The new European inspired designed boutique-style AC Hotel Miami Aventura by Marriott® is pleased to announce that hotel industry veteran Mr. Alan E. Pinado Jr. has been appointed General Manager.
Rosewood Hotel Group has appointed Jim Struna as Regional Director of Revenue Management, Eastern US and the Caribbean.
Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach is thrilled to announce the appointment of Chef Sean Ragan as Executive Sous Chef of the property, overseeing direction of its signature restaurants, banquets, and in-room dining. Chef Ragan joins the Wyndham Grand with over 25 years of professional experience in the hospitality and restaurant industries.
LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort, a Noble House Resort located on the idyllic Naples beachfront, is pleased to announce the appointment of Brooke Kravetz as chef de cuisine of the resort’s signature restaurant, BALEEN Restaurant. Kravetz joins BALEEN Restaurant with an innate talent and passion for creativity in the kitchen, as she enjoys taking classic recipes and flavor combinations and transforming them into new creations.
The Epicurean Hotel announced today the appointment of Kevin Scott as general manager of the 137-room boutique hotel. Scott will oversee the hiring of new staff and day-to-day operations of the Epicurean, located in the trendy Hyde Park historic district of South Tampa. Tom Haines, previous general manager of the Epicurean, has been promoted to vice president of operations of Mainsail Lodging & Development, Epicurean’s parent company.
Hard-working staff, almost 18 months of construction and more than $2.5 million in renovations pays off for the Best Western on the Bay Inn & Marina, managed by Trust Hospitality in Coral Gables, Florida . The hotel has been completely remodeled to provide guests with enhanced amenities and exceptional comfort to compliment with the superior customer care the brand is trusted for.
The Ritz-Carlton Bal Harbour, Miami announces the appointment of Nikki Berry as Hotel Manager for the 18-story luxury resort. A passionate leader with more than a decade of knowledge and expertise in luxury hotels, Nikki will oversee all facets of the resort, including hotel operations, property amenities and guest services. Nikki joins The Ritz-Carton from the 1 Hotel South Beach where she was Director of Rooms. In her role, Nikki oversaw eight operational departments and led her teams and the hotel to unparalleled results in guest engagement, increasing scores ten points year over year. Prior to her role at the 1 Hotel South Beach, she served as the Assistant Rooms Executive and Director of Housekeeping for The Ritz-Carlton, Key Biscayne (2012-2016). During her tenure, she was also selected to serve on the property opening teams for: The Ritz-Carlton, Aruba; The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage; The Ritz-Carlton, Bal Harbour, Miami; as well as The New York EDITION. Nikki graduated Cum Laude earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Hospitality Management with a dual minor in Spanish and Business from Auburn University. Prior to her position with The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C., Nikki first began her career in hospitality in 2005 with the Capella Hotel Group at The Hotel at Auburn University where she served in banquets, before going on to various Rooms Operations positions within the company. She later transitioned into her first senior-level management role at Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort in Destin, FL. where she served as Director of Front Office and Director of Housekeeping.
The Celino South Beach, located on Miami’s famed Ocean Drive and deemed one of the largest developments that the iconic street has ever seen, has appointed Lucy Martin as the hotel’s General Manager. Martin will be at the helm of the launch of this grand boutique lifestyle hotel to oversee its 132 guestrooms, rooftop and pool amenities well as immersive, lively programming to ensure that this energetic hotel is a game changer in South Beach when it opens this fall. Martin immediately assumes the position of general manager and has already stepped into the role of overseeing all aspects of the hotel’s operations as well as curating the identity of the hotel through design, fashion, art, and wellness collaborations and partnerships. Most recently, Martin was the general manager at Shore Club in South Beach and part of the pre-opening leadership team for 1 Hotel South Beach. A native of Manchester, England, Martin’s tenure with Morgans Hotel Group allowed her to hold various executive positions at London, Scottsdale and Miami properties.
