JACKSONVILLE | Key International, a globally recognised real estate investment and development company, and Shaner Hotels, an award-winning international hotel owner, operator and developer, announced a new sales director.
Samantha Pritchard is now the director of sales of the new 156-suite SpringHill Suites by Marriott Jacksonville Beach Oceanfront, joining Michael Weihs, who recently joined Shaner as general manager last fall.
“Jacksonville Beach is booming, and the new SpringHill Suites Jacksonville Beach Oceanfront is well positioned to serve both the discerning business traveller and leisure guest,” Weihs said.
“Samantha and I have a strong dynamic, and I look forward to collaborating with her to increase revenues while providing extraordinary experiences to our guests. Her invaluable market knowledge will elevate our position in the competitive Jacksonville beach hotel market.”
Pritchard joined Shaner Hotels in the spring of 2023 as the dual director of sales for the Courtyard by Marriott Jacksonville Beach Oceanfront and the Fairfield Inn Jacksonville Beach before assuming her promotion to area director of sales in January 2024.
Her background is in hotel renovations and new construction. As director of sales of the Residence Inn Jacksonville, she led the pre-opening sales efforts for the first extended-stay hotel in the Brooklyn Riverside market.
Pritchard’s career began at Visit Jacksonville, where she brought convention groups to the city’s hotels and attractions.
“That is where I got the hospitality bug. I knew that more people needed to experience Jacksonville and all we have to offer, and it was my job to show them the magic of our city,” said Pritchard.
“Having worked in the Jacksonville hospitality industry for the past ten years, I can appreciate what a unique gem this hotel is. As the newest Marriott product in the Jacksonville Beach area, we plan to breathe new life into an otherwise not often changing hotel marketplace.”
Situated oceanfront at 465 North First Street, the hotel is convenient to the area’s top attractions and businesses, including the Jacksonville Beach Pier, Sea Walk Pavilion, the PGA Tour at Sawgrass, Mayo Clinic, St. John’s Town Center, EverBank Stadium, University of North Florida and multiple area golf courses.
The all-suite hotel offers complimentary daily breakfast and invites guests to dine at Sandbar Jax Bch, the property’s second-story oceanfront restaurant and bar. The restaurant serves crafted cocktails and regionally inspired dishes, all while enjoying breathtaking views of the Jacksonville Beach Pier and the Atlantic Ocean.
In March, the hotel opened its storefront Starbucks at Jacksonville Beach Pier, offering a unique blend of Starbucks favourites with a relaxing walk-up beach vibe.
With over 25 years of hospitality management experience, Weihs has held general manager positions in several Florida markets, including Tampa, Orlando, Stuart/Hutchinson Island, and St. Augustine.
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