PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (July 25, 2023) – Thompson Palm Springs is pleased to announce the appointment of General Manager Jeffrey Miller and Director of Sales & Marketing Kelly Teo for the forthcoming luxury hotel as it makes its debut in the desert in late 2023. Combined, Miller and Teo bring over 45 years of luxury hospitality experience to their leadership roles and will serve as invaluable assets to the hotel’s impending success.
Bringing nearly two decades of industry experience to his role, Miller is responsible for the day-to-day operations and commercial strategies for Thompson Palm Springs. No stranger to the desert, Miller served as general manager for Andaz Scottsdale Resort & Bungalows where he spent three years curating wellness and creative experiences, refining the culinary offerings and driving awareness in the local, regional and national markets. Miller’s strong connection to Palm Springs—and ultimate decision to call it home—coupled with his extensive background with Hyatt Hotels & Resorts will allow him to seamlessly blend the luxury Thompson Palm Springs experience into this coveted destination.
“I have always been drawn to the local culture of Palm Springs and could not be more thrilled to introduce the Thompson brand to the community and its visitors,” says Miller. “My hope is to develop thoughtful programming, culinary offerings and a design that reflects and ultimately enhances the iconic local spirit and surrounding natural landscape. A love letter to the desert, the hotel is intended to be a space of inspiration, connection and creativity.”
As Director of Sales and Marketing at Thompson Palm Springs, Teo will drive top-line sales for the hotel and its variety of rooms with a special emphasis on private events and bespoke gatherings in the 8,000 square feet of meeting and event spaces, while also overseeing all marketing efforts for the hotel. Most recently, Teo was the Director of Sales & Marketing at Thompson Dallas, spearheading the destination’s newest upscale mixed-use project. Prior to joining the Thompson family, Teo led sales and marketing for luxury hotel brands such as Waldorf Astoria, St. Regis, EDITION, The Ritz-Carlton, and InterContinental on the West Coast of the U.S., as well as across the Asia-Pacific.
“I have a deep appreciation for the art, food, people and culture that define Palm Springs and the Thompson brand is a natural fit in the market. Acting as a cultural epicenter, Thompson Palm Springs will be a connector for locals, returning guests and new visitors,” says Teo. “From the elevated service to intentionally crafted spaces, the hotel will serve as a playground for discovery for everyone who enters. I’m delighted to bring this project to life alongside a like-minded, and extremely talented team.”
With a commitment to connecting the hotel to the local community, Miller and Teo are well equipped to create a sense of place for locals and travelers alike throughout the hotel’s 168 bungalow-inspired guestrooms, two outdoor pools, signature restaurant, 8,000 square feet of meeting and event spaces and over 20,000-square-feet of ground-level retail and restaurant space along Downtown’s iconic Palm Canyon Drive.
Thompson Palm Springs is expected to open in late 2023. For more information, please visit www.ThompsonPalmSprings.com.