Hospitality Ventures Management Group (HVMG), an Atlanta-based, private hotel investment, ownership and management company, today announced the grand opening of the 163-room Plunge Beach Hotel in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, Fla. It is the company"s fourth recent upscale lifestyle hotel with unique and custom createdF&B outlets to be added to the company"s portfolio.
Marriott International announced today that the SpringHill Suites by Marriott in Navarre, Florida is scheduled to open this Thursday, June 15, 2017. The 161-suite hotel, located at 8375 Gulf Boulevard, will operate as a Marriott franchise, owned by TTN, Inc. and managed by Hotel Equities of Atlanta, Georgia.
Hard Rock International announces plans to open its fourth property in Florida, bringing the brand"s iconic vibe to Daytona Beach in late 2017. The 200-key property will bring unparalleled music offerings and amenities to one of Florida"s most well known vacation destinations. The beachfront property is in collaboration with Summit Hospitality Management Group and managed by Hard Rock International. True to the Hard Rock brand, the property will feature brand exclusive offerings including a Body Rock® workout facility, and a Rock Spa® complete with the music-infused Rhythm & Motion spa menu, six treatment rooms, a manicure/pedicure station and poolside cabanas with spa services. In the lobby, the world famous Rock Shop® will feature Hard Rock"s iconic merchandise. Keeping families in mind, young rockers can hang out in the brand"s signature hotspot, the Hard Rock Roxity Kids Club. Additionally, the property will boast The Sound of Your Stay® music amenity program, allowing guests to unleash their inner rock star – whether setting the mood with complimentary vinyl player and records or nailing power chords on a Fender guitar during an in-room jam session.
Get ready to be real and be you on long stays. Marriott International"s (NASDAQ: MAR) TownePlace Suites by Marriott Estero, Florida is scheduled to open for business today. On average, a TownePlace Suites opens every six days. Built for travelers looking for a simple and friendly place where they can settle-in, keep their routine, and easily connect to the Estero area. The new TownePlace Suites Fort Myers Estero located at 23161 Via Coconut Point, continues to exemplify the brand's rapid growth. The new hotel will operate as a Marriott franchise, owned by Estero Hotel Associates, LLC and managed by Rockgate Management Company, LLC of Overland Park, Kansas.
Key International – a prominent real estate investment and development company specializing in hospitality – and LBA Hospitality – a full-scale hotel management, development and consulting firm – are pleased to announce the completion of a nearly $2 million renovation to the Hampton Inn & Suites Gainesville-Downtown.
A quintessential Florida vacation destination for generations of memories, Sheraton Bay Point Resort – the only AAA Four Diamond Rated resort in Panama City Beach – and nationally recognized operator Crescent Hotels & Resorts announce the appointment of Jean Capps as the new general manager. From the early days of her hospitality career as a director of sales and marketing to the past decade of general manager experience and successes within impressive Florida resorts, Capps brings incredible expertise and vibrancy to the iconic Sheraton Bay Point Resort.After gaining valuable experience in sales, food and beverage, and operations, Capps served as general manager for more than eight years at Florida-based resorts – B Ocean (Ft. Lauderdale), Sheraton Fort Lauderdale Beach Hotel, Sheraton Suites Cypress Creek and Sheraton Suites Plantation. Notably, Capps led the transition from the former Sheraton Fort Lauderdale Beach to the new B Ocean Fort Lauderdale, touting great success in the elevation of guest experience while decreasing overall operational expenses. A vast industry and brand award recipient, Capps was most recently recognized by Performance Hospitality with the 2016 People’s Choice Award for Most Inspiring. An active tourism industry volunteer, Capps volunteered her professional time on boards including the Beach Improvement District, the Beach Council, the GFLCVB Marketing Advisory Committee and the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association.
The Raleigh, the boutique hotel known as the “Grande Dame” of South Beach, is pleased to announce the appointment of Michael MacDonnell as director of food and beverage. MacDonnell brings more than two decades of experience as one of the industry’s top experts in mixology and service to the historic property. He joins Chef Joshua Elliott to complete the culinary leadership team.
