�We are delighted to attract one of the region�s leading hoteliers to our property, which is in the final stages of a complete renovation,� said Jeff McIntyre, a principal of Gemstone. �He is a former International General Manager of the Year for one of the world�s leading hotel brands and has an outstanding track record in the Miami resort market, as well as with other leading resorts in the U.S. and Caribbean.�

For the past two years, Droegmyer was general manager of the Wyndham Miami Beach Resort, which received some of the highest guest satisfaction scores in the Wyndham system under his leadership. Previously, he served as general manager of the Wyndham Kingston Hotel, Kingston, Jamaica, which was selected as the International Hotel of the Year for three consecutive years; and earned Droegmyer the International General Manager of the Year award.

�The Roney Palace is one of the most famous hotels in South Beach, and I am pleased to have the opportunity to re-introduce a totally renovated landmark property to the public,� Droegmyer said.  �This is a stunning facility that is just wrapping up a complete make-over.  My task is to create a guest-friendly environment that is unique to the city, one that is fun, exciting and different from any other hotel in a city that prides itself on being different.�

The 17-story Roney Palace resort complex occupies a full city block and features 600 feet of beach frontage--the largest of any South Beach resort.  With 585 four-star hotel rooms and suites and 567 luxury condos, it is the largest privately owned building in the state.  Approximately 50 percent of the hotel rooms are one- and two-bedroom suites, while the remaining inventory of oversized rooms measure a minimum of 660 square feet each, making the resort�s accommodations among the most spacious on the beach.

The complex currently is undergoing a complete renovation.  Rich wood and imported marble in the new atrium lobby evoke the feel of the Roney�s storied past.  Throughout the 1930s, 1940s and 1950s, the landmark property was home to such high-profile personalities and celebrities as Orson Welles, Desi Arnaz, and the Duke and Duchess of Windsor.   Roney Associates is completing restoration of the original Roney, with many creative and contemporary touches being added to ensure its four-star status.

The resort includes more than 30,000 square feet of high-tech meeting space; 100,000 square feet of flexible outdoor function space; 20,000 square feet of indoor/outdoor exhibit space, four restaurants and bars; 60,000 square feet of retail space; a state-of-the-art Larry North fitness center; 600 feet of beach front; a private beach and recreation area for groups and individuals; and two large, ocean-view swimming pools.

The property is managed by Gemstone Resorts International, a company that specializes in the management of complex resorts that comprise multiple operations, such as hotels, interval ownership, condominium and association management and marketing, restaurants, retail and resort-related activities.  The company is engaged in complex resort marketing and management, asset management and consulting.  Gemstone currently manages major projects in Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida and Utah.