MILWAUKEE– Following its grand debut, Saint Kate – The Arts Hotel, Milwaukee’s first-of-its kind independent arts hotel, announced today the appointment of arts and luxury hotel veteran David Bodette as general manager.
Bodette, a sculptor in his free time, oversees daily operations of the 219-room hotel and arts experience. In this lead role, he is supported by a passionate cast of 200 associates, collaborates with community influencers and artists, helps shape the guest experience and oversees all food and beverage operations, including the hotel’s five dining venues. He comes to Saint Kate following a legacy career managing some of the country’s most prestigious luxury and historic hotels, such as Ritz-Carlton properties, The Queen Mary Hotel in Long Beach, Calif. and The Langham Hotel in Boston, as well as helping open unique new concepts, including The ART hotel in Denver, Colo., a luxury boutique arts-centric property.
“Saint Kate offers an unparalleled experience that demands exploration, reflection and conversation. I feel fortunate to be engaged in an environment that will challenge not just our guests’ perspectives, but mine and my colleagues’, as well,” said Bodette. “As a sculptor, I know firsthand what can be discovered during the creative process. A place like Saint Kate, that truly celebrates that process throughout its identity, is extraordinary. Together with our team, I look forward to the many possibilities ahead, which in my view are endless.”
While managing director at The Queen Mary Hotel in Long Beach, Calif., the one-of-a-kind lodging destination located aboard the historic Queen Mary cruise ship, Bodette oversaw all daily operations, planning and budgeting and helped the hotel’s Sunday brunch achieve the “OpenTable” Top 100 in the country list. Bodette was also responsible for the success of two significant hotel openings – the Gurneys Resort and Marina in Newport, Rhode Island, and the luxury art-centric boutique hotel, The ART, located in the heart of Denver’s cultural district. As general manager of The ART for three years, Bodette led efforts to showcase the hotel’s art-curated accommodations and to inspire and awaken visitors and the Denver community. With Bodette at the helm, the hotel achieved the No. 1 spot on TripAdvisor within 120 days of opening and was named the No. 1 Art Hotel in the U.S. by CNN, the Coolest New Urban Hotel in the U.S. by Travel & Leisure, as well as one of the “Top Ten Best New Hotels” in the country by USA Today.
Bodette’s more than 30 years of experience in hospitality includes serving as manager of food and beverage in several prominent hotels across the country, including the Fairfax at Embassy Row in Washington, D.C. and the Langham Hotel in Boston, as well as with the Ritz-Carlton Corporation and several of its prestigious properties. He has also worked as director of operations at the Niebaum-Coppola Estate, Vineyard & Winery, and as the director of food and beverage for Auberge du Soleil Resort & Spa, both located in Napa Valley, Calif. Bodette received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Saint John’s University in Collegeville, Minn.
“David brings a wealth of knowledge driving compelling experiences for guests and an unwavering passion for the arts that will be invaluable to our Saint Kate team. Thanks to David’s willingness to push boundaries and set his sights high, Saint Kate has already welcomed and inspired hundreds of guests and visitors and is far exceeding expectations at this point in its young history,” said Greg Marcus, president and CEO of The Marcus Corporation, which owns and manages the hotel.
To learn more about Saint Kate, visit https://www.saintkatearts.com.
