The Brown Palace Hotel And Spa Welcomes Its First Female General Manager
July 14, 2023
DENVER – The Brown Palace Hotel and Spa announced Thursday the appointment of Jana Smith as the landmark’s first female General Manager. In her new role, Smith will be responsible for overseeing all operational aspects of the 241-room hotel and its 300-person team, ensuring day-to-day success in providing guests with exceptional dine and drink experiences and distinguished service, according to a press release.
Smith joins The Brown Palace Hotel and Spa team following a nearly two-year stint as General Manager at the Colorado Springs Marriott, where she increased both revenue and guest satisfaction, the release said. Prior to that, she served as Vice President of Hospitality at Brush Creek Ranch, a collection of all-inclusive luxury guest ranches in Saratoga, Wyoming, where she contributed to achieving record-setting top line revenue, maintaining the coveted Forbes Five Star rating, and earning the resort the accolade of #1 in the USA by both Travel and Leisure and Condé Nast Traveler. Additionally, Smith’s resume – which spans across more than 25 years of industry experience – touts executive-level positions like Hotel Manager and Director of Operations at several notable hotel properties including The St. Regis Deer Valley, W Seattle, and Fairmont Olympic Hotel. Originally from the greater Seattle area, Smith received her Bachelor of Science in Hospitality from Central Washington University.
“I’m thrilled to now be a part of the team at The Brown Palace and am very much looking forward to preserving and returning this majestic icon to her glory,” said Smith. “Of course, I’m focused on continued growth and financial success – but there’s also a higher purpose at play with a desire to keep the historic hotel connected with the community and enhance the already spectacular traditions of the past while introducing new traditions for the future. I’m passionate about continuing to write the story and share the rich history that truly makes this hotel Denver’s Grand Dame.”
The Brown Palace Hotel and Spa is located in the heart of downtown Denver. Having played host to presidents, celebrities, and royalty for more than 130 years, The Brown Palace is known as one of the city’s oldest and most prestigious businesses. The property encompasses 241 guestrooms and presidential suites; six iconic dining and drink options include Palace Arms, Ship Tavern, Churchill Bar, Ellyngton’s, Atrium Cocktails, and the renowned Afternoon Tea in the Atrium Lobby, accompanied by live cabaret style music; and more than 20,000 square feet of flexible meeting space and the luxurious spa. The property is also part of Marriott International’s signature Autograph Collection, an exclusive collection of upscale and luxury hotels within the global portfolio.