Detroit, Michigan (October 16, 2019) – Shinola Hotel, the passion project behind two iconic Detroit-based brands, luxury watchmaker Shinola and real estate firm Bedrock, is pleased to announce the appointment of Mark O’Brien as General Manager of the hotel, which opened in early 2019. O’Brien brings over 25 years of expertise to his new role and will oversee all aspects of hotel operations at the 129 room property, including guest services, housekeeping, maintenance, and sales.
“My passion for people and belief in what Shinola and Bedrock are doing in the city is what really brought me to Detroit,” Mark O’Brien said. “I’m excited to be a part of this team and to have the opportunity to create the best possible environment for our employees as well as a top-of-the-line luxury hotel experience for each of our guests.”
O’Brien began his career over 25 years ago as a Front Desk Agent at the New York Hilton followed by leadership positions there and at The Waldorf Astoria. He continued his career in New York until 2010, serving as General Manager for multiple Manhattan properties including Hotel Wales, The Maritime Hotel, and Dream New York Midtown. Throughout this time, O’Brien was also General Manager for the online hotel reservation service, Quikbook. O’Brien then relocated to Midland, MI where he served as General Manager at Wyndham Hotel Group’s H Hotel, followed by his most recent role prior to Shinola Hotel as Vice President of Lodging at Boyne Mountain Resort in Boyne Falls, MI. O’Brien graduated from Michigan State University and currently resides in Detroit, MI with his family.
“Mark joins the Shinola Hotel team at a pivotal time as we enter into our second year in Detroit’s growing hotel market,” says Sergio Maclean, Owner of Mac&Lo, the hotel operator. “The energy and eagerness he brings to the hotel team is infectious and we’re excited to have him as an integral part of Shinola Hotel.”
Shinola Hotel, located in the heart of Detroit’s bustling and historic Woodward shopping district, features residential-style guest rooms that create a new and novel experience every stay. Along with 16,000 square feet of retail and F&B space overseen by NYC’s acclaimed NoHo Hospitality group, the hotel offers each guest a unique experience from the moment they walk through the lobby door. Positioned to serve as Detroit’s “living room” and designed for spending quality time in good company, the intimate details – everything from the old-school Shinola made leather hotel key fobs hung behind the front desk to the curated collection of artwork throughout the property is meant to make guests feel like they are staying in an elevated, comfortable home away from home.
