Miami, FL, October 19th, 2023 – Bringing more than 20 years of luxury hospitality experience to idyllic South Florida, the Grand Dame of Miami, Mayfair House Hotel & Garden, is pleased to announce the appointment of Rhys O’Connell as General Manager of the newly renovated hotel. O’Connell brings an extensive resume spanning more than two decades with some of the world’s most recognized hotel brands. Most recently, O’Connell served as General Manager of The Surf Lodge in Montauk, New York where he managed daily operations of the $30 Million topline revenue hotel including improvement strategies and guest experience. Beginning his career in food and beverage in South Australia, he has spent time in roles across various departments, allowing him to bring a well-rounded vision to his role at Mayfair House Hotel & Garden. O’Connell joins the team at Mayfair House Hotel & Garden on the heels of them receiving three of the most coveted travel industry accolades of the year – Travel + Leisure’s 2023 It List, Conde Nast Traveler’s 2023 Hot List, and Conde Nast Traveler’s 2023 Readers’ Choice Awards.
As the General Manager of Mayfair House Hotel & Garden, O’Connell will oversee the celebrated property’s 179 spacious guest rooms and suites and 8,500 square feet of flexible indoor and outdoor event space. The property’s recent transformation also features exclusive new dining concepts, Mayfair Grill, Fountain Bar, and Sipsip, by beloved local hospitality group Lost Boy & Co., a curated art program from local and international artists, and a picturesque oasis that fuses both the glamour and sophistication of the hotel’s notable past with the free-spirited heart of today’s Coconut Grove neighborhood.
“We are elated to welcome Rhys O’Connell as the new General Manager at Mayfair House Hotel & Garden. Rhys brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in leading world class hotels and resorts in North America and internationally. With his experience and expertise in customer-focused operations and team leadership, we are confident that he will make a significant impact on our continued success and create memorable experiences for guests,” said Laurens Zieren, Vice President of Operations at Crescent Hotels & Resorts— Mayfair House Hotel & Garden’s management company.
O’Connell has worked in a similar role for luxury properties such as Windjammer Landing in Saint Lucia, the Nobu Hotel in Miami Beach, and Hotel Zephyr in San Francisco. O’Connell also spent time focusing on food and beverage for Cafe Buongiorno’s and the Hyatt Regency in Adelaide, South Australia.
“I am thrilled to embark on this exciting journey at Mayfair House Hotel & Garden, where together, we will craft a new chapter of luxury and excellence,” said O’Connell. “This award-winning property is so important to the Coconut Grove community and it is an honor to be a part of it.”
Originally from Australia, O’Connell has a Hotel Revenue Management certification from Cornell University, and a Science of Pricing and Revenue certification from Origin World Labs. He was also a member of the Hotel Council of San Francisco Public Affairs Committee and Fisherman’s Wharf Merchants Association Board Member from 2019-2021.
