The Woodlands (Houston), Texas, June 28, 2012 … Benchmark Hospitality International, a leading U.S.-based hospitality management company, has appointed Phillip Starling general manager of Naples Bay Resort, the award-winning property located in Naples, Florida.  Naples Bay Resort is part of Benchmark Hospitality’s collection of Personal Luxury Resorts & Hotels SM.  Greg Champion, Benchmark’s chief operating officer, made the announcement.

“It is a pleasure to announce Phillip’s promotion to general manager,” said Mr. Champion.  “He is a superb hotelier who vividly understands the nuances of the luxury market.  Phillip is a tremendous resource to this remarkable resort, uniquely situated to provide water access to Naples Bay and the Gulf of Mexico.”

Phillip Starling was most recently director of operations for Marenas Resort, Benchmark’s Personal Luxury property located in Sunny Isles Beach, Florida.  Prior to joining Benchmark Hospitality International, Mr. Starling served as general manager for The Grove Isle Hotel & Spa, located in Coconut Grove, Florida.  He has held senior-level leadership and management positions for hotels and resorts throughout Florida, Georgia and Kentucky.

Originally from the US Virgin Islands, Phillip Starling received his Associates Degree at Valencia Community College of Orlando.  He is a Certified Hospitality Housekeeping Executive through the American Hotel & Lodging Association, and is a United States Army veteran, having served in Germany.  He resides in the Naples area with his family.

About Naples Bay Resort
The 20-acre Naples Bay Resort is ideally situated on the Gulf of Mexico in southwest Florida. Part of Benchmark Hospitality’s exclusive Personal Luxury Resorts & Hotels ^SM, guests at the Four Diamond property can select from a choice of luxurious accommodations, including The Cottages, 108 two- and three-bedroom villas; and The Hotel, which features 65 designer-furnished, one- and two-bedroom suites and 20 guest rooms. Restaurants include Olio on Naples Bay, Bonefish Grill and Bluewater Bar & Grill. Recreation facilities include a spa and fitness center; full-service tennis center with six lighted, Har-Tru courts, pro shop and lessons; Pilates, aerobics and yoga classes; lagoon-style, lazy river, children and lap pools; and private cabanas. The resort’s 97-slip marina incorporates a Yacht Club, waterfront pool, ship’s store, fuel dock and rental boats, including 22-foot Kayot and 24-foot Everglades boats.

Naples Bay Resort – a proud member of the Preferred Hotels & Resorts – is located at 1500 Fifth Avenue South, Naples, Fla. 34102 and is operated by Benchmark Hospitality International.

About Personal Luxury Resorts & Hotels^SM
Personal Luxury Resorts & Hotels^SM represents a hand-picked group of 14 luxurious properties, in spectacular U.S. destinations coast to coast and off shore.  Each hotel and resort delivers personal luxury in a spirit true to its own distinctive locale, yet in unison with the collection’s shared mission. A division of Benchmark Hospitality International, for 30 years a leading US-based hospitality management company, and led by a proven and seasoned team of award-winning luxury hospitality professionals, Personal Luxury Resorts & Hotels^SM is the preferred choice of guests who yearn for transformation over accommodation, customization over conformity, and inspiration over predictability.  With Personal Luxury Resorts & Hotels^SM, luxury is always personal.

About Benchmark Hospitality International
Benchmark Hospitality International is a leader in the management and marketing of resorts, conference centers, hotels, and Personal Luxury Resorts & Hotels^SM.  The independent company, launched in 1980, is a worldwide organization operating properties in major metropolitan and resort destinations.  Benchmark's international headquarters is located in The Woodlands, Texas, near Houston. Benchmark Hospitality is also a founding member of the International Association of Conference Centers.  The company's eastern regional office is in New Jersey, western regional office is in Washington, with international offices in Tokyo, Japan, and Santiago, Chile. For the location of Benchmark's properties and additional information, visit www.benchmarkhospitality.com.