Bristol Hospitality Group is pleased to announce the appointment of Al Petrone as CEO. Petrone brings more than 25 years of experience with some of the most recognized hospitality brands in the world.
Petrone possesses a wealth of hospitality and executive-level experience from the world’s finest hotel brands, including The Sheraton, W Hotels, and Ian Shrager Hotels. As CEO of Bristol Hospitality Group, he will oversee the expansion of the brand’s portfolio to include a diverse and growing selection of five star hotels in Latin America.
An American raised in Puerto Rico, Al has lived, worked and traveled in over 100 countries, earning a wealth of “hands-on” operational experience in many challenging assignments throughout the world.
Prior to joining Bristol Hospitality Group, Petrone served as Vice President of Operations for Ian Schrager Hotels and as Chief Marketing Officer for both Noble House Hotels and CruiseWest. Petrone also served as a key player in the launch and operation of one of the most successful brands in the hospitality industry during his tenure as Director of Operations at W Hotels. His success with the launch led to his promotion to Vice President and Brand Manager for Sheraton Hotels, where he oversaw 200 properties for Starwood’s marquee brand.
Awarded a full scholarship to Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business, Petrone graduated with honors and received an MBA in 1995. Petrone is fluent in English, Spanish, and German, and enjoys reading, sports, traveling and playing the acoustic guitar in his spare time. He is an active volunteer with the Ronald McDonald House charities, and is a regular contributor to various media channels including Forbes, Fortune and “Lessons from the Nordstrom Way”.
Bristol Hospitality Group is the leading Panamanian-owned hotel brand in Panama. Its flagship property in Panama City, Bristol Panama, recently celebrated the addition of 111 new rooms, suites and condominiums, as well as a new restaurant and a range of five-star amenities. The hotel has been considered among the best in the city for business and leisure travelers since its opening in 1997. The brand’s beachfront property in Coclé, Bristol Buenaventura, will be reflagged as JW Marriott Panama Golf & Resort in December 2012.
The Bristol Panama & Bristol Buenaventura – Panama (www.Thebristol.com)
Bristol Panama is located in the heart of the bustling Financial Center of Panama City, just a short distance from premier shopping, nightlife and cultural attractions. Originally featuring 56 guest rooms and suites, the hotel recently added a 25-story Hotel Residence Tower offering 63 guestrooms, 40 residences and eight suites, as well as a lap pool, 8°58 Lounge and a new fitness center. A rooftop Spa at Bristol will offer sky high indulgence in September 2012. This city hotel is also home to notable Chef Cuquita Arias’ traditional gourmet Panamanian cuisine at the award-winning Barandas Restaurant.
Bristol Buenaventura is situated on 1,000 acres of lush vegetation and pristine beaches 80 minutes southwest of Panama City in an exclusive gated community. With breathtaking ocean views, a private lake and manicured gardens, the property features 118 rooms and suites, a new 18-hole Nicklaus Design golf course, tennis and volleyball courts and riding trails with a stable of Peruvian Paso Fino horses. The property is home to the award-winning Corotu Spa, five restaurants, oceanfront clubhouse and a luxurious pool, complete with direct beach access and private waterfront butler service. A favorite destination wedding locale, the resort’s grounds feature the romantic Ermita Chapel and more than 4,000 square feet of meeting space. Bristol Buenaventura will be reflagged as a JW Marriott Panama Golf & Resort in December 2012.
