During the refurbishment, the hotel will continue to operate as The Paramount Hotel New York and to be managed by Lifestar Hotels, LLC.  Lifestar Hotels, LLC is a joint venture between Sol Meliá Hotels & Resorts and Rank Group, owner of the Hard Rock brand with the principal objective of developing Hard Rock hotels in the Americas and Europe.  The joint venture specifies that Sol Meliá will be responsible for the management, marketing and distribution of future Hard Rock Hotels, while Hard Rock Hotels will take charge of the concept, design and brand development of affiliated hotels, as well as of the addition of further properties.

According to Andre Gerondeau, executive vice president Central-North America for Sol Meliá Hotels & Resorts, “Both Andrew and Anthony are dedicated hospitality professionals who have the experience and knowledge to oversee the hotel’s current operations and to guide its reemergence.  They will provide strong leadership to ensure that the highest standards are maintained during the renovation period.”

Tilley, a native of Great Britain, began his hospitality career at the Hilton International in Hong Kong, where he was named “Best Salesman of the Year.”  During his tenure with Hilton, he also worked in Kuwait and Dubai, and was marketing manager for the Middle East.  He went on to hold prominent executive positions at the Shangri-la Bangkok Glasgow Hilton -- Scotland’s largest hotel -- the Balmoral in Edinburgh, and the Hyatt Carlton Tower in London.  Tilley relocated to New York City in 1999 and became general manager, first of the Empire Hotel New York, and subsequently of the Chambers Hotel New York.  Tilley resides in New Jersey with his wife and two children.  He attended Kelly College in the U.K.

“This is an exciting time for us, and I look forward to reintroducing and reestablishing the property as a unique, welcoming place that will be an experience all its own,” said Tilley.

Anthony Amendola brings an impressive background in hospitality sales and marketing to his new role.  Prior to his appointment, he was director of sales and marketing of The Millennium UN Plaza Hotel.  He was also director of sales and marketing of the Westin Stamford, Conn., where he received the 1999 Westin Award for most increased revenue per available room for a renovated hotel.  Amendola began his career as a sales manager of the Hilton Tarrytown, N.Y., and subsequently became director of sales and marketing of the Sheraton Meadowlands Hotel in New Jersey, and of the Sheraton Stamford Hotel.  He was responsible for opening the new Sheraton Atlantic City Convention Center Hotel and for handling sales and marketing for Caesar’s Atlantic City.  Amendola resides in Wilton, Conn. with his wife and daughter.  He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Villanova University.

With a prime location in Times Square and the theatre district, The Paramount New York offers 610 guestrooms and suites, all with wireless high speed Internet access, cable and video on demand, two-line telephones and data ports.  Valet and shoeshine are available.  Guests can enjoy afternoon coffee and tea, cocktails in the Library and Paramount Bars, dining in the Mezzanine Restaurant, 24-hour room service, and shopping at Dean & Deluca Gourmet Food Store.  There is a full service 24-hour Business Center, with executive boardrooms and state-of-the-art audiovisual and telecommunications equipment.  The hotel provides a 24-hour Fitness Center with complimentary beverage and towel service.  For reservations and information, call 1-888-741-5600 or visit www.solmelia.com.

Sol Meliá Hotels & Resorts is one of the world’s most successful hotel companies, managing five distinctive brands – Meliá Hotels, Tryp Hotels, Sol Hotels, Paradisus Resorts and Hard Rock Hotel – totaling more than 350 hotels in 30 countries.  Individual reservations can be made through a travel consultant, by calling1-800-33MELIA or the nearest Sol Meliá Reservation Center or on-line at www.solmelia.com.  Group reservations can be made through a professional meeting and incentive planner or through Sol Meliá’s group desk (MSM) by calling 1-888-33-MELIA or via email: [email protected].