With more than 20 years of hospitality experience, Waddell is leading the iconic desert resort’s $21 million property-wide transformation, set for completion in early 2020
INDIAN WELLS, Calif. – January 9, 2020 – Hyatt Regency Indian Wells Resort & Spa is pleased to announce Mike Waddell as its new general manager. A hospitality veteran, Waddell brings more than two decades of hospitality management experience to the resort amidst its expansive $21-million property-wide transformation. Renovations include updates to the resort’s meetings spaces and penthouse suites, and the addition of premier bungalows, a lazy river, and 30-foot dueling water slides.
“I am thrilled join Hyatt Regency Indian Wells Resort & Spa as general manager at such an exciting time. The property has taken incredible strides in creating a one-of-a-kind desert retreat, and I look forward to seeing that this iconic resort continues to provide an exceptional guest experience,” says Waddell. “I am committed to guiding the team smoothly through the completion of what has been an extraordinary renovation that will bring about a new era for the resort.”
Waddell’s latest endeavor with Hyatt Regency Indian Wells Resort & Spa continues his 20-year legacy at Hyatt, which actually started at the resort. He began his hotel career by working as a valet at Hyatt Regency Indian Wells Resort & Spa in 1997, and in 1999, he was promoted to a Hyatt sales manager, where he successfully led corporate and property-level sales teams for 18 years. Waddell worked through several positions until being promoted to Regional Vice President of Sales and later Vice President of Sales for Hyatt’s Europe, Africa, Middle East and Southwest Asia (EAME-SWA) region. Most recently, he served as general manager of Andaz Scottsdale Resort & Bungalows, where he oversaw resort operations, sales and service delivery.
Waddell will oversee the final stages of Hyatt Regency Indian Wells Resort & Spa’s transformation, scheduled for completion early 2020. The upgrades will include a relaunched signature restaurant, a refreshed lobby and market experience, and new water adventure experience featuring a lazy river and 30-foot dueling water slides. The property recently completed renovation of its Indian Wells Conference Center, offering 27,000 square feet of flexible indoor function space, along with new Penthouse Suites and new guestroom Bungalows, a personalized travel experience.
