SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO (November 4, 2022) – Fairmont El San Juan Hotel is pleased to announce the appointments of José Padín as General Manager and Shannon Vidal-Soto as Director of Sales. The iconic San Juan property is delighted to add two more members to their ever-growing and evolving hotel staff, as the property continues its mission to preserve the history of the iconic hotel while bringing offerings at the property into the future.
José Padín, General Manager
Padín brings a vast knowledge of hospitality and over 30 years of hotel industry experience to the Fairmont El San Juan Hotel team. Launching his career on the island, Padín graduated from the University of Puerto Rico and began his hospitality career at Condado Plaza Hotel & Casino as part of the housekeeping team in 1992, where he remained until 1993. Following a role as Executive Housekeeper at Palmas Del Mar Resort, Padín was appointed Assistant General Manager at Colonial Hotel and Beach Resort in 1996 and promoted to General Manager in 1997. After success in his first general manager position, Padín assumed General Manager, Resident Manager, and Director of Operations titles at Allegro Resort, Doral Resort at Palmas Del Mar, Copamarina Beach Resort, Condado Plaza Hotel & Casino, Courtyard by Marriott Isla Verde Beach Resort, and most recently La Concha Resort, before joining the team at Fairmont El San Juan Hotel as General Manager.
“Throughout my career working in the Puerto Rico hospitality industry, I have always admired Fairmont El San Juan Hotel and its history,” said Padín. “I am excited to have the chance to work with the amazing team at the property and uphold the standards of the iconic hotel as it moves into the future.”
In his new position, Padín looks to implement his signature managerial skills to his new team of professionals, with an emphasis on comprehensive training, open communication, and organization. As General Manager of Fairmont El San Juan Hotel, Padín will be oversee the day-to-day operations of the hotel, aligning the teams with the corporate brand standards, and executing strategic sales and marketing initiatives.
Shannon Vidal-Soto, Director of Sales
Vidal-Soto is a graduate of Universidad Del Este in Puerto Rico, receiving a bachelor’s degree in Hotel Management Science in 2010, in addition to a certificate in Hospitality Management from Florida Atlantic University following a post-graduate program to continue his industry education in 2020. Before his appointment as Director of Sales at Fairmont El San Juan Hotel, Vidal-Soto held roles as General Manager, Operations Manager, and Operations Director within the hospitality industry at Marriott International, Hyatt Hotels, and Crescent Hotels and Resort, overseeing operations at a number of properties across the United States. Most recently, Vidal-Soto served as the Regional Group Sales Manager for MGM Resorts International’s Northeast and West Coast Regions, supervising MICE and pharmaceutical group sales revenue.
“I am thrilled to return to Puerto Rico and join the formidable sales team at Fairmont El San Juan Hotel,” said Vidal-Soto. “I am most excited at the opportunity to play a role in the property’s storied and ongoing success and look forward to aiding in furthering the rich history of this amazing property.”
Vidal-Soto looks to bring his unique managerial skills, supervisory skills, and complex problem-solving ability to his role at Fairmont El San Juan Hotel. In his new position, Vidal-Soto will be tasked with generating revenue and managing various accounts. He will also be responsible for the training, development, and performance of team members, in an effort to continue to bring talented industry professionals to the growing team at Fairmont El San Juan Hotel.
