The Hotel Phillips Kansas City, Curio Collection by Hilton appointed its new GM, Mark Krtek, effective immediately. Krtek steps into the role with more than two decades of experience serving the Midwest hospitality industry and nine years dedicated to service in the role of GM.
“It’s an honor to continue serving the Kansas City hospitality industry through such an iconic and historic property as Hotel Phillips,” Krtek said in a statement. “I’m thrilled to work alongside the hotel’s exceptional team to preserve Hotel Phillips’ legacy and continue to deliver outstanding guest service.
In his new role, Krtek will be responsible for managing all property operations, including guest services, sales and marketing and property appearance for the 216-room hotel, as well as Hotel Phillips’ 7,000 square feet of meetings and event space. Prior to joining the Hotel Phillips team, Krtek served as GM of the Hilton Kansas City Airport, a 347-room property with 21,000 square feet of meeting and events space, and the Doubletree Guest Suites, a 187 all-suite property in Omaha. Before transitioning into a leadership position as GM, Krtek held several other hotel operations roles, including director of operations, director of rooms, director of housekeeping, guest services manager and assistant manager.
“Since the moment we began working with Hotel Phillips, we were enamored with its architecture, its history and its significance to Kansas City,” Sheenal Patel, founder & CEO of the hotel’s management firm, Arbor Lodging Management, said in a statement. “We know that Mark, too, shares this appreciation for the hotel, and look forward to his leadership in bringing Hotel Phillips to the next level since the recent restoration and renovation.”
Krtek holds a bachelor of science degree in hospitality management from Missouri State University in Springfield, Mo. In addition to his role as GM for Hotel Phillips, Krtek serves on the board of the Missouri Hotel & Lodging Association and oversees all initiatives of the Hotel & Lodging Association of Greater Kansas City as president. This year, Krtek was named 2017 Hotelier of the Year by the Hotel & Lodging Association of Greater Kansas City.
Hotel Phillips Kansas City, Curio Collection by Hilton, owned by Arbor Lodging Partners and managed by Arbor Lodging Management, is a historic boutique hotel located in downtown Kansas City. The hotel opened its doors in 1931 and recently completed a $20-million renovation that touched nearly every aspect of the hotel, combing 1930’s design with modern amenities.
The 20-story hotel has 216 guestrooms and suites, dining and beverage offerings at three onsite venues (Tavernonna Italian Kitchen, P.S. Speakeasy cocktail parlor and Kilo Charlie Coffee Bar), visual and performing arts collaborations through its ArtLight program and art deco style. Hotel Phillips is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.