Chris Coles has been named complex managing director for Universal Cabana Bay Beach Resort and Universal Aventura Hotel, two established hotels at Universal Orlando Resort. A seasoned hotelier, Chris brings a depth of hospitality experience from his general manager roles with Marriott International and most recently, Walt Disney World, where he opened two new resort concepts.
Jonathan Barisano has been named complex managing director for Universal Stella Nova Resort and Universal Terra Luna Resort, two new 750-room hotels that will open adjacent to Universal Epic Universe. He will lead the teams that bring to life these new hotels inspired by galaxies and diverse planetary elements. Barisano has an impressive career with Loews Hotels in Orlando and most recently, served as general manager at Universal Aventura Hotel.
Robert Rivers has been named managing director for Universal Helios Grand Hotel, a Loews Hotel, the destination's first-ever hotel inside a theme park. A veteran hotelier, Rivers will lead the team that brings the vision and mission to life at this 500-room hotel featuring one-of-a-kind views and a dedicated entrance into the theme park. Most recently, Rivers has served as managing director at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando and has an extensive career as general manager at hotels in Boston, Minneapolis and St. Louis.
Driftwood Capital, a vertically integrated commercial real estate firm providing accredited investors opportunities to invest in hospitality assets, announces the grand opening of the Element by Westin Melbourne Oceanfront ("Hotel"), a 130-key hotel in Melbourne, Florida. Part of a $1 billion pipeline of properties Driftwood Capital is developing throughout 2024, the Hotel is the firm's fourth investment in Florida's Space Coast, capitalizing on one of the state's fastest-growing areas.
Tampa Marriott Water Street is excited to introduce Harry W. Siebert as the property's new Director of Restaurants. In his new role, Siebert will oversee all aspects of the property's Food & Beverage (F&B) management, including restaurant staffing, strategic planning and community involvement.
The Gabriel South Beach, a modern art deco property on Ocean Drive managed by Highgate, has announced the appointment of Ryan Rauscher as general manager. Rauscher has had a distinguished career in the hospitality industry, marked by various leadership roles and successes in repositioning, branding and opening properties across the country.
Luminary Hotel & Co. is pleased to announce the appointment of Tyler Morrissey as its new Director of Engineering. In this pivotal role, Morrissey will oversee operations and maintenance at Luminary Hotel & Co., ensuring all facilities meet the highest standards of excellence and safety. Morrissey will also ensure compliance with all Fire Department requirements and maintain up-to-date certifications from all relevant federal, state, and local governing agencies.
Amrit Ocean Resort, a luxury beachfront wellness resort located in Singer Island of Palm Beach County is now open and ready to welcome guests and the surrounding community. Spanning seven beachfront acres along the Atlantic Ocean, this revolutionary, next-generation wellness-focused property merges Eastern principles with Western luxury.
Miami Marriott Biscayne Bay - a high-rise hotel situated on Miami's Biscayne Bay - is proud to announce the appointment of Bertha Crucet as Director of Sales and Marketing. In her new role, Crucet will develop and implement sales initiatives and marketing strategies to generate maximum revenue and support the property's continued growth as it emerges from a $60 million renovation.
Moxy Miami Wynwood, the lifestyle hotel brand that's redefining modern travel, is excited to announce the appointment of Julio Grisales as the new Director of Sales. With an impressive 17-year career in the hospitality industry, Julio brings invaluable experience and a fresh approach to this crucial role. Based in Miami, he will spearhead the hotel's sales strategies and play a pivotal role in establishing Moxy Miami Wynwood as a premier destination in Miami.
Gale Miami Hotel & Residences is thrilled to announce the grand opening of the brand's latest addition, bringing more vibrancy to Downtown Miami's hotel scene. Strong demand from worldwide travelers has led to steady growth and transformation in South Florida's hospitality sector. This is further illustrated with the opening of Gale Miami Hotel & Residences. The team at Gale Hospitality Group is renowned for crafting exceptional guest experiences in Miami's hotel and entertainment scene.
Hyatt Centric Key West Resort & Spa is thrilled to welcome Hector Ortiz as the newly appointed General Manager. With nearly 25 years of knowledge and expertise with the Hyatt brand, Ortiz will oversee operations, ensuring a continued commitment to the unparalleled experience at the hidden waterfront oasis in Key West, which is also home to the celebrity-helmed restaurant, Four Flamingos: A Richard Blais Key West Kitchen.
