M&R Hotel Management of Great Neck, N.Y., announced the appointment of Saul Castillo as general manager of the 93-room Comfort Inn hotel on Wild Avenue in Staten Island, N.Y., responsible for operations, sales, revenue management, marketing, guest relations, security, human resources, housekeeping and maintenance.
Saul Castillo 1-2014, a 20-year hospitality industry veteran, began his career as a bellman. Most recently, he was director of rooms at the Holiday Inn Express Kennedy Airport in Queens, N.Y., also operated by M&R Hotel Management. Castillo, who describes himself as a “people’s manager,” has worked at hotels in New England, California, New Orleans and the New York metropolitan area for hotels franchised by Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Hilton Worldwide and InterContinental Hotels Group.
The Comfort Inn on Staten Island features complimentary parking, Wi-Fi, hot breakfast and 24-hour-a-day fitness and business centers. The hotel, which recently upgraded its king and double-queen beds, caters to business and leisure guests and tour groups. It is within easy driving distance of Staten Island attractions and Newark International Liberty Airport. Complimentary shuttle service is offered to the Staten Island Ferry.
“Saul brings tremendous experience and enthusiasm to his new position,” said Brian McSherry, M&R Hotel Management chief operating officer. “His record of success at our Holiday Inn Express JFK Airport property was marked by his dedication to delivering quality guest service and his ability to instill a team spirit among the hotel’s associates.”
A New York native, Castillo earned his bachelor’s degree at New York University and is fluent in English, Spanish and Italian.
M&R Hotel Management also operates the adjacent 95-room Holiday Inn Express Staten Island West and is completing a 105-room Holiday Inn hotel next door. M&R’s portfolio also includes three hotels in Manhattan, one at LaGuardia Airport and four at John F. Kennedy International Airport.
The M&R portfolio includes the brands of InterContinental Hotels Group, Choice Hotels International, Wyndham Hotel Group and Best Western International. Marriott International, Hilton Worldwide, Hyatt Hotels Corp. (Hyatt Place) and Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide recently certified M&R to manage hotels under their respective brands.
M&R’s business plan calls for expansion of its portfolio in the New York metropolitan area and beyond through third-party management contracts. Its more than decade of success as an owner-operator advances an ownership perspective to its clients.
In addition to management, M&R provides hotel development consulting services including site selection, feasibility analysis, design and assistance selecting contractors and obtaining permits, financing and franchise brand licenses.