South Beach's Washington Park Hotel Appoints Vikash Maharaj as General Manager and Ken Tutt as Director of Sales & Marketing
MIAMI, FL. July 13, 2016 - The Washington Park Hotel announced today the appointments of two highly experienced hospitality professionals for key positions at the new hotel. Vikash Maharaj will serve as general manager, and Ken Tutt will serve as director of sales & marketing, leading operations and revenue generation for the next phase of the landmark property, which is slated to officially open this fall.
Currently open in a preview, Washington Park Hotel is a 182-room hotel situated in the heart of South Beach, between 10th & 11th Streets on Washington Avenue. Developed by the Witkoff Organization and the Carlyle Group, the 1930's landmark hotel has been completely reimagined as an independent boutique property with a vibrant pool area scene, modern design, and coming soon an exclusive food and beverage concept by NYC's Employees Only.
Vikash Maharaj, General Manager
A seasoned hotelier, Maharaj brings over 28 years of hospitality experience to his new role with Washington Park Hotel. As general manager, Maharaj is responsible for driving overall hotel operations and guest satisfaction.
Throughout his career, Maharaj has held various executive leadership positions with Hilton and Sheraton including general manger, hotel manager and direct of rooms with 21 years spent in the South Florida area.
Ken Tutt, Director of Sales & Marketing
Ken Tutt brings more than 12 years of award-winning hospitality experience to Washington Park Hotel. Tutt will leverage his results-driven skills to lead the sales team and coordinate all facets of sales and marketing strategies and communications initiatives for the new boutique hotel.
Prior to joining Washington Park Hotel, Tutt held sales and marketing leadership positions with hotels including Hyatt Hotels, Noble House Resorts, Morgans Hotel Group and, most recently, Sagamore Partners.
“Miami continues to evolve as a top tourism destination; it's always been on our radar as a city that admirably balances both history and modern day appeal,” said Zachary Sheinberg, Vice President of Witkoff. “We're excited to be in a position to renovate four historic art deco buildings into a 182-room boutique hotel concept that brings inspired design, genuine service, thoughtful amenities and top notch culinary offerings to South Beach while staying true to its heritage.”
“Ken and I are excited to be involved with the concept, construction and launch of the new Washington Park Hotel,” said Maharaj. “We look forward to enhancing Highgate's brand awareness in Miami's up-and-coming Washington Avenue neighborhood and ensuring that our guests receive an unparalleled experience that is personal, comfortable and welcoming.”
Washington Park Hotel is managed by Highgate, a premier hospitality investment and management company whose growing portfolio includes more than 100 properties in gateway cities worldwide.
About Washington Park Hotel
Opened March 2016 after completing an expansive renovation, Washington Park Hotel is a collection of four Art Deco hotels that has been completely reimagined with a modern design sensibility and boutique hotel concept that is inspired by the creative life. The beachy chic hotel offers a prime location in the heart of South Beach just two blocks from Miami Beach and a half mile from Lincoln Road and the SoFi District. A social hub for its neighborhood, Washington Park Hotel features 182 guestrooms and suites, an outdoor pool deck, play lawn and award-winning Employees Only restaurant and bar opening Fall 2016. For reservations or more information call 305.421.6265 or visit http://www.wphsouthbeach.com/. Washington Park Hotel is located at 1050 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33139.
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
Contact:
Delfina Guemes
[email protected]
305.438.9200
Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is a global leading lodging company based in Bethesda,Maryland, USA, with more than 4,200 properties in 80 countries and territories. Marriott International reported revenues of nearly $14 billion in fiscal year 2014. The company operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts under 19 brands, including: The Ritz-Carlton®, BVlgari®, EDITION®, JW Marriott®, Autograph Collection® Hotels, Renaissance® Hotels, Marriott Hotels®, Delta Hotels and Resorts®, Marriott Executive Apartments®, Marriott Vacation Club®, Gaylord Hotels®, AC Hotels by Marriott®, Courtyard®, Residence Inn®, SpringHill Suites®, Fairfield Inn & Suites®, TownePlace Suites®, Protea Hotels® and MoxyHotels®. Marriott has been consistently recognized as a top employer and for its superior business ethics. The company also manages the award-winning guest loyalty program, Marriott Rewards® and The Ritz-Carlton Rewards® program, which together surpass 50 million members. For more information or reservations, please visit our website at 
