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Radisson Hotels & Resorts(R) today announced the hiring of Judith Kalfon as the new general manager of its marquee property, the Radisson Plaza Hotel Minneapolis located at 35 South Seventh Street in the heart of downtown Minneapolis.
Kalfon brings more than 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry to the position.
Most recently, Kalfon served as General Manager for the Marriott Hotel in Richmond, Virginia and prior to that assignment, was General Manager at the Lenox Suites Hotel in Chicago. Kalfon has experience with numerous brands, including Omni Hotels, Homewood Suites by Hilton and Sheraton. Kalfon has her B.A. degree from the University of Florida and will be completing her Masters Degree in Hospitality & Tourism Management this year from Roosevelt University-Chicago. In addition, Kalfon possesses the designation of Certified Hotel Administrator awarded by the American Hotel & Lodging Association.
"I am excited to be a part of this innovative, full-service brand and look forward to becoming a valued member of the downtown Minneapolis hospitality community," said Kalfon. "As a AAA four diamond property, The Radisson Plaza Hotel Minneapolis is unique in that it offers a real connection to the history of the city, but provides the style and modern amenities that today's travelers demand. With the help of the talented team at the Plaza, I am confident that we will continue to deliver the highest quality Radisson guest experience."
Over the next several years, the Radisson Plaza Hotel Minneapolis will focus on building relationships with business travelers and organizations looking to utilize the 19,000 square feet of newly renovated meeting space -- from the brand new Fjord conference room to the opulent Scandinavian Ballroom. Leisure travelers also have plenty to enjoy at the Radisson Plaza Hotel Minneapolis including the updated 17th Floor Health Club, the award-winning Fire Lake Grill and Cocktail bar, and refurbished Plaza Club level, offering a concierge lounge, deluxe continental breakfast and other premium amenities. In addition to the recent updates, a major renovation of all guest rooms and public meeting areas was completed in 2003.
"After investing more than $15 million into renovations at the Radisson Plaza Hotel Minneapolis since 2003, it was important that we move into the new era of this historic property with an experienced, dynamic leader," said Bjorn Gullaksen, executive vice president of Carlson Hotels Worldwide Managed Hotels & Resorts -- The Americas, and president of The Regent Luxury Group. "Kalfon is a perfect fit for the organization, and we're delighted to have someone with her extensive resume and notable accomplishments in the industry join the Radisson family."
The hotel, which was developed by Carlson founder Curtis L. Carlson on the site of the original Radisson Hotel in which he was a partner and then acquired in 1962, was later razed in the 1980's to build the Radisson Plaza Hotel. The hotel was developed as part of the $108 million Plaza VII development with a 325,000 square foot office tower, to meet the city's demand for more meeting space, larger contemporary guest rooms and more expansive parking facilities. The hotel is company-owned and managed and helped spur Radisson's rapid expansion of its hotel operations to nearly 400 hotels in 66 countries.
Radisson Hotels & Resorts(R), one of the world's leading, full-service hotel companies, offers warm and engaging genuine hospitality at every point of guest contact and is focused on being the hotel of choice with business and leisure travelers by understanding their independent mindset, changing needs and desire to have more control over their hotel experience.
Radisson is continuing to evolve the brand, introducing new product and service standards to enable guest choice. Radisson recently introduced Express Yourself, the first online check-in service in the hotel industry that enables guest to pre-check-in online up to seven days prior to their stay and note key service preferences.
There are nearly 400 Radisson locations in 66 countries.
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