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Luis Arancibia has been appointed as General Manager at Aloft Orlando Downtown

Arancibia has been part of the McKibbon family for 8 years and most recently served as General Manager for the 128-room Homewood Suites by Hilton Orlando Airport, where he managed 46 associates and all hotel operations. He began his hospitality career in 2007 as Task Force Support for Hilton Hotels, moving up to Operations Manager for Hampton Inn by Hilton in Melbourne and Orlando. Arancibia attended Florida International University, where he earned a Bachelor of Business Administration with a focus in Business Administration and Management. During his leadership at Homewood Suites by Hilton, Arancibia led his team to achieve outstanding service scores which resulted in the property receiving Hilton's highest honor: the Connie Pride Award in Overall Hotel Performance for 2014, 2016 and 2017. He also guided the team into securing the top hotel for TripAdvisor City Ranking in Orlando. Arancibia spends his free time raising awareness for the LGBTQ+ community through a non-profit organization that assists Orange County residents with medical prevention causes.

Natalie Cohee has been promoted to Executive Chef at DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Orlando at SeaWorld

DoubleTree by Hilton Orlando at SeaWorld, spanning 28 acres within the heart of International Drive, proudly promotes Natalie Cohee to executive chef, selecting the culinary leader with more than 12 years of experience in the DoubleTree Orlando kitchens to lead the team. Tenured executive chef Alberto Correa - Chef Cohee's mentor - is promoted to director of culinary experiences. In their new roles, the duo expands offerings for groups using the 100,000 square feet of meeting and event space and leisure guests enjoying the multiple dining options at DoubleTree by Hilton Orlando at SeaWorld. A leader of the DoubleTree by Hilton Orlando at SeaWorld culinary team since 2007, Chef Cohee has developed an expertise in banquets and catering in her time with the resort. She expertly blends Caribbean flavors and adds an Asian twist, with a uniquely modern approach to grilling, smoking and roasting, resulting in memorable and tempting dishes. Her creativity is evident on restaurant and catering menus with dishes like Sweet Citrus Glaze Salmon, Guava BBQ Chicken Flatbread and Lobster Empanadas. Growing up in the industry as the daughter of restaurant owners, Chef Cohee knew she wanted to pursue a career as a chef from a young age. She spent countless hours in the kitchens of Paco's Cantina and Calypso, creating flavorful concoctions and learning to recreate dishes. Chef Cohee graduated top of her class at Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Scottsdale, Ariz., and she started her career with a coveted externship at Latitudes Restaurant at the well-known Hilton Sunset Key. Prior to joining the team at DoubleTree by Hilton Orlando at SeaWorld, Chef Cohee served as the executive sous chef at the Sheraton in Key Largo and as a chef on private yachts sailing through the Caribbean, where her she developed a strong appreciation for local cooking styles and finessed her talents working with fresh seafood.

Kimpton Lands in the Conch Republic

Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants announces the opening of Winslow's Bungalows, the first hotel in the new five-hotel Kimpton Key West collection. This marks the sixth outpost for the boutique hospitality company in the Sunshine State and its first in the Florida Keys. Across all five of the hotels, spread across six blocks in Key West's historic Old Town, no two rooms in the collection's 219 total keys are the same. A complete reimagining of the Historic Inns of Key West, accommodations span everything from estate-like guesthouses to charming bungalows and original conch houses, each with its own distinct story and stay experience, blending timeless architecture with an eclectic, bohemian style only found in Key West.

Thomas Fraher has been appointed as General Manager at The Don CeSar

The Don CeSar, widely known as Florida's iconic Pink Palace®, and its sister property the Beach House Suites, proudly welcome Thomas Fraher as the new General Manager Fraher will oversee budgets, daily operations, sales and marketing efforts, and lead the 92-year old landmark through its multi-phased renovations which will conclude at the end of the year.

Gina Genna has been appointed as Director of Marketing at InterContinental Miami

InterContinental Miami, the Iconic Downtown property, is proud to announce the appointment of Gina Genna as director of marketing. In her new role, Genna will oversee the hotel's brand, marketing, and communication strategy, working closely with the hotel's director of sales and marketing to ensure that InterContinental Miami maintains its competitive positioning in the South Florida market.

Home2 Suites by Hilton Stuart Opens

Home2 Suites by Hilton, part of Hilton's (NYSE: HLT) All Suites portfolio, announced its newest property, Home2 Suites by Hilton Stuart. Designed for travelers who want to maintain their normal routine, the hotel features 99 suites and a range of value, tech-focused and eco-conscious amenities. Home2 Suites by Hilton Stuart complements the eco-friendly drive of the community of Stuart.

Marthica Galvis has been appointed as Director of Sales and Marketing at 1 Hotel South Beach

In her new role as the Director of Marketing at 1 Hotel South Beach, Marthica Galvis will be responsible for spearheading the marketing strategies for the acclaimed hotel which was named the number one hotel in Miami by Conde Nast Traveler's 2019 Reader's Choice Awards. She most recently held the role of Director of Marketing at W Miami where she managed all social media, marketing, and budgeting plans, designed all marketing collateral, and developed property-wide programming.

