SAN DIEGO – July 19, 2019 – Carté® Hotel San Diego Downtown, Curio Collection by Hilton property and first-of-its-kind lifestyle hotel, announced today the appointment of Henri Birmele as general manager, Chans Rock as director of food and beverage and MarQuies Willis as director of sales and marketing. All three will play pivotal roles in the opening of the new 246-room boutique hotel, set to open its doors in San Diego’s vibrant Little Italy neighborhood this summer.
As general manager of Carté Hotel, Henri Birmele will lead day-to-day hotel operations, guest relations and strategic planning for the hotel’s upscale experience. A seasoned hospitality leader, Birmele brings more than 25 years of experience to the property. Before joining Carté Hotel, Birmele served as general manager for The Landing Resort & Spa in Lake Tahoe, overseeing budget development and project management. Under his leadership, the property was awarded multiple global luxury honors, including Luxury Travel Guide’s Luxury Resort & Spa of the Year. Birmele previously held management positions at iconic luxury properties, including Viceroy Hotel, Turnberry Isle Resort and Spa, Shutters on the Beach, and St. Regis Hotel. He is a graduate of the prestigious Hospitality School in Switzerland and holds a degree in global business from the Benedict Business School in Zurich.
An accomplished and enthusiastic operations leader, Chans Rock brings more than 25 years of food and beverage experience to his role as opening director of food and beverage operations at Carté Hotel. Rock will lead the culinary and front of house teams at the property’s three on-site dining venues including Watercolors, Above Ash Social and Fonte di Vino. Before joining the Carté team, Rock served as general manager of the iconic Hotel Erwin and successfully opened the luxury Vintage House and Villagio Hotel in beautiful Napa Valley. Rock’s outstanding service is widely recognized by his peers and the hospitality industry and he has received various accolades, including four gold medals from Hilton Worldwide and Manager of the Year at Marriott International.
Rock has held other executive management roles at notable properties including The Estate Yountville, The London West Hollywood, Hilton Worldwide and Marriot International. Rock received his bachelor’s degree in business management from Western Governors University and is currently working towards his MBA.
As director of sales and marketing, MarQuies Willis is responsible for overseeing Carté’s sales and marketing efforts for all venues, including Watercolors, Fonte di Vino and Above Ash Social. Willis has a commitment to excellence with a strong focus on client and account development, sales strategy, brand awareness, public relations, and the success and growth of the property’s team. A tenured hospitality professional, Willis brings more than a decade of sales and marketing experience to the property. Prior to joining Carté Hotel, Willis served as associate director of sales for Kimpton Solamar Hotel, where he managed sales efforts for citywide conventions and entertainment travel, and was instrumental in training and developing the team, account acquisitions, and customer base improvement to increase revenue. Previously, he has served as area sales manager at Kimpton’s Rouge, Topaz, Madera, and DC Palomar. During his tenure with Kimpton, Willis was awarded several company-wide accolades, including “Kimpton Idol,” an award nominated by his peers for his industry knowledge, mentorship and financial success.
“We are honored to have an all-star opening and management team lead by Henri, Chans and MarQuies,” stated Ried Floco, founder of Carté Hotel. “Their passion for hospitality, combined with strong leadership skills and tenure make them essential assets to the elevated guest experience Carté strives for. We are confident these seasoned professionals will set the bar high for the guest experience and showcase the best that Little Italy has to offer its guests and locals alike.”
Operated by Interstate Hotels & Resorts, Carté Hotel is located steps away from the city’s best restaurants, the Embarcadero waterfront and the downtown business district. Carté Hotel will bring relaxing experiences, a sense of discovery and a myriad of elevated amenities and culinary offerings to the Little Italy neighborhood. Inspired by and paying homage to the neighborhood’s Italian heritage, Carté is designed for the curious traveler, offering guests a passport to local cuisine, drink, culture and experiences. The boutique hotel will capitalize on San Diego’s growing dining scene with its full-service restaurant, wine bar and specialty spirit tasting room, and a rooftop venue overlooking the city and bay. Carté also offers more than 8,500 square feet of event space, with seven on-site private event options, accommodating small to mid-size events.
Carté Hotel is located at 401 West Ash Street, San Diego, CA, 92101. For more information or to make a reservation, please visit Carté® Hotel San Diego Downtown, Curio Collection by Hilton.