The AAA Four Diamond award winning Hilton Orlando is proud to announce the appointment of Chris Mueller as general manager. Having been an integral part of the opening leadership team in 2009, Mueller’s deep understanding of the innerworkings of the property will be invaluable as he oversees daily operations and long-term strategy for the hotel. As Hilton Orlando’s most recent hotel manager, Mueller consistently demonstrated commitment to strategic growth as he oversaw daily operations of the resort with an emphasis on food and beverage, revenue management, marketing and rooms divisions. Honing all of his professional hospitality triumphs in Orlando, Mueller has gained rare insight into this unique market. “Chris’ passion for the hotel was palpable over the past four months while serving as the interim general manager,” said Senior Vice President of Operations Keith Clampet. “We are confident that the hotel will continue to surpass leadership and revenue goals with Chris at the helm.” In this position, Mueller will oversee all hotel departments and daily functions while developing overarching business strategies that drive growth, increase customer satisfaction and exceed management goals. Prior to his roles at Hilton Orlando, Mueller served as the catering and convention services director at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and the Yacht & Beach Club Resort. He has held additional positions at a myriad of Disney restaurants and resorts since 1991.Mueller holds a Bachelor of Science degree in hotel restaurant and tourism administration from the University of South Carolina. He is an active member of his community serving on Orange County Convention Center’s 20-year Visioning Committee, International Drive Board, and Executive Transportation Committee Board.
Home2 Suites by Hilton, part of Hilton's (NYSE: HLT) All Suites portfolio, announced today its newest property, Home2 Suites by Hilton Nokomis. Designed for travelers who want to maintain their normal routine, the hotel features 100 suites and a range of value, tech-focused and eco-conscious amenities. Located near Casey Key and the city of Venice, Fla., Home2 Suites by Hilton Nokomis gives travelers a fresh, new experience for those visiting the Gulf Coast beaches.
Hammock Beach Resort, a Salamander Golf & Spa Resort – part of the luxury hotel company founded by Sheila C. Johnson – has promoted Stephen Baker to the position of Director of Group Sales, and has appointed Chris Pranis as its new Senior Sales Manager. Baker’s promotion comes as no surprise, as he has been with Hammock Beach Resort for the past 10 years, earning numerous accolades such as Top Group Sales Manager for Salamander Hotels & Resorts, twice, as well as manager of the quarter and sales person of the year. In his new role, Baker will handle the day-to-day operation and implementation of group sales strategies and customer relations, while working with key accounts. “Stephen is a true reflection of the Hammock Beach lifestyle,” says Jason Kern, the resort’s Director of Sales & Marketing. “His passion and energy for the resort, its amenities, and for bringing people together is what we are all about. We are very confident in the impact his new leadership role will have on the team, and the entire group operation as a whole.” Pranis, who previously worked at Hammock Beach Resort from 2008 to 2012, rejoins the team after spending the last five years at The Shores Resort & Spa, and the Casa Monica Hotel. With a degree in Sports & Event Marketing, and a background in golf operations, Pranis is a welcomed addition to the team and will oversee the Southeast Market for the resort, as well as manage key race related customers.
Pranis, who previously worked at Hammock Beach Resort from 2008 to 2012, rejoins the team after spending the last five years at The Shores Resort & Spa, and the Casa Monica Hotel. With a degree in Sports & Event Marketing, and a background in golf operations, Pranis is a welcomed addition to the team and will oversee the Southeast Market for the resort, as well as manage key race related customers.
W Fort Lauderdale is revealing the first phase of its $55 million-dollar renovation, bringing a fresh, glamorous design to the entire property, including both the Hotel and the Residences. Owned by Related Companies, the full scale renovation touched every corner of the property, including all 517 guest rooms, suites, and residential suites, the grand porte cochère, rooftop WET deck pool and meeting spaces. The final phase to complete the hotel's new look this fall will include a new ballroom and an oceanfront restaurant from James Beard Award nominee, Stephen Starr.