Stephanie Tablada has been promoted to Director of Sales at Kimpton Surfcomber Hotel

A hotel sales professional with more than 10 years of experience in the industry, Stephanie has served as Surfcomber's Associate Director of Sales since April 2017. Prior to joining Surfcomber, Stephanie held a Sales Coordinator position at Kimpton EPIC Hotel in 2011. After two years in her position, she moved on to work with both Morgans Hotel Group (now SBE Group) and Starwood Hotels & Resorts to pursue growth opportunities. In fact, her hard work and dedication allowed her to attain promotions into Conference Services Management, Catering Sales, and Group Sales. Although her experience at other companies was rewarding, Stephanie grasped at the opportunity to return to Kimpton in April 2017, after realizing how truly exceptional it is to work for a company that has been on Fortune's 100 Best Companies to Work For® list for more than a decade. As Director of Sales, Stephanie will lead Surfcomber's six-person sales team to develop strategies that establish Surfcomber as a leader in the marketplace through the development of future and repeat business. She was named Manager of the Year for 2018 at Surfcomber.

Maribel Perez has been appointed as Senior Transient Sales Manager at Kimpton Surfcomber Hotel

Maribel joins Kimpton Surfcomber Hotel from one of Kimpton's LA properties, Kimpton Hotel Wilshire. She will oversee the corporate travel and leisure markets for Surfcomber and will be responsible for developing new retail travel leisure partners. Prior to joining Kimpton, Maribel worked in multiple Sales and Operational roles for companies such as Viceroy Hotels & Resorts, Starwood and Hyatt Hotels. Her background includes over 10 years of experience in hospitality. Maribel is an active member of industry associations and groups including GBTA, Millennials in Travel and MPI.

New Barbary Beach House Key West Announces June Opening

DiamondRock Hospitality Company (the "Company") (NYSE: DRH) has announced an anticipated June opening of the Barbary Beach House Key West (2001 South Roosevelt Boulevard), a 184-room oceanfront hotel inspired by the island's natural landscape and legendary maritime history. Following an extensive, top-to-bottom conversion, the Barbary Beach House Key West has been transformed into a lush, tropical haven where free-spirited adventurers can discover an unrivaled Key West experience along the famed southernmost shores of the United States.

Kevin Geanides has been appointed as General Manager at Little Palm Island Resort & Spa

Noble House Hotels & Resorts, a collection of luxury hotels and resorts, proudly announces the appointment of Kevin Geanides as general manager at Little Palm Island Resort & Spa, located on a four-acre private island off the fabled coastline of the Florida Keys. In this role, Kevin will be responsible for managing the resort's day-to-day success, sales and marketing, food and beverage, as well as budget, maintaining a focus on strategic goals and overseeing all operational aspects for the ultra-luxe resort, which re-opened after a two-year closure on March 1, 2020.

Omni Orlando Resort At Championsgate Announces Property Renovation

Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate announced plans for a renovation that includes fully reimagined guest rooms, villas, as well as exciting updates to public spaces and meeting rooms, which will elevate the overall guest and meetings experience. Slated to begin in June and for completion in early Fall 2020, all 720 guest rooms and suites will be updated with new furnishings, carpet, and décor including lighting, paint, artwork, linens, drapery and bathroom restoration, with no detail being left untouched. All 49 villas will be refreshed with new light fixtures, chandeliers, furniture, new larger TV's and interior design.

Jaime Stuyck has been appointed as General Manager at Mr. C Miami-Coconut Grove

Mr. C Miami - Coconut Grove, the premier boutique hotel operated by the fourth generation Cipriani family, has today announced hospitality industry veteran, Jaime Stuyck, as the hotel's new general manager. Mr. Stuyck will oversee all day-to-day operations for the acclaimed 100 guestrooms and suites, designed by Martin Brudnizki, as well as the hotel's two dining concepts: rooftop restaurant and Coconut Grove hotspot, Bellini Restaurant & Bar, and the charming lobby garden, Il Giardino.

Hyatt Centric Las Olas Fort Lauderdale to Welcome its First Guests in April

Located in the heart of the city's bustling business district, Hyatt Centric Las Olas Fort Lauderdale will open its doors April 2nd as a premiere destination for business, group, and leisure travelers. The full-service, 238-room property is located inside the new-build 100 Las Olas tower, which has dramatically transformed the city's downtown skyline as its tallest building to date.

Home2 Suites by Hilton Ormond Beach Oceanfront Opens

Home2 Suites by Hilton, part of Hilton's (NYSE: HLT) All Suites portfolio, announced today its newest property, Home2 Suites by Hilton Ormond Beach Oceanfront. Designed for travelers who want to maintain their normal routine, all of the hotel's 93 suites feature a full or partial oceanview balcony and a range of value, tech-focused and eco-conscious amenities. Home2 Suites by Hilton Ormond Beach Oceanfront compleme nts the strong Volusia County tourism industry, which hosts more than 10 million visitors annually.*

The Grand Hyatt Brand Selected as Flag for New Miami Beach Convention Center Hotel

The development team behind Miami Beach's new Convention Center hotel announced today that an 800-room property will be operated by Hyatt under the luxury Grand Hyatt brand, when it opens to guests in 2023. Grand Hyatt Miami Beach will create a new hospitality option for visitors attending events at the adjacent Miami Beach Convention Center, which underwent a $600 million renovation that was completed last year, and anchor the Convention Center District.