Recently recognized as one of the 2018 Reader’s Choice Awards “Top Hotels in Miami” for Condé Nast Traveler, and located in the heart of the “City Beautiful,” the Hotel Colonnade Coral Gables has gone through various changes throughout the years.
Most recently, the ownership of this four-diamond hotel has made major strides to take the property and brand into the new millennium.
With its bold tagline, the Hotel Colonnade Coral Gables is “a celebration of history and modern romance in Coral Gables.”
The Colonnade property was designed by famed architect Phineas Paste and completed in November of 1926. Since the 1920s, the Colonnade has housed a variety of businesses, including a pilot training facility, the Colonnade Movie Studios and even a World War II parachute factory. Known today as the Hotel Colonnade, the storied property has undergone a series of recent changes including major renovations.
Most recently, the hotel was added to the acclaimed Marriott “Autograph Collection.”
Autograph collection celebrates boutique hotels that are unique in design and thoughtful in spirit. Handpicked, these properties are showcased boutique hotels from around the world that share a philosophy of attention to detail in their every expression. Offering next-level customer service and overall white-glove guest experience, Hotel Colonnade invites guests to enjoy a refined stay, steps from world-class shopping, dining and theaters on the iconic Miracle Mile.
In addition to remodeling, awards and overall internal modifications, the Hotel Colonnade has added an accomplished group of executives to the brand.
Leslie Weil, general manager of the property, an FIU graduate holding a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality, brings with her over 17 years of progressive, hospitality experience. Weil has worked primarily for three companies — Turnberry Associates, Sage Hospitality and Selina. Most of her career was spent in the Greater Miami area with the addition of Chicago and Philadelphia.
Javier Marquis, the newly appointed director of Sales and Marketing, also comes to the Hotel Colonnade with a polished career in hospitality. With a demonstrated history of working in the leisure, travel & tourism industry, Marquis is highly skilled in Catering, Food & Beverage, Sales, Hotel Management, and Sales Management. He brings experience from previous roles at Atton Brickell, Trump International Beach Resort, Hyatt and Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau. Marquis also is a Certified Hospitality Revenue Manager (CHRM) focused in Revenue Management from American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute.
Lastly, Jannike Smit was appointed director of Catering & Conference Services. The FIU and Nova Southeastern University graduate boasts a BA in Hospitality & Tourism Management and an MBA with Concentration in Entrepreneurship. Smit brings to the Hotel Colonnade 13 years’ experience focusing on Sales, Catering Sales & Conference Service having worked at the Biltmore Hotel, InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), Trump International Beach Resort, Viceroy Miami, PGA National Resort & Spa, and Loews Miami Beach.
At the 2019 25th annual Inn Key Awards, exemplary Hotel Colonnade team members were recognized for their achievements including: Pablo Pena for Engineering and Humberto Martinez as “Runnerup Lodging Employee.”
With this dynamic and seasoned group of executives in tow, the Hotel Colonnade has added a massive array of programming to enhance the guest experience, as well as welcoming members of the Coral Gables and South Florida corporate community.
From a new monthly “art night” featuring curated exhibits with some of the most popular art galleries in town, to a jazz night, new bar bites and signature drinks and free movie night, the property has also hosted some of the most sought-after charitable fundraisers, innovative conferences and highly anticipated bridal shows.
“We couldn’t be more pleased with the response we have gotten with our new programming,” Weil said. “Together with our recent staff additions, along with myself, we are excited to showcase this storied property that celebrates history and style.”
Marquis added, “We are poised to increase our efforts to propel the property forward. With few properties that can speak to hosting over 100 weddings annually for example, we are happy to be considered a premier wedding destination and look forward to welcoming new guests to our property.”
Hotel Colonnade is located at 180 Aragon Ave, Coral Gables, FL 33134; telephone 305-441-2600, Reservations: 866-837-4251; online www.hotelcolonnade.com.
