International Hospitality Enterprises Names New Executives at Doubletree by Hilton San Juan, PR

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. November 13, 2014

San Juan, PR - November 13, 2014 - International Hospitality Enterprises (IHE), the management company behind several award-winning hotels in Puerto Rico, today announced exciting staffing changes at the Doubletree by Hilton San Juan. Lisandra Alicea has been promoted to Director of Sales and Marketing, replacing Denise Santos who advances to the position of Hotel Manager at the property. Additionally, Patrick Dawson has been appointed Executive Chef, updating the restaurant menus and bringing a unique style of cuisine to the hotel.

"We're delighted to see Denise and Lisandra advance to new positions at Doubletree by Hilton San Juan and know that their many years at the property and experience in the Caribbean hospitality industry will bring continued success to the hotel," said Yodil Cabán, General Manager of the Doubletree by Hilton San Juan. "Patrick's appointment to the Executive Chef position is also exciting for the hotel, opening opportunities to attract new visitors and locals with his unique "CaliforniaRican" fusion cuisine."

Denise Santos, Hotel Manager of Doubletree by Hilton San Juan

Raised near the Hyatt Regency Cerromar and Dorado Beach Resorts, Denise Santos became interested in the hotel industry early in her life and now has over 16 years of hospitality experience. Most recently, Denise was the Director of Sales and Marketing at Doubletree by Hilton San Juan until her recent promotion to Hotel Manager of the property.

As Hotel Manager, Santos will be in charge of hotel operations including hiring and training, as well as the setting and implementation of standard operating procedures in various departments of the hotel.

Santos studied Hospitality Management at the Universidad del Este and began her career with a position with the Hyatt brand in 1998. She joined the team at International Hospitality Enterprises in 2003 at the Courtyard by Marriott Isla Verde Beach Resort where she held different positions, from Front Office Supervisor to Guest Service Manager and Corporate Sales Manager, before moving to the Doubletree in 2010.

Lisandra Alicea, Director of Sales and Marketing at Doubletree by Hilton San Juan

Replacing Denise Santos as Director of Sales and Marketing at Doubletree by Hilton San Juan is Lisandra Alicea, who has served as Senior Sales Manager at the property since 2009. With more than 18 years in the hospitality industry, she brings a wide range of experience in sales to the position including corporate and government market development, networking and group sales management.

As the new Director of Sales & Marketing, Lisandra will be responsible for creating and overseeing the hotel's annual business and marketing plans, coordinating sales activities throughout the resort, working to maximize hotel revenue and expand corporate accounts, and developing marketing and sales campaigns.

Prior to joining the Doubletree San Juan team, Lisandra held several positions at the Embassy Suites San Juan Hotel and Casino including Front Desk Supervisor and Group Sales Manager where she increased group revenue by 22% year over year. She holds a bachelor's degree from Sacred Heart University and has engaged in programs and courses from Hilton Brand, PRTHA, and International Hospitality Enterprises.

Patrick Dawson, Executive Chef at Doubletree by Hilton San Juan

Joining Doubletree by Hilton San Juan as Executive Chef is Patrick Dawson, whose style of cooking is a fusion of Californian, Mexican, American, Asian, Mediterranean, Latin and Caribbean. Originally from Redondo Beach, California, Patrick never went to culinary school, but instead picked up cooking techniques during his travels to places throughout the U.S. including Virginia where he was taught about classic southern comfort foods, Memphis where he learned BBQ techniques, New York's Little Italy where he mastered Italian sauces, and Washington D.C. and Maryland where he discovered Chesapeake seafood recipes.

Following his travels, Patrick began his career in the kitchen at Baleen Los Angeles when he was 22. Patrick gained his first hotel culinary experience at the Doubletree by Hilton Carson before opening his first business, a small catering company called Chef Pat Foods Inc. He then spent time in Puerto Rico as Sous Chef then Executive Chef for Agave Cocina Mexicana on Ashford Avenue until eventually opening his first restaurant, The Condado Cantina, at the age of 25. Patrick reentered the hospitality industry with a short stint as the Executive Chef of The Mahogany Run Golf Course in St. Thomas and brings all of his diverse experience back to Puerto Rico at Doubletree by Hilton San Juan.

About Doubletree Hilton San Juan

The Doubletree by Hilton San Juan, a AAA Four-Diamond property, is a modern full-service hotel that recently underwent a complete rebuild incorporating modern, stylish design elements. This hotel is frequently rated the #1 Doubletree in the U.S. Convenient to the airport and Old San Juan, the Doubletree is located in the popular Condado area of Puerto Rico's capital city, within walking distance of sandy Puerto Rico beaches and the best casinos. Leisure travelers will appreciate the adjoining rooms and sweet sleeper Murphy bed options! www.sanjuandoubletree.com