Sage Hospitality Appoints Tobias Arff General Manager and Kelly McCourt Director of Sales & Marketing for The Darcy, Washington, D.C.
WASHINGTON, D.C. May 10, 2017 - Sage Hospitality has announced the appointments of two top-flight executives to lead the team at The Darcy Washington D.C., the stylish new Curio Collection by Hilton hotel located near Dupont Circle and Embassy Row in the heart of the Nation's Capital.
Tobias Arff, General Manager
A veteran of the Washington, D.C. hotel scene, Tobias Arff oversees all operations of The Darcy Washington D.C., including assuring an exceptional guest experience reflective of the property's striking style and the cosmopolitan sophistication of the city around it.
"I couldn't be happier with this great opportunity to be involved with a new project in the Nation's Capital," noted Arff of the first opening of his long career. "Washington is a destination alive with culture, creativity and communities that draw travelers from all over, and The Darcy is sure to stand out."
Arff joined The Darcy from Lorien Hotel & Spa, an upscale address in Alexandria, Virginia operated by Kimpton Hotels. As General Manager, Arff led the Lorien through an ownership change, developing a strong relationship with the new owners and successfully mentoring team members while achieving the highest customer service score of among 13 Kimpton properties within the Mid-Atlantic region.
Previously he spent over two years as General Manger of Morrison House, and prior to that was Assistant General Manager of Monaco Alexandria. Arff initially joined Kimpton as Front Office Manager of Hotel Palomar in Washington, where his talent with the company's loyalty program earned him recognition as a "Kimpton In Touch Champion" for the Mid-Atlantic from 2006-2007. He got his start in the industry leading the Front Office of Park Hotel Bremen, a Five-Star/Five-Diamond luxury address in Bremen, Germany. Arff also held management positions at the Ritz Carlton Georgetown, and the Hay Adams, an independent luxury hotel which is part of the Leading Hotels of the World.
Born and raised in Bremen, Germany, Arff earned a bachelor's degree from Hotel Management College Am Rübekamp in Bremen. Throughout his time in Alexandria, Arff is highly involved with the community, holding positions as Chairman of the Board of the Alexandria Convention and Visitors Association, as well as Chairmen of the Alexandria Hotel Association.
Kelly McCourt, Director of Sales & Marketing
Tapping 17 years of marketing and public relations experience with leading hotel groups across the country, as Director of Sales & Marketing Kelly McCourt is leading the charge to draw business to The Darcy Washington D.C.
"I am thrilled to be back with Sage Hospitality and opening an exciting new hotel in such a cosmopolitan city," said McCourt, who oversees The Darcy's onsite sales and marketing team. "This property is something special and its location couldn't be better. Washington D.C. has an edge all its own: I'm grateful to be a part of such a warm, welcoming, and livable city."
Most recently, McCourt led sales and marketing for the highly successful launch of The New York EDITION in the landmark Met Life Tower overlooking Madison Square Park. She held myriad responsibilities on top of leading the hotel's 14-member sales & marketing team: from collaborating and strategizing digital marketing and public relations initiatives to formulating plans and promotions to drive retail and Consortia business.
Prior to EDITION, McCourt sharpened her talents as Director of Sales & Marketing at Smyth, a Thompson Hotels property in Manhattan, and at Sage Hospitality in Denver, where she spent six years first as Divisional Director of Sales & Marketing, then as Vice President, Marketing. McCourt lead marketing, public relations, digital marketing and promotions for 64 hotels and the corporate office. McCourt also spent three years as Director of Sales & Marketing for Alden-Houston in Texas, and four years in sales for Morgans Hotel Group, her first employer in the industry, in New York and London. Prior to joining the hotel industry, McCourt worked in advertising and public relations on the agency side.
A Native of San Antonio, Texas, McCourt earned a Bachelor's of Business Administration with a double major in marketing and entrepreneurship from Baylor University in Waco. Later, she was selected into the prestigious Leadership Denver program of the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce, spending nearly a year delving into critical national issues and participating in leadership development coursework.
Meantime, McCourt has been involved in several social and corporate responsibility efforts over the years: from serving on the board of Opera Colorado to creating annual fundraising events for The Road to Hope, a charity for the children of Haiti, from 2010 to present.
About The Darcy Washington D.C., Curio Collection by Hilton
Newly opened in April 2017, The Darcy Washington D.C. is a stylish, upscale addition to the Nation's Capital, located walking distance from Dupont Circle and the White House in the heart of Washington, D.C. A member of Curio Collection by Hilton managed by Sage Hospitality, the design-forward hotel draws inspiration from the fast-moving, cosmopolitan community around it, welcoming travelers with 226 luxurious guest rooms and suites arrayed with contemporary art, furnishings and technologies, with thoughtful details and personal service integral to the experience. Onsite dining options tap local culinary talent, including Siren, a seafood-driven restaurant by acclaimed Chef Robert Wiedmaier, as well as Lil B Coffee & Eatery from Chef David Guas. The Darcy Washington D.C. offers 5,400 square feet of meeting and event space plus outdoor event space for corporate, group and social clientele. A number of programs further set The Darcy Washington D.C. apart on the city's hospitality scene, including partnerships with local favorites Green Hat Gin and Element Shrub who curate complimentary cocktails served in the lobby each evening; a "Haberdashery" designed by Read Wall and custom suits by DC's best tailor, Mario Rojas; and a convenient "gear shop" for borrowing strollers, scooters and bikes to enable families to explore the neighborhood. The Darcy Washington D.C., 1515 Rhode Island Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. www.thedarcyhotel.com
About Curio Collection by Hilton
Curio Collection by HiltonTM(curiocollection.com), launched in 2014, is a global portfolio of more than 35 remarkable, upper upscale hotels and resorts handpicked for their unique character and personality. Curio Collection properties appeal to travelers seeking one-of-a-kind discoveries and authentic experiences, all backed by Hilton (NYSE: HLT) and its award-winning Hilton Honors program. Read the latest Curio Collection stories at news.curiocollection.com.
Contact:
Nicole Vassallo
[email protected]
(212) 255-6541
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