NEW YORK – Dieter Schmitz, a seasoned hotelier with over two decades of experience, has joined Sofitel New York as general manager. The appointment brings Schmitz back to New York City to focus on rejuvenating the luxury Midtown Manhattan hotel.
Schmitz’s accomplishments are marked by a keen focus on orchestrating successful launches, rejuvenation and repositioning high-profile flagship assets for brands like IHG, Marriott and independent luxury properties such as Riggs DC. He’s spearheaded eight luxury and lifestyle hotel openings and renovations in New York, Washington, D.C., Arizona and California. His dedication to flourishing team cultures and personable guest experiences have earned hotels under his leadership consistent number-one industry rankings.
Schmitz’s General Manager oversight experience includes roles as the market general manager, U.S. mainland for Marriott Vacations Worldwide in Scottsdale, Arizona. In this role, he led the opening of the Marriott ADERO Autograph Collection Resort mid pandemic, following a $100 million redevelopment, achieving a AAA Four Diamond ranking in its first year. Preceding ADERO Schmitz was the area general manager for Lore’s Group luxury debut in the US leading the high profile opening of the five-star Riggs DC where he developed a long-term brand strategy, differentiating luxury guest experience and earned numerous prestigious accolades. He also led Riggs thru a closure and successful reopening in the hotels first year of operations due to the pandemic.
In 2014 Schmitz rejoined IHG Hotels & Resorts as area general manager for the Crowne Plaza HY36 Midtown Manhattan, EVEN Hotel New York – Times Square South, and Midtown East. He spearheaded the opening and operation of the three new Manhattan properties across a five-year tenure, eight years combined with the company. His focus on maximizing guest experiences earned the hotels top rankings on Trip Advisor inclusive of being named onto the “Top 25 Hotels in the USA” list as well as company leading RGI, employee engagement and guest satisfaction scores for three straight years. Prior Schmitz led the openings of the Lakehouse Hotel and Resort in San Diego (“Top 25 Hotels in the USA”), and two additional new builds via the independent Shore Hotel in Santa Monica (Four Diamonds and leading ranking on TA) and IHG’s Hotel Indigo San Diego Gaslamp Quarter. His new post follows tenure as VP of Upscale Brands for Choice Hotels where he spearheaded growth for seven brands and over 300 properties.
“I am tremendously excited to return to NYC during such an exciting time for Sofitel New York,” said Schmitz. “With an unbeatable location and forthcoming renovation, I look forward to introducing our future flagship property to the world. Our team is committed to excellence and creating personable guest experiences. We’re taking Sofitel New York to the next level.”
Schmitz’s leadership has been rewarded with several career achievements, including numerous hotels receiving recognition by Condé Nast Traveler’s esteemed “Hot List” and “Best New Hotels in the World,” and Travel + Leisure’s “It List” for “Best New Hotels” as well as “Best New Bars and Restaurants in the World” for Riggs Washington DC.
Schmitz holds a bachelor’s degree from Johnson & Wales University. He loves spending time with his family and friends in Austria and California, including his wife Isabell, their children Nico and Leni, and their beloved French bulldog Wellington. He enjoys culinary adventures, travel escapades, unwinding with hiking, pickle ball and tennis, and rooting for hockey’s LA Kings and football’s Dallas Cowboys.
The article Dieter Schmitz named General Manager of Sofitel New York first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.