March 27, 2012 - From Chicago to South Beach to the Big Apple, Don Fraser has been at the helm of elite hotels across the country throughout his more than twenty-five years in the hospitality business.  Now he calls the Paramount Hotel home. Effective immediately, Don Fraser has been appointed General Manager of the iconic New York City landmark, overseeing all hotel operations and the property’s ongoing evolution.

Known for his hands-on management style, the Purdue University graduate has a strong track-record for taking distressed assets and turning them into highly successful hotels. Prior to joining the Paramount team, Fraser served at General Manager for the Royal Palm in Miami Beach, Florida where he quickly carved a niche for the luxury beachfront property within a highly competitive market. He has also held the positions of Corporate Director of Operations and General Manager of Affinia Dumont in New York City for Denihan Hospitality Group; General Manager of the Hilton Newark Penn Station in Newark, N.J. with Highgate Hotels; and various other management positions at Hyatt Regency O’Hare and Hyatt Regency Chicago. And the credentials go on and on…

But what about the man behind the title? In breaking from tradition, Fraser has answered three personal questions to give insight into the dynamic personality leading Paramount Hotel:

• First thing you notice when you enter a guestroom at another hotel?

Organization and cleanliness. If the room is chaos, it sets a negative tone for the entire stay.

• Biggest travel pet peeve?

Not being acknowledged while waiting, whether in line for check in or at the restaurant host stand; a simple smile goes a long way to making someone feel cared for.

• Rumor has it New Yorkers avoid Times Square, but as a New Yorker working in Times Square, what are some of your favorites in the overlooked neighborhood

Bar Centrale is a local secret as it’s tucked into a nondescript brownstone and has a fantastic vibe for cocktails. When it comes to food, I always head to Becco for Italian.  And for those in need of a fun photo opp, the Red Stairs in the heart of Times Square are my pick. They make for postcard-worthy photos.

About Paramount Hotel
A Big Apple landmark, literally, the Paramount is found at the intersection of Times Square and Broadway offering travelers a fashionable, vibrant, and uniquely “New York” experience. Built in 1928 by famed theater architect Thomas W. Lamb the hotel was designed to reflect the bustling energy of the surrounding “White Way” employing dramatic French Renaissance architectural elements. Throughout the ensuing eight decades, the hotel has gained notoriety for its infamous guests, connection with legendary performers and artists including: the Memphis Stompers, Yoko Ono, Liza Minelli and Andy Warhol, and its eccentric owners, all of which have left their indelible marks. Today, the hotel is part of Highgate Hotels and is known for Paramount Bar (a legendary space evoking an era when Gotham meant glam that continues to attract A-list artists, the culturally clued-in and cocktail connoisseurs), sultry and sophisticated Library Bar, chic guestrooms, attentive service, and a collection of contemporary art that dares to rival MoMA.  In addition, 2012 will also be a year of evolution. Under new ownership and with a new leader at its helm, the property will be unveiling a series of dramatic changes that will enhance the guest experience and cement the property as a favorite of New Yorkers in-the-know.