The Ritz-Carlton Dallas, Las Colinas Names Guntram Merl as General Manager
The Ritz-Carlton Dallas, Las Colinas has appointed Guntram Merl as its new general manager. Within his role, Merl will oversee day-to-day management of operations, including the resort's evolving food and beverage program, working across departments to ensure cohesion and strategic planning.
With more than 25 years of international hospitality experience, Merl has built a reputation for delivering exceptional guest experiences and cultivating high-performing, service-driven teams. Born in Carinthia, Austria, Merl's career spans five-star, five-diamond, and boutique properties across London, Gstaad, Australia, the Cayman Islands, Asia and the United States. In global leadership roles, including at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman, where he helped launch the premier Cayman Cookout culinary festival, he has contributed to earned accolades including the Forbes Five-Star and AAA Five Diamond awards.
Merl most recently served as general manager of The St. Regis Atlanta, where he oversaw a 15-year streak of Five Diamond ratings and maintained best-in-class Intent to Recommend scores. During his tenure, the hotel was named Marriott's "Hotel of the Year," and Merl earned the distinction of General Manager of the Year for the brand's U.S. East Region in 2023.
Merl's dedication to hospitality extends to food and beverage initiatives. Among other initiatives, he helped launch "Out of the Kitchen," a culinary fundraiser that earned nearly $5 million across four markets, benefiting organizations such as Horizons Atlanta and other philanthropic groups across the country.
"Leading the transformation of The Ritz-Carlton Dallas, Las Colinas allows me to draw upon what I've learned in more than two decades working in luxury hospitality," Merl said. "This beautiful property offers our team the chance to build unparalleled experiences for both leisure and group audiences."
Merl holds a degree in Hospitality Management with distinction from the Hospitality Professions School in Oberwollanig, Austria.
Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is a global leading lodging company based in Bethesda,Maryland, USA, with more than 4,200 properties in 80 countries and territories. Marriott International reported revenues of nearly $14 billion in fiscal year 2014. The company operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts under 19 brands, including: The Ritz-Carlton®, BVlgari®, EDITION®, JW Marriott®, Autograph Collection® Hotels, Renaissance® Hotels, Marriott Hotels®, Delta Hotels and Resorts®, Marriott Executive Apartments®, Marriott Vacation Club®, Gaylord Hotels®, AC Hotels by Marriott®, Courtyard®, Residence Inn®, SpringHill Suites®, Fairfield Inn & Suites®, TownePlace Suites®, Protea Hotels® and MoxyHotels®. Marriott has been consistently recognized as a top employer and for its superior business ethics. The company also manages the award-winning guest loyalty program, Marriott Rewards® and The Ritz-Carlton Rewards® program, which together surpass 50 million members. For more information or reservations, please visit our website at 
