Residence Inn by Marriott Grand Rapids, the iconic flat-iron shaped hotel building at the intersection of Fulton, Ionia and Louis, takes another step closer to opening with the recent appointment of their Opening General Manager and Opening Director of Sales.

Tharaldson Hospitality Management has hired Andrew White as Opening General Manager and Cassaundra McDougall as the Opening Director of Sales.  The two will be at the helm of the 147-room Residence Inn by Marriott, a hotel specializing in extended stay travel.  Tharaldson Hospitality Management, based in Fargo, ND, owns and operates nearly 70 hotels across the United States. They have partnered with Hinman Company, a Michigan-based development & leasing company out of Portage, MI, for this project.

“Tharaldson Hospitality is very excited to have Andrew and Cassaundra join our team!  As a long-time franchise partner with Marriott, our standards for cleanliness and service and very high, and I know that this team will make the Residence Inn the best hotel in Grand Rapids”, said Dean Manternach, VP of Operations.

Last month Tharaldson brought onboard Andrew White, a graduate from Grand Valley State University’s Hospitality and Tourism Management program.  Andrew brings eight years Residence Inn brand experience and over 14 years of experience in the hospitality industry overall. He also served in various roles at Hyatt and IHG products in the greater Grand Rapids, MI market.

“I am thrilled to begin my career with Tharaldson Hospitality and be a part of the opening of such an amazing property”, White states.  “We are bringing another world-class Marriott hotel to downtown Grand Rapids and I think we have a tremendous opportunity to serve both long-term and transient travelers.” 

Leading the sales efforts for the Residence Inn Downtown will be newly announced Opening Director of Sales, Cassaundra McDougall. Graduate of Ferris State University, bringing over 20 years of lodging experience, which includes brand experience with Hilton, Marriott and Choice hotels. Cassaundra and Andrew teamed up at a nearby Residence Inn back in 2014, which created an extensive relationship, bringing this dynamic duo downtown to create a successful opening!

“I am extremely excited to be joining Tharaldson Hospitality and bring this beautiful new hotel to the Grand Rapids market!  I am over-joyed to continue growing our relationship with the West Michigan community and our travelers.” shares McDougall. 

The new Residence Inn Downtown is expected to open this winter.  Interested in joining the team?  Visit www.tharaldsonhm.com