November 6, 2012 (Rockleigh, New Jersey) - Dolce Hotels and Resorts has announced the appointment of Jesse Luis as Vice President of Development for North America. Luis, who is based at the Dolce corporate office in Rockleigh, New Jersey, is responsible for driving strategic property growth across the continent.

"With The Alexander set to open in Indianapolis in January, Dolce is seeking out new opportunities for expansion across North America," said Steven Rudnitsky, President and CEO of Dolce Hotels and Resorts. "With his strong background in crafting successful development strategies for upscale hotel brands, Jesse will be a strong player in that effort. We're delighted to have him on the Dolce team."

Luis arrived at Dolce from Choice Hotels International Inc., where he served as Vice President, Real Estate Development Services since 2008. In that role, he conceived the national development strategy for the upscale Cambria Suites brand and closed on a pipeline of projects totaling more than 1,000 rooms.

Previously, Luis was with Marriott International for more than a decade, departing as Vice President North America Real Estate with responsibility for developing upscale properties throughout the northeast. Prior to that, he was Area Vice President, Lodging Development, responsible for growth strategy, ground-up development and conversions, originating and negotiating management agreements, and transacting franchise agreements for select-service and extended-stay hotels.

Luis earned a J.D. at Rutgers University School of Law and has been a member of the New Jersey Bar since 1999. He also holds an MBA in Finance/Real Estate from the Graduate School of Management at Rutgers University and a BS in Communications Arts from Cornell University.

About Dolce Hotels and Resorts
Headquartered in Rockleigh, New Jersey, Dolce Hotels and Resorts operates 25 upscale hotels, resorts and conference-focused properties through North America and Europe. The portfolio features U.S. addresses in California, Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and Texas, as well as properties in Canada, Belgium, France, Germany and Spain.  All distinct in design and uniquely suited to their locations, Dolce properties feature freshly sourced culinary experiences and inspiring environments that bring people together for meetings and events.  Dolce pioneered the Complete Meetings Package, now embraced by many hotel companies and the International Association of Conference Centers as a standard.  Dolce Hotels and Resorts is continuing to expand throughout the US and Europe.  Downtown Indianapolis will welcome The Alexander in early 2013, and forthcoming European hotel launches are planned in Vittel, France, and Belas, Portugal.  www.dolce.com