A leader in the hospitality industry with a proven track record of leading sales, luxury marketing, and revenue management teams, Tom Puntel will lead the commercial strategy of the recently transitioned Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal in his new role as director of sales & marketing.

“We are pleased to welcome Tom to the Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal family,” said General Manager Fernando Flores. “His extensive knowledge of the luxury hospitality market will help us reach new heights during this exciting time, following the celebration of our 10^th anniversary last year and the completion of our transition into Mexico’s first Waldorf Astoria resort.”

Puntel brings over 25 years of experience in hospitality to his new role having held positions as regional director of revenue management and director of sales, marketing and events at Hyatt Hotels, and most recently as vice president of sales and marketing at East West Hospitality. As Director of Sales and Marketing at Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal, Puntel will lead the team’s efforts with a focus on luxury direct sales with individual travelers and groups while aligning marketing and PR efforts with the Waldorf Astoria brand team.  Collaborating with various stakeholders and internal team members to achieve sales and marketing goals is a fulfilling endeavor for Puntel, who thrives on engagement and teamwork.

Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal, previously known as The Resort at Pedregal, debuted in September 2019 as the brand’s first resort to open in Mexico. Situated on Cabo San Lucas’ most coveted parcel of land – an extraordinary, 24-acre site at the southernmost tip of Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula – the exclusive haven, accessible by Mexico’s only privately-owned Dos Mares tunnel, creates a strong sense of privacy and arrival, just minutes from bustling downtown Cabo San Lucas. This year, the elite resort has been named a Forbes Five-Star Hotel for fourth consecutive year and has received a Forbes Five Star Spa rating for its onsite spa, now named Waldorf Astoria Spa, for the third consecutive year. Featuring 115 guest rooms, the luxury resort is known for its curated Beyond the Beach curated excursions, expansive suites with ocean views and private plunge pools, elevated dining, holistic spa treatments and True Waldorf Astoria Service. 

Source: Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal

AMResorts®, an Apple Leisure Group® brand, and Grupo Hotelero Santa Fe, one of the leaders of Mexico’s hotel industry, announced today a new resort management deal that will bring Breathless® Resorts & Spas to Tulum.

AMResorts will oversee brand management, sales and marketing of the resort, while HOTEL will be responsible for operating the property. ALG is the world’s top seller of vacation packages to Mexico, Dominican Republic and Jamaica, and one of the largest to the Caribbean, from the U.S., moving 2.3 million passengers annually to these regions.

“Our strong relationship with Grupo Hotelero Santa Fe demonstrates ALG is the right resort brand management partner for owners seeking to maximize their investments through our powerful distribution channels,” said Javier Coll, Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer of ALG. “As Tulum welcomed more than 300,000 visitors* this summer alone, we are excited to expand our presence in one of Mexico’s top travel destinations.”

Breathless Tulum Resort & Spa, a Grand Tourism category resort as designated by the Mexican Secretary of Tourism, is slated to open in 2021 and will be comprised of 300 suites offering the brand’s Unlimited-Luxury^® vacation concept where everything is included: gourmet dining, 24-hour room and concierge services, an unlimited premium beverage program, daily refreshed mini bar, daytime activities, live nighttime entertainment, included taxes and gratuities, and more – all without wristbands. The property will also boast a stunning beach club that will raise the bar to a new level in the entire region.

Source: AMResorts

Sage Hospitality Group, one of the nation’s leading hospitality investment, development and management companies, announced today that Daniel del Olmo has joined Sage as president of the company’s hotel management arm. In this role, del Olmo will have comprehensive oversight of Sage Hotel Management’s hotel and restaurant operations. He will be tasked with creating and executing strategies that strengthen and grow the division, as well as meeting all operational and financial goals.

“Daniel is an exemplary leader with a proven track record and expertise in leading hotel and restaurant operations to success,” said Sage Hospitality Group’s President and CEO Walter Isenberg. “He also demonstrates a passion for being on the pioneering edge of the hospitality industry, and I sincerely look forward to his contributions to our portfolio and our teams.”

Del Olmo is a senior hospitality executive with extensive experience in global business strategy, brand management, hotel/restaurant operations and business development. His expansive career includes an 11-year tenure with Wyndham Hotel Group in multiple senior and executive level roles, including Senior Vice President & Managing Director for Latin America, where he managed a portfolio of more than 115 hotels and seven brands in 11 countries.

