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of the Courtyard and Residence Inn, Respectively, in Destin, Florida |
| Destin, Fla. (Nov. 14, 2005) - Marriott International, Inc. has selected
Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort's experienced management team to lead hotel
operations of two new Marriott-branded properties, the Residence Inn Sandestin
at Grand Boulevard and Courtyard Sandestin at Grand Boulevard, slated to
open in early 2006.
Sandestin employees Rene Bruun and Stacey M. Aronson are named general manager of the Courtyard and Residence Inn, respectively. Jeff Davis, most recently sales manager at the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa, is named director of sales for both the Residence Inn and ourtyard hotels. After five years serving as the banquet manager for Sandestin's conference services department, Rene Bruun has been named general manager of the Courtyard Sandestin. Bruun will be responsible for all operations of both the Courtyard Sandestin and the Residence Inn Sandestin. Originally from Kongerslev, Denmark, Bruun began his travel and tourism career as the director of operations for the Herman Night Club and Skoerping Inn in Skoerping, Denmark and has worked for companies including Jalousie Plantation Resort and Spa in St. Lucia, and the Seahorse Divers in New York City. Bruun is active as a certified commercial diver, master instructor with the International Scuba Educators Association (ISEA) and instructor with the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI). "Rene's experience and commitment to our mission, vision and values made him the perfect choice for this job," said Rob Babcock, vice president of operations at Sandestin. Stacey M. Aronson, who joined Sandestin in May 2002, has been named general manager of the Residence Inn Sandestin. Reporting to Bruun, Aronson is responsible for all operations of the hotel. Aronson served as front office manager for Sandestin supervising all front office operations. Bringing 10 years of hospitality industry experience to her new role, Aronson has worked for The Breakers Resort in Palm Beach, Fla., Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Fla., and Marriott Hutchinson Island Beach Resort in Stuart, Fla. Aronson earned her bachelor of science in hospitality administration with a concentration in European travel and tourism from Florida State University. "Stacey has been a great contributor to our front office, and is perfect for this position as she brings an understanding of the personalized service that the Residence Inn is known for," said Babcock. Jeff Davis joins Sandestin as the director of sales for both the Courtyard Sandestin and Residence Inn Sandestin at Grand Boulevard. He will be responsible for driving occupancy and creating brand awareness for both properties in concert with the resort's sales and marketing teams. With a diverse background in the hospitality industry ranging from food and beverage to group sales, Davis was most recently a sales manager for the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa, where he was instrumental in turning a $250,000 market into a $1.5 million market for the resort. Davis earned his bachelor's degree in business management and marketing with a specialization in hospitality from Florida State University and is a member of the Destin Chamber of Commerce, Meeting Professional International (MPI), Religious Conference Management Association (RCMA) and Society of Government Meeting Professionals (SGMP). In addition to interests ranging from scuba diving, golfing and fishing to carpentry, skiing and cooking, Davis participates in annual international mission trips. The Courtyard Sandestin at Grand Boulevard features 174 spacious, well-appointed guest rooms and more than 2,000 square feet of meeting space. The hotel also features a breakfast buffet, library, outdoor pool and hot tub, exercise facility, market and lounge. The Residence Sandestin at Grand Boulevard features 120 spacious guest rooms with the comforts and conveniences of home including separate living and sleeping areas and a kitchenette. The hotel also features a complimentary breakfast buffet and evening social hour, great room, game room, library, outdoor pool and hot tub and exercise facility. Both properties are a part of Grand Boulevard, an upscale specialty lifestyle center developed by Howard Group. Located at the entrance of Sandestin and adjacent to Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast, Grand Boulevard boasts a town-center feel and will feature high- end specialty retail, signature restaurants and office space. |
| Contact:
Colleen McCormick
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