refreshed public spaces, a new signature restaurant, Leatherflower, as well as two brand new Mountain Top Tree House Suites, representing the ultimate in elevated accommodations overlooking the stunning Blue Ridge Mountains.

Tonya Sweetser has been appointed as General Manager at Craddock Terry Hotel, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel

Craddock Terry Hotel, an award-winning boutique hotel located in the heart of Lynchburg, is pleased to announce the appointment of Tonya Sweetser as the new General Manager. With her exceptional leadership skills and extensive experience in the hospitality industry, Tonya is set to take the Craddock Terry Hotel to new heights.

Juan Ayala has been appointed as National Sales Manager at The Omni Homestead Resort

Juan Ayala brings a wealth of experience to his new role as national sales manager at The Omni Homestead Resort. His journey in the hospitality industry commenced humbly as a busboy at an Embassy Suites in Southern California. Alongside his hotel career, Juan pursued higher education, earning a business marketing degree from California State University, Fullerton. Throughout his career, Juan has held pivotal sales manager positions at esteemed establishments such as Hilton Irvine in California, Buttes Marriott in Tempe, Arizona, South Seas Island Resort in Captiva Island, Florida, and most recently at Colonial Williamsburg Resorts in Williamsburg, Virginia. Juan's extensive experience has endowed him with a profound understanding of sales strategies and his arrival promises to infuse the team at The Omni Homestead Resort with a dynamic blend of expertise, dedication, and passion, ensuring continued success for the resort.

Will Rentschler has been appointed as General Manager at Primland, Auberge Resorts Collection

The award-winning luxury resort situated atop the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia, Primland, Auberge Resorts Collection, is pleased to announce the appointment of Will Rentschler as General Manager. Industry veteran Rentschler joins the resort team as it enters a new era, with the revitalization of the property's main lodge and introduction of two brand-new culinary outlets set to debut in March 2024.

Heather Rodgers has been appointed as Director of Sales at Hotel Heron

Heather Rodgers assumes the role of Director of Sales at Hotel Heron, bringing her impressive 25-year career in the hospitality industry to cultivate a distinctive hub for Alexandria. Her extensive experience spans global hotel chains such as Marriott, Hilton, IHG, and independently branded hotels. Previously, she served as the regional Director of Sales and Marketing for the Mid-Atlantic region at TPG Hotels, formerly known as Marshall Hotels. Most recently, Rodgers held the esteemed position of Director of Sales and Marketing at the Lorien Hotel. Her deep affection for Alexandria and its vibrant community enables her to forge meaningful connections with local vendors, residents, and businesses, further fueling her passion for the city.

Harry Francis has been appointed as Director of Lifestyle at Hotel Heron

Harry Francis is Hotel Heron's Director of Lifestyle. A Virginia native, Francis is a vibrant and passionate hospitality and entertainment professional with more than 10 years of experience. With a rich tapestry of experiences, including leadership roles at Pangea Music Group and The Line Hotel DC, Francis infuses his passion for music into every aspect of his work. His artistic touch extends to curating hyper-local music playlists that add a special touch to the property. During his tenure at Riggs Hotel in Washington, D.C., as the brand and experience manager, he excelled at amplifying the brand's essence through captivating experiences and strategic partnerships. In his most recent role at Riggs, as Guest Engagement Manager, Francis' finesse in hospitality shone brightly as he orchestrated personalized encounters that captivated guests, earning him accolades for his leadership.

Phillip Blane has been appointed as General Manager at Hotel Heron

Leading the team is Phillip Blane, who joins as General Manager of the property. After establishing himself in culinary roles at the notable Charlotte Hotel and Restaurant and Equinox Restaurant, Blane became the chef and owner of Washington, D.C. neighborhood restaurant Unum for nearly seven years. Seeking new challenges, he transitioned to hotel management, serving as general manager at Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants in Washington, D.C., and the Lorien Hotel & Spa in Alexandria, Virginia, starting in 2022. During his tenure at Lorien Hotel, Blane developed a fondness for the burgeoning and community-centric city of Alexandria, leading him to join Aparium Hotel Group to open the new 134-room Hotel Heron.