LAKE FOREST, IL – February 2021 – The first hotel to plant roots in the Lake Forest community in over 92 years, and the world’s first boutique-inspired Hyatt Place property, The Forester, a Hyatt Place Hotel, 200 N. Field Dr., is proud to announce that industry veteran Marlena Karwowski has been appointed to lead the new property as General Manager. Hailing from Skaryszew, Poland, Karwowski’s passion for hospitality is unparalleled and has bloomed over two decades in the industry, serving in key roles at properties including Assistant Reservations Manager at Hyatt Regency McCormick Place, Reservations and Communications Manager at Hyatt Regency Chicago, Director of Sales at Hyatt House Evanston, Director of Sales at Hilton Garden Inn Evanston, Task Force Manager of Sales at Hyatt Place Iowa City and Task Force Manager of Sales at Hyatt Place Milwaukee. The Forester Hotel will make its debut in April, 2021.
“This project marks many firsts and is poised to be a truly unique and inspired destination for both the Lake Forest community and its visitors,” said Sara Kvamme, Regional Director of Operations for Janko Hospitality. “With this in mind, we knew that the hotel would need a leader with heart, passion for their craft and a genuine appreciation for connecting with others, and Marlena Karwowski fits the bill perfectly.”
A seasoned industry expert, Karwowski’s passion for providing an unmatched experience to her guests shines through in her work. In 2004, Karwowski was named “Employee of the Year” by Hyatt Regency McCormick Place, and was recognized as “Outstanding Assistant General Manager” as she opened the Hyatt House Evanston in 2016. Karwowski will bring her infectious warmth and vast experience to her role at the chic new hotel as she fulfills her responsibility to foster connections with the Lake Forest community, working to make a positive and lasting impact while doing so.
A mother to daughter Victoria, Karwowski volunteers with and supports Ronald McDonald House Charities and St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital in her free time. Karwowski also enjoys many creative outlets including Latin dancing, cooking, travelling and gardening. Fittingly so, the concept for The Forester Hotel is rooted in an appreciation for the outdoors, based upon the city’s motto “Naturae et Scientiae Amor,” which translates to “Love of Science and Nature.”
For more information on The Forester Hotel, visit www.TheForesterHotel.com.
