Fort Lauderdale, FL – May 2, 2012 – B Ocean Fort Lauderdale, the first property of the upper-upscale, approachable B Hotels & Resorts® brand, today announced the appointment of industry veteran Eduardo Fernandez as general manager.  Under his leadership, Fernandez is responsible for delivering the brand’s guest-centric experience – self-expression hospitality – and maintaining the hotel’s position as the preferred choice for travelers visiting Fort Lauderdale.
 
“Eduardo’s background in hospitality management, as well as his knowledge of every aspect of hotel operations and branding, makes him an ideal fit to lead the B Ocean Fort Lauderdale team,” said Chris Tompkins, B Hotels & Resorts’® Senior Vice President of Marketing and Brand Programs.  “Eduardo understands the importance of maintaining brand standards and culture, while bringing his own fresh, innovative approaches to create a unique guest experience.”

Fernandez brings nearly three decades of hotel and resort management experience to his new role.  Prior to joining B Ocean Fort Lauderdale, Fernandez held various positions with Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide in which he managed new builds within the St. Regis, Luxury Collection, Westin, Sheraton and W portfolios.  As the past senior director of operations for Starwood, Fernandez served as the primary contact between ownership groups, brand teams and development groups. 

As general manager of the Atlanta Perimeter Hotel & Suites (previously the W Atlanta Perimeter,) Fernandez managed all financial and operational responsibilities and facilitated developmental opportunities with the real estate group for Starwood.  Prior to that position, he served as the pre-opening general manager for the W Retreat & Spa on Vieques Island in Puerto Rico.   

Fernandez has received several accolades throughout his career including the Delaware Hotel & Lodging Association’s Hotelier of the Year (2001) and the ITT Sheraton President’s Award (1991).  Fernandez holds a Hotel Management Degree from the Institut de Tourisme et d’Hotellerie du Quebec and a Bachelor of Professional Studies in Management from Barry University in Miami.   He is fluent in English, French and Spanish. 

About B Ocean Fort Lauderdale
B Ocean Fort Lauderdale features 240 guestrooms, each boasting breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean.  All rooms feature The Blissful Bed™ by B Hotels & Resorts®, white leather-front designer furnishings, a 37” or 42” HD LCD television and more.  The hotel features SAIA™, a signature sushi teppanyaki restaurant that creates a harmonious experience of the senses in a modish Southeast Asian style, B’stro on the Beach™ offering breakfast, lunch, dinner and wine bar, an infinity edge pool, Pool & Patio Bar, free wireless internet throughout all guestrooms and public areas and complimentary use of iPADs.

Headquartered in South Florida, B Hotels & Resorts® brand is a fresh and innovative alternative for today’s travelers, of both business and leisure. The brand upgrades today’s run-of-the-mill lifestyle hotel characteristics with unique elements that invite a broad spectrum of dynamic guests, no matter if 30 years old or 70. 

The B Signature features are consistent across all B Hotels & Resorts® properties and include the following:  B Ambiance™ (a custom sound, lighting and scent program); B Social™ (incorporating communal seating and gathering spaces);  B in Touch™ (with complimentary broadband Internet access throughout all public spaces and guestrooms); B Active™ (a fitness center where guests can exercise and re-energize); B Indulged™ (a Spa Suite featuring an invigorating variety of treatments so guests can B Pampered and customize their own experience.)