“For years, I have admired Walter and the talented team at Sage Hospitality Group for the genuine dedication to the communities that Sage hotels and restaurants serve and for their innovative and highly relevant approach to lifestyle hospitality,” Del Olmo said. “I am both humbled and honored to join the team at such a critical juncture and am thrilled about the opportunity that lies ahead.”

Del Olmo joins Sage Hospitality at an exciting time of growth, with a number of development projects in the pipeline that will add to the company’s dynamic portfolio of more than 50 hotels across the U.S. Current projects under development include the Milwaukee Athletic Club in Milwaukee, WI, and two projects in Denver – one at McGregor Square near Coors Field and another in the RiNo Art District. To learn more about Sage Hospitality Group’s growing portfolio of hotels and restaurants, visit sagehospitality.com.

SOURCE Sage Hospitality

Isham brings over 13 years of experience as an award winning sales professional and has a proven record of accomplishment in group business in various markets including corporate, association, pharmaceutical and social.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Jen Isham to the Omni family,” said Robert Stanfield, area managing director of Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate. “We know she will help drive the continued success of our property and the meetings experience for all of our valued guests.”

Most recently, Isham was the director of strategic accounts at Experient Inc. Among many things, she was responsible for maintaining and growing portfolios for strategic accounts with a focus on sales management, project management, event management and client service leadership within the event industry. Prior to that, she served as the senior sales manager at both the Hilton Lake Buena Vista and Hilton Orlando.

Isham looks forward to using her experience to continue to grow group business on property and continue build out the meetings experience.

About Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate

Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate is a part of the Omni Hotels & Resorts family, which creates compelling, memorable guest experiences by tempting the senses in innovative ways, surrounding them with a balanced blend of scents, sounds, sights, textures and tastes. The resort offers luxury accommodations including 862 rooms and suites, two championship Greg Norman-designed golf courses, world headquarters of The Leadbetter Golf Academy, a signature Mokara spa, five heated outdoor pools including a wave pool and an 850-foot lazy river. The resort also features nine diverse dining experiences from savory sushi and sake at ZEN to an Italian herb garden and brick-oven flatbreads at Trevi’s.

About Omni Hotels & Resorts

Omni Hotels & Resorts creates genuine, authentic guest experiences at 60 distinct luxury hotels and resorts in leading business and leisure destinations across North America. With more than 25 iconic golf courses and 16 award-winning spas featured in dynamic locales nationwide, every Omni proudly opens its doors to share the true spirit of its destination. Reflected through local color, personalized service, unique wellness options, signature restaurants and creative culinary offerings, Omni leaves a lasting impression with every guest and a heightened level of recognition and rewards delivered through its Select Guest loyalty program. As a founding member of the Global Hotel Alliance, Select Guest is further expanded through the DISCOVERY® loyalty program offering members additional global benefits. Omni is committed to reducing hunger and is on a mission through its Say Goodnight to Hunger initiative to provide millions of meals each year for food banks to feed children, families and seniors in communities in which it operates. Omni Hotels & Resorts is the official hotel of the PGA TOUR and PGA TOUR Champions. For information or to book accommodations, visit omnihotels.comor call 1-800-The-Omni.

Source: Omni Hotels

The Merrill Hotel & Conference Center, Muscatine, set on the banks of the picturesque Mississippi River in eastern Iowa, has joined Tribute Portfolio, Marriott International’s newest collection brand and growing global family of characterful, independent hotels drawn together by their passion for captivating design and their drive to create vibrant social scenes for guests and locals alike. 

“We are so proud to be part of the Tribute Portfolio family,” said Rebecca Howe, president of Riverview Hotel Development LLC, the hotel’s ownership group. “We look forward to providing an unforgettable experience for the modern traveler seeking local experiences and top-of-the-line customer service.”

Situated adjacent to the city’s River Walk Park, The Merrill Hotel & Conference Center, Muscatine features 122 uniquely-styled and well-appointed guest rooms, which include a Presidential Suite, Chairman’s Suite, Junior Suites, and have the flexibility of one, two and three-bedroom configurations. Located in the heart of historic downtown Muscatine in the scenic riverfront area, The Merrill Hotel has been recognized for its luxurious accommodations, outstanding customer service, and beautiful views overlooking the gently rolling Mississippi River.

A state-of-the-art conference center is located on the top floor and features 14 meeting and event spaces with a total of 12,723 square feet of meeting space, including the 4,719-square-foot Grand Ballroom featuring floor-to-ceiling windows and a large outdoor balcony overlooking the Mississippi River. Additional amenities include an indoor, heated saltwater pool; lounge with adjacent outdoor patio; a large fully-equipped fitness center; the full-service restaurant Maxwell’s; gift shop; 24-hour business center; and concierge services.

