ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. – Casa Monica Hotel, a member of The Kessler Collection and historic landmark centered in the nation’s oldest city, is thrilled to announce Joni Barkley as the new director of sales and catering. Barkley’s role includes coordinating all phases of group meeting and banquet functions on-site, administrative and operational responsibilities, personnel management, overseeing budget profitability, local marketing participation and day-to-day customer services. As St. Augustine’s only AAA Four-Diamond accommodation, Casa Monica Hotel is a constant favorite among locals, visitors and celebrities.

“The Kessler Collection is delighted to welcome Joni Barkley as a Grand Performer, as her previous team experience and extensive background in the hospitality industry are the perfect match for Casa Monica Hotel,” said Mr. Richard C. Kessler, chairman and CEO of The Kessler Collection. “Barkley brings more than 22 years of sales proficiency in facilitating extraordinary guest experiences, and is a valuable addition to the Casa Monica team.”

Previously serving as director of sales at Hawks Cay Resort in the Florida Keys, Barkley has experience providing strategic counsel and leadership to teams, and was recently elected as a sales committee member of VISIT FLORIDA, the state’s official tourism marketing organization. Prior to working at Hawks Cay Resort, Barkley was a member of the Casa Monica Hotel team as director of sales and marketing for eight consecutive years, during which she created a dedicated wedding sales team, tripled group revenue and grew the sales division to 11 associates. Barkley also served as national sales manager for The Ritz-Carlton, Palm Beach and Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach following her graduation from the University of Florida’s College of Communications. Additionally, Barkley is a proud Certified Hospitality Sales Professional.

As a historic landmark centered in the nation’s oldest city, Casa Monica Hotel is St. Augustine’s only AAA Four-Diamond accommodation. Fully restored in 1999, the rich history of the iconic landmark shines through with impressive fortress-like architecture as it majestically overlooks the downtown district and Matanzas Bay. Culture, worldly flavor and art combine at the historic hotel, inspiring unforgettable beauty and alluring discerning travelers, such as celebrities, artists, musicians and political figures – similar to the guest list more than a century ago. The 138 timeless guest rooms and suites transport visitors back to an era of old world charm among Spanish-style romanticism, with custom designed interiors, including classical furnishings with gold accents and plush red velvet tufted headboards.

For more information or to make a reservation at the Casa Monica Hotel, please visit www.casamonica.com or call 904.827.1888 or toll-free 888.213.8903.

About The Kessler Collection
Capturing the classical and unconventional spirit of Bohemian cultures, The Kessler Collection's portfolio of passionately created and artistically inspired boutique hotels boast chic design, luxe accommodations, enriching ambiance and intimate service. Whether visiting properties in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, Colorado or New Mexico, each hotel's exquisite art, music and cultural influences, personally acquired for that hotel by the Kessler family, are deliberately approachable. Designed to inspire unforgettable experiences, Kessler guests are bathed in re-defined Bohemian luxury, from an 1888 historic hotel, a cutting edge downtown landmark and a magical castle, to an earthy Native American retreat, high design southern mansion and elite ski lodge.

The Kessler Collection proudly holds eight hotels as the founding member of the Marriott Autograph Collection, a well-edited ensemble of boldly original independent hotels, each carefully selected for its distinctiveness, style and synchronicity with individual travel interests.

For more information about The Kessler Collection and its properties, please visit www.kesslercollection.com or call 888.472.6312.