New York, NY (February 2013) – Highgate Hotels announced today the appointment of James Marino as General Manager of the Lexington New York City. With more than two decades of luxury hospitality experience in major metropolitan markets such as New York and Chicago, Marino will oversee operations of the storied Manhattan hotel currently in the midst of a multi-million dollar transformation.
 
Marino joins the Lexington New York City from the Hyatt Arlington in Arlington, Virginia where he served as general manager for three years. His strong background in finance, sales and marketing drove the successful operation of the 318-room hotel; Marino exceeded Hyatt Arlington’s annual budgeted revenue goal for two consecutive years while also increasing the overall RevPar (Revenue per Available Room) by more than 20%. Under his guidance, the Hyatt Arlington also improved its standing on the international travel review forum, Trip Advisor – jumping from #31 to #9.
 
Prior to the Hyatt Arlington, Marino spent two years with Wyndham Hotels and Resorts. As general manager of the Wyndham Glenview Suites in Glenview, Illinois, he placed an emphasis on delivering above-average guest experiences. Marino’s efforts helped position the hotel among Wyndham Hotels & Resorts top three properties for overall guest satisfaction. His work also earned him recognition within the industry as a nominee for “Illinois Hotelier of the Year” in 2008.
 
Marino’s success at the Wyndham Glenview Suites secured him a position as the task force general manager for the brand. As the lead trouble shooting general manager, he was assigned to improve operating results at the Wyndham Princeton Forrestal Hotel and Conference Center in Princeton, New Jersey and the Wyndham Virginia Crossings Resort in Richmond, Virginia.
 
Marino’s highly developed management expertise is rooted in his varied experience throughout the country. In addition to his work with globally recognized brands such as Hyatt and Wyndham, Marino has also lead operations for hotels within the Hilton, Omni and Kimpton portfolios. His exceptional track record for managing distinctive Four Diamond boutique properties is defined by accomplishments that include consistently leading all Kimpton Hotels in their Chicago region in average daily rates, occupancy, guest comment card scores and employee surveys while acting as general manager of Hotel Monaco in Chicago; and earning the AAA Four Diamond Award for Chicago’s Omni Ambassador East in 2004 and 2005, a first in the hotel’s more than 80 year history. His innovative and creative approaches to management resulted in his hotel, the Hotel Monaco Chicago, to appear on the Travel Channel’s “Great Hotels” with Samantha Brown, with its own dedicated 30-minute segment.

Beginning this month, Marino will guide the Lexington New York City through a major repositioning as it reestablishes itself within the luxury market. An extensive overhaul to the 710 guest rooms and suites, as well as the public spaces, will attract both business and leisure travelers seeking an individualized hotel experience.
 
Marino attended the State University of New York at Stony Brook and continued his education at Cornell University’s School of Hotel Administration where he earned his Masters in Professional Studies.

About The Lexington New York City
The Lexington New York City is centrally located in Manhattan’s midtown neighborhood and provides guests with immediate access to the city’s key business and entertainment areas. A storied hotel that originally opened in 1929, the property is undergoing a multi-million dollar transformation that will restore the jazz age glamour that made the Lexington New York City famous among celebrities, dignitaries and other notables. A new design concept that blends the hotel’s legacy with modern appeal will be showcased throughout the public spaces, as well as the 710 guest rooms and suites. Catering to the luxury business and leisure traveler, the Lexington New York City will house a collection of unique artwork commissioned by art aficionado and industry expert, Paige Powell, feature more than 1,000 square feet of flexible function space with state-of-the-art wireless technology, as well as a selection of on-site dining options that includes gourmet Chinese eatery, S. Dynasty; Taina Café featuring Nuevo Latino cuisine by star chef Diane DiMeo; Raffles, an American-style bistro with a jazz flare; Lex Lounge and Sushi Bar and the hotel’s Starbucks outpost. For more information please visit www.LexingtonHotelNYC.com
 
About DiamondRock
DiamondRock Hospitality Company is a self-advised real estate investment trust (REIT) that is an owner of premium hotel properties.  The Company owns 27 premium hotels with approximately 11,900 rooms and holds the senior mortgage loan on another premium hotel.  The Company's hotels are generally operated under globally recognized brands such as Hilton, Marriott, and Westin. For further information, please visit DiamondRock Hospitality Company's website at www.drhc.com.