The hotel is just 25 minutes from the Quad City area, and 30 minutes from Quad City International Airport (MLI) in Moline, Illinois. The Merrill Hotel & Conference Center, Muscatine will continue to operate under the same ownership and management companies, Riverview Hotel Development LLC & Hostmark Hospitality Group, respectively.

For more information on the hotel, call (563) 263-2600 or visit www.themerrill.com. For more information on Tribute Portfolio visit www.tributeportfolio.com.

SOURCE: The Merrill Hotel

VISIT Milwaukee has named Peggy Williams-Smith, Senior Vice President of Marcus Hotels & Resorts, as its new CEO, effective November 18. Williams-Smith replaces Paul Upchurch, who is leaving to pursue other opportunities.

Williams-Smith was selected from a national field of candidates in a months-long search, headed up Omar Shaikh, Chair of the VISIT Milwaukee Board of Directors. She is the first woman to lead the organization.

“Peggy is well known in the Milwaukee community as a leader and as a woman who makes things happen, so she was a natural choice for the role,” said Shaikh. “Ultimately, the search committee was impressed with her vision for VISIT Milwaukee and her passion for the destination.”

Williams-Smith is a lifelong Milwaukeean, proud UWM Panther, and has honed her hospitality skills at Marcus Corporation since 1997. She has co-chaired the citywide UPAF campaign and is a member of Professional Dimensions and TEMPO Milwaukee, and the Milwaukee Business Journal named her as a “40 under 40” winner in 2010 and a “Woman of Influence” in 2017.

“I could not be more excited to take the reins at VISIT Milwaukee as we go headfirst into a very busy and exciting year, featuring national events such as the DNC, the USA Triathalon, The Ryder Cup, and the 140th Annual Meeting of Northwestern Mutual Agents,” said Williams-Smith. “It is an honor to be selected to lead this organization into the next decade. I look forward to working closely with the dynamic team at VISIT Milwaukee, Marty Brooks and the Wisconsin Center District, and the hospitality community to make 2020 a banner year for our city.”

Source: Visit Milwaukee

Waldordf Asotria Hotels & Resorts, Hilton’s iconic luxury hotel brand announced the debut of Waldorf Asotria Los Cabos Pedregal transforming The Resort at Pedregal as the brand´s first property in Mexico. The award-winning Forbes Five Star Resort and Spa, which celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, was acquired by affiliates of Walton Street Capital Mexico and now invites guests to enjoy Mexican-inspired, unforgettable experiences through the brand’s True Waldorf Service.

The resort boasts 119 guest rooms and residential-style suites including the one-bedroom Dos Mares suites, two-bedroom beachfront suites, and the presidential beachfront suite, all featuring their own private plunge pools. Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal creates a unique sense of place with a relentless commitment to personal service provided by a team of Personal Concierges who are available around the clock to assist guests with their requests.

Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal debuts as the premier offering in the region, with an array of best-in-class facilities and immersive experiences such as concierge services, a private chef upon request, transportation via the resort valet, and customized daytime itineraries. In addition, guests will continuously feel welcomed through an array of complimentary amenities including locally inspired drinks, daily afternoon surprises featuring regional cuisine, and a welcome bottle of Clase Azul Tequila in guests’ rooms.

Source: Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts

The Renaissance Baltimore Harborplace Hotel, one of Baltimore’s most popular Inner Harbor hotels, has just completed a multi-million dollar renovation, it was announced by Chris Madoo, General Manager.

The five-month renovation project for this Baltimore luxury hotel focused on a complete redo of the hotel’s 622 guest rooms and suites including wall covering, carpeting, bedding, furnishings, and decorative items. The design features a calming palette of grays and blues. Guests will find supreme connectivity at their fingertips with multiple power and USB outlets to charge devices as well as 55-inch HDTVs and a new entertainment package with phone-to-TV Bluetooth connectivity. The rooms also feature upgraded spacious bathrooms with Carrera marble and luxurious showers as well as laptop compatible safes.

The hotel’s Club Lounge design was also elevated including the addition of 700 square feet of space, making it one of the largest lounges in Baltimore. The facilities and decor were also modernized including the addition of upscale wine and coffee dispensing stations to appeal to traveler’s desires for on-trend beverage access.

According to Mr. Madoo, “Our meeting and event space as well as our public areas were renovated in 2016, so the entire hotel has a fresh new look just waiting for guests to discover.”

Source: Renaissance Baltimore