LAKELAND, Fla. (November 5, 2019) –McKibbon Hospitality, an award-winning leader in hotel management, today announced the appointment of hospitality veteran John Loute as General Manager of SpringHill Suites by Marriott Lakeland. Beginning his new role on November 4, Loute will be responsible for overseeing all operations for the 126-room, all-suites hotel, which is slated to open in downtown Lakeland in spring 2020.
“We are excited to have John join the McKibbon family to oversee the opening and operations of downtown Lakeland’s newest hotel,” said Todd Kinney, McKibbon Hospitality regional vice president of operations. “John’s hospitality management experience and his passion for the Lakeland community make him the ideal leader for this project.”
Loute brings more than 20 years of hospitality management experience to the new SpringHill Suites by Marriott Lakeland. Most recently, John served as General Manager for La Quinta Inn & Suites – Lakeland. Prior to his stint at La Quinta, he worked for Lakeland-based HI Development, Inc. as the Director of Sales and Marketing for the Avenue Hotel in Lakeland, overseeing a sales team and directing the development and execution of the hotel’s marketing plan. He attended the University of South Florida and currently serves on the boards of directors for the Lakeland Hotel/Motel Association and Visit Central Florida’s Tourist Development Council.
SpringHill Suites by Marriott Lakeland is owned by Lakeland Hospitality Group, which is managed by Wesley Barnett. Tomlinson Construction is serving as the project’s development manager, overseeing the build and day-to-day construction efforts provided by general contractor Rodda Construction. McKibbon Places, an Atlanta-based company focused on hotel development and renovations, is consulting on the development of the hotel, which will be managed by Tampa-based McKibbon Hospitality.
Catering to visitors of the neighboring RP Funding convention center, the five-story SpringHill Suites by Marriott Lakeland will boast spacious guest rooms, 4,000 square-feet of meeting space, a full-service bar and lounge, outdoor pool and patio with fire pit, and 24-hour fitness room. Along with an inviting atmosphere and impeccable customer service, the hotel will offer guests all the SpringHill Suites brand amenities they are accustomed to, including free hot breakfast, complimentary Wi-Fi, a 24/7 market with “grab and go” options, and furniture packages from the modern home brand, West Elm.
