Fort Lauderdale, FL – March 14, 2012 – B Ocean Fort Lauderdale, flagship of the upscale B Hotels & Resorts® brand, today announced the appointment of Ron Gebhardt as director of sales.  In his new role, Gebhardt is responsible for driving sales and partnership initiatives for the beachfront lifestyle hotel.

“Ron’s diverse hospitality background and passion for the business has made him an instant asset to the B Ocean team,” said Joel Darr, B Ocean Fort Lauderdale’s General Manager.  “His goals for strategic growth includes demonstrating to group clients the difference between the competition and all that can B.”

Prior to joining the B Ocean Fort Lauderdale team, Gebhardt was co-owner of Luxury Travel Solutions, a hospitality company concentrating on group travel and meeting planner development for luxury tradeshows. Previously, he was complex director of sales and marketing for the Westin Grand Bahama Island & Sheraton Grand Bahama Island at Our Lucaya Resort on Grand Bahama Island.

Gebhardt holds a Hotel Administration Degree from the University of Nevada and a Master of Organizational Management from the University of Phoenix.

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, Quench 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.)