CHICAGO, IL — November 30, 2021 — Sonesta International Hotels Corporation [Sonesta], one of the fastest-growing hospitality companies in the U.S., is excited to announce its new Chicago leadership team, led by Area General Manager, Paul Cardona, and Area Director of Sales and Marketing, Fantasy Greene.
Paul Cardona brings over 20 years of hotel industry experience to the Sonesta family of hotels. Cardona began his hotel career in food and beverage, where he worked his way up to become the Director of Food and Beverage at several luxury properties throughout the U.S. After a 14-year career primarily focused on food and beverage operations, Paul expanded his management responsibilities to include all other aspects of hotel operations. He has since led multiple teams to success in various Executive Level positions at several well-known Miami and Chicago hotels, including General Manager at the Park Hyatt Chicago, SLS South Beach, Le Meridien Hotels, Virgin Hotels Chicago and most recently Thompson Chicago.
Today, Cardona is the Area General Manager for a portfolio of Sonesta hotels in the Chicagoland market: The Allegro Royal Sonesta Chicago Loop, Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown, Royal Sonesta Chicago River North, Sonesta ES Suites Chicago Downtown Magnificent Mile and Sonesta Chicago O’Hare Airport. His four- and five-star brand experience, strategic planning, pre-opening success and team dynamics development played a crucial role in his transition to Sonesta.
“I am thrilled to be a part of the Sonesta team as the Area General Manager and joined at an exciting time with the brand’s recent expansion in the Chicago market and beautiful new renovation at Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown,” said Cardona. “I look forward to exceeding our guests’ satisfaction, developing the leadership team for financial success and introducing the Sonesta brands to Chicago.”
Fantasy Greene, a Chicago native, brings over 20 years of sales and hospitality experience to Sonesta as the Area Director of Sales and Marketing for Chicago. After spending time at White Lodging and TMI Hospitality managing sales and marketing operations for Marriott, Hilton and other major hotel brands, Greene has established herself as a successful leader who has managed large-scale teams and portfolios of over 30 properties.
After playing a crucial role in the transition from Kimpton Hotels to Sonesta, Greene now oversees a multifaceted and complex sales team for the Chicago market. Greene will develop and lead the growing sales team to cross-sell the three Royal Sonesta properties in Chicago by leveraging each of their unique assets.
“The Royal Sonesta hotels in Chicago are standout properties that we can’t wait to introduce to new and returning guests,” shared Greene. “Each hotel is unique in its own right and I am eager to work with the team to highlight how we can redefine the modern travel experience for those coming to Chicago – whether it’s for work or play.”
Sonesta recently relaunched Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown after a nine-month, $50 million renovation. Located in the heart of downtown Chicago, Royal Sonesta and its design partner, The Gettys Group Companies, approached the hotel with a residential design to inspire business and leisure guests alike with a fresh perspective on travel. In addition to the renovation, Sonesta added nearly 300 properties to their portfolio over the last year, including The Allegro Royal Sonesta Chicago Loop and the Royal Sonesta Chicago River North. Among the seven distinct brands in the Sonesta family, Royal Sonesta properties are positioned to provide an indulgent and culture-filled stay.
