Denihan Hospitality Group has named Steve Sasso general manager of The Benjamin, the highly-regarded, luxury hotel in the heart of Midtown Manhattan.
In his new role Sasso is responsible for overseeing all of the operations, finance, sales and marketing efforts for the 209-room property that recently unveiled a $10 million renovation. The hotel is widely known for its innovative sleep offerings, having recently expanded the program and appointed author and sleep expert Rebecca Robbins as its Official Sleep Consultant. The popular hotel is also home to The National Bar & Dining Rooms, the chic, award-winning grand caf? by Iron Chef Geoffrey Zakarian.
“Steve is a valued member of the Denihan team, consistently demonstrating incredible leadership and a results-focused management style,” said Danette Opaczewski, executive vice president, operations. “We are confident that Steve will further enhance The Benjamin’s competitive positioning and achieve the financial and guest satisfaction goals for the hotel.”
Sasso joined Denihan three years ago as hotel manager of Affinia Manhattan, followed by general manager assignments at Eastgate Tower, Affinia Gardens and Affinia Dumont.
Previously, Sasso served as hotel manager of the Acqualina Resort & Spa on Miami Beach where he oversaw all hotel, restaurant and spa operations. Sasso’s extensive experience also includes Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, and Interstate Hotels and Resorts, where he held various positions in Boston and New York City, including opening director of operations at The Copley Square Hotel. Sasso conducted his undergraduate studies in New Hampshire and Switzerland and attended University of Massachusetts Amherst working toward his MBA and MS degrees. He also completed the 2014 General Manager Program at Cornell University.
“I have always admired The Benjamin and to be able to lead the team here, especially at a time as exciting as this, with the recent unveiling of our newly redesigned guestrooms and suites, is quite exciting,” said Sasso. “In the spirit of our hotel’s namesake, Benjamin Denihan Sr., a commitment to boutique luxury accommodations, exceptional food and beverage, and genuine service will help our associates and our guests be their best as we unveil new partnerships and programming.”
In addition to focusing on his general manager duties, Sasso has also served as a mentor in Denihan’s Talent Development Academy and continues to mentor undergraduate students at University of Massachusetts.