Hotel Management Magazine Awards Interstate Hotels & Resorts' Associates as "General Managers to Watch"

ARLINGTON, Va., Nov. 14, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Interstate Hotels & Resorts – the leading U.S.-based global hotel management company – is honored to announce three general managers as Hotel Management magazine's "GMs to Watch," appearing in the industry trade's November issue. For the second year in a row, Interstate is the only company with three associates on the list, including:

• Lisa Benjamin, Hotel 43, Boise, Idaho
• Shawn Gravelle, Hilton Garden Inn, Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina
• Tim McGlinchey, Residence Inn and Courtyard by Marriott, New York City, New York

"This recognition is evidence of the strength, leadership and talent of our associates when, for the second year in a row, three of Interstate's general managers have been awarded 'GMs to Watch' by Hotel Management magazine," said Jim Abrahamson, chief executive officer for Interstate Hotels & Resorts. "Lisa, Shawn and Tim provide a glimpse of the overall talent and passion that propels Interstate's nearly 400 hotels to success every day, utilizing experienced leadership and indestructible industry relationships to maximize profitability."

To be selected, general managers can be in any stage of their career, representing any segment or property type and are experts in their field. Receiving nearly 100 nominations, this is Hotel Management's second year featuring "GMs to Watch." With a dynamic pool of nominations to choose from, the publication selected the top 25 by reviewing nomination packages, including information on professional goals, challenges, experience and more. Hotel guest reviews were also considered, ensuring nominees' hotels provide outstanding customer service – an essential requirement for selection.

"The strength of the nominees shows the quality of Interstate's general managers and Lisa, Shawn, and Tim deserve tremendous accolades for their accomplishments," said Ted Knighton, Interstate's president and chief operating officer. "From economy to luxury, our general managers and Interstate's experience managing all asset classes, from branded full-service to independent select-service hotels, are a key component to our owners' success."

Known as the leader in the industry, Interstate's unmatched industry resources result in an expansive management team strength of 26,000 associates worldwide. Interstate's educational system represents the finest in the industry, producing a specialized, trustworthy talent community for owners and guests led by the experts in hospitality. When paired with comprehensive training, Interstate's proven track record of retention and career development appeals to individual owners seeking a dedicated operations team.

With more than 50 years of experience, managing a platform portfolio of more than 380 hotels across multiple tiers and brands and a focus on its owners' success, Interstate offers intelligent solutions for both full-service and select-service hotels. Prospering through the applied experience of task force teams dedicated to the category, Interstate's Full-Service division receives hands-on attention from the Company, which has relationships with more major brands than any other independent management resource in the world. The Crossroads^® Hospitality division is recognized as one of the premier operators in the select-service and extended stay segments, gaining advances through tailored management efforts.

For more information on Interstate Hotels & Resorts, please visit www.InterstateHotels.com.

About Interstate Hotels & Resorts 
Interstate Hotels & Resorts, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of a 50/50 joint venture between subsidiaries of Thayer Lodging and Jin Jiang, is the leading U.S.-based global hotel management company, operating branded full- and select-service hotels and resorts, convention centers and independent hotels worldwide.  Interstate and its affiliates manage 382 hotels with nearly 72,000 rooms in North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific, including six wholly owned hotels (as of October 31, 2013).  In addition, Interstate has executed agreements to manage 37 hotels with 7,500 rooms under construction or development throughout the world.  For more information, please visit www.interstatehotels.com. Connect with Interstate at www.linkedin.com/company/interstate-hotels-resorts, www.facebook.com/InterstateHotels, and http://jobs.interstatehotels.com. 

SOURCE Interstate Hotels & Resorts