News & Press
Good news travels fast.
We love sharing our success stories, new developments and upcoming projects with the world. This is where you’ll find our recent press releases, media coverage and stories we just can’t keep to ourselves. It’s also where members of the press can get ahold of us to help meet their deadlines, consult a hospitality industry expert or inquire about one of our recent or upcoming initiatives.
Media Queries
- Lauren Bowles
- Vice President of Communications
Featured Press
People on the Move at McKibbon Hospitality
McKibbon Hospitality has appointed six new corporate team members across its operations, sales and marketing, revenue management and engineering disciplines.
Read MoreShane Aldridge Appointed General Manager At AC Hotel by Marriott Jackson Ridgeland
McKibbon Hospitality, an award-winning leader in hotel management, today announced the appointment of Shane Aldridge as General Manager of the new AC Hotel by Marriott Jackson Ridgeland opening this fall in The Township at Colony Park.
Read MoreMcKibbon Hospitality, Liberty Group partner on third-party management
McKibbon Hospitality has entered into a new strategic partnership with commercial real estate firm Liberty Group. As Liberty Group shifts its focus to development, real estate and asset management, the company will be transitioning management of its remaining seven hotels to McKibbon.
Read MorePeople on the Move at McKibbon Hospitality
McKibbon Hospitality appoints three new corporate leaders Hotel management firm McKibbon Hospitality has appointed Jihad Lotfi as VP of revenue management; Weejen Lynch as VP of engineering; and Kiel Lombardo as director of food & beverage for lifestyle hotels.
Read MoreNew management company for Hilton Garden Inn in Sawgrass Village
“We are pleased to add the Hilton Garden Inn Jacksonville/Ponte Vedra to our management portfolio,” said McKibbon Hospitality President Randy Hassen. “This new opportunity allows us to expand our presence in the Jacksonville area and provide our guests with the highest level of service and warm hospitality.”
Read MoreMcKibbon Hospitality Adds Three Hotels
McKibbon Hospitality has added three new South Walton, FL hotels to its management portfolio. Owned by Miramar Beach, FL-based real estate development and investment company, Howard Group, the three properties include Courtyard by Marriott Sandestin at Grand Boulevard, Residence Inn by Marriott Sandestin at Grand Boulevard, and Hyatt Place Sandestin at Grand Boulevard.
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McKibbon Family Foundation Makes $5 Million Donation to Florida International University
The McKibbon Family Foundation, led by philanthropists John and Letitia McKibbon, today announced a $5 million contribution to Florida International University’s (FIU) Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management. The transformational gift was presented during a recent event celebrating well-loved and influential professor emeritus, Rocco M. Angelo’s 90th birthday, and will be used to establish an alumni center, new technology-focused programming, as well as scholarships for hospitality students.
Read MoreWeejen Lynch Appointed Vice President of Engineering At McKibbon Hospitality
McKibbon Hospitality, an award-winning leader in hotel management is pleased to announce the recent appointment of Weejen Lynch as Vice President of Engineering. Weejen Lynch brings more than 25 years of engineering, maintenance and operations experience to McKibbon in his new role.
Read MoreHotel companies update leadership teams
McKibbon Hospitality has appointed three key corporate leaders: Weejen Lynch as VP of engineering, Jihad Lotfi as VP of revenue management and Kiel Lombardo as director of food & beverage for lifestyle hotels.
Read MoreProperties under new management
McKibbon Hospitality is now managing the Hilton Garden Inn Jacksonville | Ponte Vedra. The 127-room hotel is located in the Ponte Vedra Beach area of Jacksonville, FL at the entrance to TPC Sawgrass, home of The Players Championship golf tournament and the new PGA Tour headquarters.
