White Lodging named Thomas Hoffmann the dual general manager at The Otis Hotel and AC Hotel in Austin, Texas.
Hoffmann brings more than 20 years of hospitality experience to his new position, and his career has encompassed roles in six countries and on three continents. Most recently, he served as opening GM of the first Autograph Collection hotel in Alabama, the Grand Bohemian Hotel Mountain Brook in Birmingham.
“My goal in this role will be to establish The Otis Hotel and AC Hotel as the most unique, exciting and highly successful properties in the Austin market,” Hoffmann said in a statement. “I strive to have fun while building a strong team to support the ongoing success and growth of White Lodging in Austin and across its portfolio.”
While at the Grand Bohemian, the hotel earned the 2017 Autograph Collection North America Hotel of the Year award. The hotel also achieved one of the highest guest satisfaction scores across U.S. Autograph Collection in its first year of operation.
Hoffmann holds a degree in culinary arts and a Bachelor of Science in economics with specialization in hotel management from the University of Hannover, Germany. He served on the board of directors of the Alabama Hotel and Restaurant Association and was a member of the Implementation Committee for the city of Birmingham’s Tourism Master Plan.
Located along the southwest edge of University of Texas at Austin’s campus, the Otis Hotel and AC Hotel Austin will bring 7,100 square feet of meeting space and 347 rooms to the city—191 rooms, including 29 suites, at The Otis Hotel, and 156 rooms, including two suites, at AC Hotel Austin. Both hotels are set to open in early 2020 and bring White Lodging’s portfolio to 13 hotels and 12 restaurant and bar concepts in Austin. White Lodging is also building the new 613-room Marriott downtown at the convention center.
The Otis Hotel is Austin's first-ever Autograph Collection hotel. The property's design was inspired by Austin’s local artists, the city’s music culture and the neighboring University of Texas.