McKibbon Hospitality

Hyatt House Orlando Airport had two associates, Yvonne Suarez and Adan Loza, who were nominated for Central Florida Hotel & Lodging Association (CFHLA)'s 2024 Golden Pineapple Awards. Congratulations to Yvonne who was named this year's Community Service Employee of the Year, recognizing her spirit to serve others and commitment to her community through regular volunteer service. While Adan ultimately did not take home the award for Bell Person/Concierge of the Year, we are proud of his nomination and contributions to Hyatt House Orlando Airport!

Last week Rachael Pisano, MBA, CHIA and I had the opportunity to connect with University of South Florida undergraduate students at the Internship Showcase. So many students stopped by our “booth” to learn about who we are and what we do. I have to say I am looking forward to the future collaboration with some of these amazing young minds! #McKibbonHospitality #HospitalityCareers #HospitalityBeginsWithMe

We are honored that our Chairman John McKibbon III, will be recognized at the Hunter Hotel Investment Conference next week with the coveted 2025 Hunter Conference Award for Excellence & Inspiration. This prestigious award honors a hotelier who exemplifies exceptional leadership, citizenship and innovation. As a third-generation entrepreneur and the driving force behind several companies, John has shaped the industry while championing the importance of service and community. Congratulations, John! #HUNTER2025

Congratulations to Leslie Murry, market director of sales for Courtyard, Residence Inn and Hyatt Place Sandestin at Grand Boulevard, for being named Ambassador of the Year by the Walton Area Chamber of Commerce and for her appointment as a new board member! We are proud of you!

Last week marked the official opening of Hotel Lela Wilmington, a Tapestry Collection by Hilton! Owned by CN Hotels, Hotel Lela is the backdrop for a unique coastal Carolina experience. The contemporary hotel is connected to Tru by Hilton Wilmington, forming a dual brand offering. Guests of both properties can enjoy shared amenities as well as convenient access to Wilmington’s Historic District, Wilmington International Airport, UNCW and Wrightsville Beach. Encouraging relaxation, Hotel Lela’s 97 spacious guestrooms are outfitted with plush beds, large workstations, and innovative technology, including digital keys and connected rooms, ensuring a seamless and stress-free stay. Guests can enjoy thoughtful amenities including a 24-hour fitness center, outdoor heated saline pool surrounded by cabanas and firepits, 2,200-square-feet of flexible meeting space, and two private golf swing suites, providing endless opportunities to unwind, connect and make themselves at home during their travels. The hotel also boasts a full-service restaurant, Paloma's at Lela, serving Latin-inspired fare and tequila-forward artisanal cocktails. Join us in welcoming Hotel Lela Wilmington and Paloma's to the McKibbon portfolio! Read More: https://lnkd.in/e7wY6qFJ

Rafael Ibarcena, our Corporate Sustainability Manager, represented McKibbon at the Keep Pinellas Beautiful 2025 Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon last week. The luncheon honored the dedication of KPB volunteers, partners, and sponsors, reflecting on all that was accomplished in 2024. As a 501(c)(3) environmental nonprofit and Pinellas County’s local Keep America Beautiful affiliate, their organization relies heavily on the support of volunteers and a dedicated network of partners to make a meaningful impact in the community.

Thank you to The CEO Magazine Global for featuring our CEO, Randy Hassen and Vice President of Operational Excellence, Jess Hayden. "With nearly 100 years of success under its belt, McKibbon Hospitality is now looking toward the future. And, according to Hassen, there’s still much to be done. With a focus on continuing to attract top talent, associate mentoring and internal support opportunities have been established to nurture the company’s future leaders. 'The constant evolvement of this company has been remarkable, and while each generation of the McKibbon family has taken the company to another level, it certainly hasn’t come without its challenges,' Hassen says. 'But through every obstacle we’ve faced, the company has always come out stronger.'” Read the Full Article: https://lnkd.in/ezSrQ6Rd

We are thrilled to announce that Executive Vice President of Revenue Generation Lynn Prater has been named a?2025 BusinessWoman of the Year Honoree?by the Tampa Bay Business Journal!?Over 200 businesswomen in Tampa Bay were nominated for the recognition, and Lynn was one of just 32 selected for this prestigious honor. Congratulations, Lynn, and thank you for the tremendous impact you have had on McKibbon Hospitality, the hospitality industry, and Tampa Bay community. Read the Full Article: https://lnkd.in/emKDDmaC

We're excited to announce the opening of Urban Oak, the tallest bar & lounge?in the NC Triangle area, with developer CN Hotels! Located in downtown Raleigh, the rooftop bar is perched atop the brand-new, dual-brand?Homewood Suites and Tempo by Hilton. Urban Oak’s intimate yet warm space features a luxe design with local art, a spacious bar, and two patios. Enjoy gourmet craft cocktails, wine and beer—paired perfectly with tapas style scratch made food executed by executive?chef Alex Smith. Urban Oak is the perfect spot for a sophisticated night out in Raleigh.

Thirty-two women have been chosen as this year's Tampa Bay Business Journal BusinessWoman of the Year honorees. Over 200 businesswomen in Tampa Bay were nominated for the recognition. A judging panel made up of Business Journal newsroom staff and the publisher made the final decisions. These awards recognize the Tampa Bay area's most influential businesswomen in various industries, including banking, law, restaurants, health care and technology. See the 2025 honorees here: https://bizj.us/1qn01v