Lion Star, Everest Place, and Paramount have unveiled their partnership to bring to life the much-anticipated Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Orlando in Kissimmee, Florida. Slated to open in 2026, this resort will be located in the Everest Place development and expertly operated by Lion Star Hospitality Inc., the exclusive US licensee for Karisma Hotels & Resorts, welcoming guests to explore a world of limitless fun and boundless opportunity.
LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort, a Noble House Resort nestled along the pristine white sands and sparkling waters of the Gulf of Mexico, proudly announces the successful culmination of its comprehensive 18-month restoration journey. Meticulously undertaken, this endeavor marks the restoration of the award-winning resort to its former esteemed glory following significant damages incurred from Hurricane Ian in September of 2022.
PTM Partners and DoveHill Capital Management are proud to announce that Moxy St. Pete will open this summer, under management from the Wurzak Hotel Group. Located on Central Avenue, one of the most vibrant streets in Florida, the hotel will open as the new social hub of St. Pete. The newly built lifestyle hotel, thoughtfully designed by Storyn Studio for Architecture, will introduce 163 guest rooms and suites, a dynamic lobby featuring indoor and outdoor spaces, a large open-air bar and premium coffee café, work areas, and the neighborhood's first rooftop pool deck with a poolside bar. Additionally, this fall, the hotel will open the second location of Sparrow, a Florida-favorite rooftop dining and nightlife experience.
Extended Stay America®, the leading mid-priced extended stay hotel brand in the United States, announced today the opening of the Extended Stay America Premier Suites® Fort Myers - Airport in Fort Myers, Florida. Turnstone Group developed the property, which Sandpiper Hospitality will manage.
ComOps, a leader in providing strategy and support for the hospitality and casino industries, is thrilled to announce the appointment of Sofya McIntosh as the new Senior Vice President of Sales & Customer Success, effective May 7, 2024. Sofya is a seasoned professional with over 25 years of experience in both hotel operations and technology sales leadership. Her comprehensive background in the industry, starting as a reservations agent, underscores her deep-rooted passion for empowering hospitality operators to excel and expand.
The St. Regis Longboat Key Resort, opening this summer, is proud to introduce its exceptional leadership team, handpicked to deliver an unparalleled guest experience. Set to become the centerpiece of Longboat Key, the resort showcases striking design, seven exceptional dining options, a luxurious destination spa, a meandering waterway, and a unique saltwater lagoon wildlife encounter featuring stingrays, tortoises, tropical fish, and more. Under the guidance of General Manager Winfred van Workum, renowned for his extensive leadership experience, the property's 168 guest rooms, including 26 suites with terraces, will establish itself as the premier destination in the heart of Longboat Key. This marks a historic moment as the largest development on the island in over 50 years, making it the exclusive domestic opening for St. Regis in 2024.
The St. Regis Longboat Key Resort, opening this summer, is proud to introduce its exceptional leadership team, handpicked to deliver an unparalleled guest experience. Set to become the centerpiece of Longboat Key, the resort showcases striking design, seven exceptional dining options, a luxurious destination spa, a meandering waterway, and a unique saltwater lagoon wildlife encounter featuring stingrays, tortoises, tropical fish, and more. Under the guidance of General Manager Winfred van Workum, renowned for his extensive leadership experience, the property's 168 guest rooms, including 26 suites with terraces, will establish itself as the premier destination in the heart of Longboat Key. This marks a historic moment as the largest development on the island in over 50 years, making it the exclusive domestic opening for St. Regis in 2024.
The St. Regis Longboat Key Resort, opening this summer, is proud to introduce its exceptional leadership team, handpicked to deliver an unparalleled guest experience. Set to become the centerpiece of Longboat Key, the resort showcases striking design, seven exceptional dining options, a luxurious destination spa, a meandering waterway, and a unique saltwater lagoon wildlife encounter featuring stingrays, tortoises, tropical fish, and more. Under the guidance of General Manager Winfred van Workum, renowned for his extensive leadership experience, the property's 168 guest rooms, including 26 suites with terraces, will establish itself as the premier destination in the heart of Longboat Key. This marks a historic moment as the largest development on the island in over 50 years, making it the exclusive domestic opening for St. Regis in 2024.