Thank you, Hotel Management, for the feature. Click here to read the full article by Esther Hertzfeld.
Masters of the craft of hospitality, general managers are truly exceptional leaders. They are the arbiters of memory making for hotel guests and captains of the ship for staff. GMs have the unique ability to make all guests feel like the only guest while simultaneously troubleshooting issues, balancing a budget and strategizing a marketing plan. Each year, Hotel Management is proud to recognize the superstars that GMs are. From an overwhelming pool of more than 100 candidates, HM’s editors chose 25 standouts. Read on to find out what makes them each so special.
Gil Reyes, The Westin Sarasota, Kolter Hospitality
Gil embarked on his journey in the hotel industry at the age of 15 as a high school sophomore, joining the Travel and Tourism Academy in South Florida while working part-time at the front desk. Although he initially aspired to become an attorney, his early experiences in hospitality sparked a deep passion for the industry, said Kolter Hospitality’s Maria Andersen.
Over the years, Gil advanced through various roles, from front desk positions to leadership in guest services and operational management, ultimately rising to executive and general management roles across five states. He currently serves as the regional general manager at Kolter Hospitality, having recently been promoted from his position as area general manager at the Westin Sarasota.