The Knickerbocker Appoints Mario Busquets as Director of Sales & Marketing

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. April 28, 2016

NEW YORK, NY. April 28, 2016 - The Knickerbocker, the luxury hotel and New York City landmark located steps from Times Square and Bryant Park, announces Mario Busquets as the new Director of Sales & Marketing. Effective immediately, Mario works in tandem with the executive team on the strategic direction of hotel operations, overseeing all sales and marketing initiatives, the Knickerbocker's leisure and group sales divisions, and managing all communications initiatives.

“Mario is a trusted leader with extensive knowledge of the luxury hospitality industry from a national perspective, making him an invaluable asset,” said Shawn Hauver, Managing Director of The Knickerbocker. “We are thrilled to welcome Mario and together align new strategies to deliver our sales and marketing objectives.”

Busquets' experience in the marketing and sales industry spans well over a decade, having held sales and marketing positions with several high-end properties from coast to coast. Most recently, Busquets served as City Director of Sales for Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, where he played an integral role in managing the sales team, top-line revenues and business development for the Kimpton properties of New York City. Previously, Busquets was the Director of Sales & Marketing for W New York.

“I'm delighted to join The Knickerbocker and further the history and the success of the hotel,” said Mario Busquets. “I look forward to working with a property that, in just over a year, has reinvented luxury in Times Square and has provided the ultimate hospitable experience in the heart of the city.”

From the recent launch of the hotel's Tribute Suites honoring four of its legends, to celebrating the hotel's first New Year's Eve celebration in 95 years, The Knickerbocker continues to reinvent and build upon its rich past since reopening in February last year. Originally opened in 1906 by John Jacob Astor IV, The Knickerbocker has welcomed both dignitaries and socialites alike; creating a legacy that has come back to life today through innovative design and unique programming. A spectacular renovation led by architectural and interior design firm Gabellini Sheppard Associates saw the complete refurbishment of The Knickerbocker's grand public areas and 330 guestrooms, evoking a magical story from the hotel's past, while keeping a foot firmly planted in modern New York luxury and comfort.

The Knickerbocker is managed by Highgate, a premier hospitality investment and management company whose growing portfolio includes more than 100 properties in gateway cities worldwide.

About The Knickerbocker

The Knickerbocker, a member of Leading Hotels of the World, reopened its doors in February 2015 as the only Five-Star hotel in Times Square, after completing an expansive $250 million renovation by acclaimed interior designers Gabellini Sheppard. The Beaux Arts monument to New York's coming of age is situated at the southeast corner of 42nd Street between Broadway and Bryant Park. The hotel originally opened in 1906 by John Jacob Astor IV and welcomed both glitterati and dignitaries including such notables as Enrico Caruso, John D Rockefeller and F. Scott Fitzgerald. A New York City landmark, The Knickerbocker boasts 330 guest rooms including 31 suites; a signature restaurant and bar, Charlie Palmer at The Knick; a 7,500-square-foot rooftop bar with Nat Sherman Cigar lounge, St Cloud; a 2,200-square-foot event space for up to 250 guests; a ground level cafe, Jakes; and a state-of-the art fitness center. The Knickerbocker is located at 6 Times Square, New York, NY 10036. For reservations or more information visit theknickerbocker.com or call 212.204.4980; 855.86K.NICK (5.6425). Follow Knickerbocker on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. #KnickofTime

About Highgate

Highgate is a premier hospitality investment and management company widely recognized as an innovator in the industry. Highgate is the dominant player in U.S. gateway markets including New York, Boston, Miami, San Francisco and Honolulu. Highgate also enjoys an expanding presence in key European markets through properties in London, Paris, Barcelona, Vienna and Prague. Highgate's portfolio of global properties represents an aggregate asset value exceeding $10B and generates over $2B in cumulative revenues. The company provides expert guidance through all stages of the hospitality property cycle, from planning and development through recapitalization or disposition. Highgate also has the creativity and bandwidth to develop bespoke hotel brands and utilizes industry leading proprietary revenue management tools that identify and predict evolving market dynamics to drive outperformance and maximize asset value. With an executive team consisting of some of the industry's most experienced hotel management leaders, the company is a trusted partner for top ownership groups and major hotel brands. Highgate maintains corporate offices in London, New York, Dallas, and Seattle.

About FelCor

FelCor, a real estate investment trust, owns a diversified portfolio of primarily upper-upscale and luxury hotels that are located in major and resort markets throughout the U.S. FelCor partners with top hotel companies to operate its properties under globally renowned names and as premier independent hotels. Additional information can be found on the company's website at www.felcor.com.

Contact:
Blake Breitman
[email protected]
212-377-3588