Read MoreBest Asheville Hotels for a Truly Local Stay (Kimpton Hotel Arras)
The pet-friendly Kimpton Hotel Arras opened in October 2019 as part of a historic transformation of the former BB&T Bank, which was built in 1965 in Asheville’s bustling Pack Square. Now, the building (the tallest in Asheville) features 128 rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows, some showcasing impressive views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Read MoreTop spots for socially-distant, family-friendly weekend getaways: North Carolina
Stay close to Asheville’s restaurants and museums at the Foundry Hotel Asheville or Kimpton Hotel Arras, or retreat to the secluded Omni Grove Park Inn. For even more privacy, cabin rentals are available at the Esmeralda Inn at Lake Lure and Asheville Country Cabins.
Read MoreAsheville Hotel Relaunches Trailblazing Foster Dog Program
In addition to Aloft Asheville Downtown, McKibbon's Aloft Tallahassee Downtown, Aloft Greenville Downtown, and Aloft Orlando Downtown properties have also implemented foster dog programs in partnership with local rescue organizations.
Read MoreMcKibbon Hospitality Celebrates Erin Cerrato's CRME Certification
Cerrato is the first member of McKibbon’s talented in-house revenue management team to receive this certification, elevating the team’s potential to maximize profits and drive market share across its management portfolio.
Read MoreHow COVID-19 shifted fundamentals of hotel management
Bruce Baerwalde, EVP of operations at McKibbon Hospitality, said in an email interview that as the pandemic began to take hold, the company rolled out a cleanliness initiative called “Our Clean Pledge,” a program intended to “provide our team with the tools and guidance necessary to safely and comfortably conduct their duties and ensure our guests’ confidence in the cleanliness and safety of our hotels.”
Read MoreRoof Above will transform west Charlotte hotel into affordable housing community
As temperatures get colder and the pandemic continues, Roof Above plans to transform a west Charlotte hotel into an affordable housing community. The hotel, located at the intersection of Clanton Road and Interstate 77, will be an emergency shelter for women and families this winter. The project is estimated to cost $12 million. Roof Above has raised money through government and philanthropic support including a significant financial contribution from John McKibbon and the McKibbon Family Foundation
Read MoreNew Director of Sales at Aloft Greenville Downtown
Jake O'Dare was recently hired to be the new Director of Sales at the Aloft Greenville Downtown managed by McKibbon Hospitality. Jake has over 15 years of experience in the hospitality industry and is moving to Greenville with his wife and two kids to call the Upstate home. He has a degree in Resort Tourism Management from Coastal Carolina University and graduated from Wando High School.
Read MoreKimpton Hotel Arras Receives AAA Four Diamond Designation
Kimpton Hotel Arras, McKibbon Hospitality's boutique, 128-room hotel in the heart of downtown Asheville, announces it has earned the prestigious AAA Four Diamond designation for 2020. Awarded to properties with upscale style and amenities enhanced with the right touch of service, just 6.5 percent of the nearly 27,000 AAA Diamond lodgings have received this designation.
Read More“Ode to Buskers & Asheville Music” sculpture unveiled
Kimpton Hotel Arras and local artists today unveiled, “Ode to Buskers & Asheville Music,” a locally created, life-size stainless steel sculpture located outdoors on the corner of Lexington and Patton at Kimpton Hotel Arras.
Read MoreTodd Kinney appointed General Manager of Hyatt House Tampa Avion Park
Todd Kinney has been appointed General Manager of the new Hyatt House Tampa Avion Park under McKibbon Hospitality, an award-winning leader in hotel management. Kinney comes with years of experience and is considered to be a veteran of the hospitality industry. In his new role, Kinney will be responsible for overseeing all operations for the 145-room, extended-stay hotel, which is slated to open at the end of this year.
Read MoreLakeland Hospitality Group and McKibbon Hospitality Open New SpringHill Suites in Lakeland, Florida
Lakeland Hospitality Group, McKibbon Hospitality, and local officials gathered today to celebrate the grand opening of Lakeland's newest and cleanest hotel, SpringHill Suites Lakeland, with a ribbon-cutting and tours. The hotel, which broke ground on October 1, 2018, and was completed this spring, will be managed by Tampa-based McKibbon Hospitality with General Manager John Loute overseeing all operations and leading the team on property.
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