McKibbon Hospitality today announced the appointment of two seasoned and award-winning hospitality professionals to lead the highly anticipated opening of the Tempo by Hilton – the first Tempo flag in North Carolina – and Homewood Suites by Hilton in the heart of downtown Raleigh, North Carolina, in early-2024.
Rob Ambersley has been named Dual General Manager and will be responsible for overseeing all facets of operations pertaining to the dual-branded property, including managing a team of more than 60 total associates, while Laureen Cooney has been named Dual Director of Sales, responsible for overall revenue generation and community partnerships.
“As progress continues with Tempo and Homewood Suites Raleigh Downtown, we are anxious to welcome our on-property leadership team with the appointment of Rob and Laureen,” said Bruce Baerwalde, president of McKibbon Hospitality. “Their impressive career paths, coupled with their extensive market knowledge and deep roots in the Raleigh community, make them uniquely suited for their respective roles. We look forward to a successful opening in the coming months under their leadership.”
Ambersley, who has been with McKibbon since 2012, brings an extensive background in hotel management and a proven track record of success to his new role spanning more than 20 years. He most recently served as General Manager of McKibbon’s Homewood Suites by Hilton Raleigh-Durham Airport/Research Triangle Park, where his impressive results and inspiring leadership were recognized with a 2023 McKibbon Circle of Excellence Award. This role was preceded by his time as General Manager of Homewood Suites by Hilton Raleigh-Crabtree Valley, which was previously managed by McKibbon, during which time he earned his Certified Hotel Administrator (CHA) Certificate from the American Hotel and Lodging Association.
With 20-plus years of multi-brand hospitality experience, Cooney joins McKibbon from GF Hotels where she served as Dual Director of Sales for the Homewood Suites Raleigh Crabtree & Hampton Inn Raleigh Cary properties. Well-connected with a thorough knowledge of the Raleigh market, her previous roles include Opening Director of Sales for the Courtyard by Marriott Raleigh Cary Crossroads, Corporate Senior Sales Manager of Raleigh’s State View Hotel, an Autograph Collection by Marriott, and Director of Sales for Homewood Suites Cary, where she was the 2017 Enthusiastic All Suites Brand Recipient of Hilton’s Director of Sales of the Year Award.
Primely located on the corner of South McDowell Street and West Davie Street, Tempo and Homewood Suites Raleigh Downtown will bring a total combined 261 new guest rooms to downtown Raleigh, providing convenient access to Fayetteville Street, the Raleigh Convention Center, and the Warehouse District.
Appealing to a variety of travelers, the dual-brand property allows guests to choose the brand that best fits their stay and their lifestyle with the bonus of expanded amenities and shared spaces. The 13-story building will feature one grand lobby, providing guests of both hotels with communal access to 4,000 sq. ft of flexible event space, a state-of-the-art fitness center, an internal parking deck, and an independently branded rooftop bar and restaurant, which is set to be the tallest rooftop bar in the Triangle area, providing sweeping views of the downtown cityscape.
Tempo by Hilton and Homewood Suites Raleigh Downtown are owned by Greensboro based CN Hotels. Overcash Demmit is serving as the architect with Humphreys & Associates serving as the general contractor and IDI providing interior design services. Upon completion, the hotels will be managed by McKibbon Hospitality.
Learn more about Tempo by Hilton Raleigh Downtown.
About McKibbon Hospitality
Headquartered in Tampa, FL, McKibbon Hospitality creates memorable hospitality experiences that inspire brand and property loyalty. It’s how we’ve grown into one of the largest (and most awarded) hotel management companies in the country. We operate dozens of hotels for Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt, IHG, and other iconic hospitality brands. Our legacy is built on a foundation of integrity, anchored in how we value our guests, treat our associates and partners, and give back to our communities. Visit McKibbon.com to learn more.
About CN Hotels
Founded in 1994, CN Hotels owns and manages a portfolio of high quality hotels throughout the Southeast with brand affiliations such as Marriot, Hilton, Intercontinental Hotels Group, and Best Western Hotels and Resorts. Over the last 20 years, CN Hotels has evolved into a successful and reputable hotel development and management company. Having completed over 30 ground-up construction projects and managing over 50 hotels, CN Hotels strives not only on developing exceptional hotels, but also to help build the communities they are located in. To find out more about CN Hotel, Inc please visit our website at https://www.cnhotels.net/ or call 336-855-0013.
About Tempo by Hilton
Tempo by Hilton is a stylish and contemporary lifestyle hotel brand with more than 10 properties under development. Pioneering a new hospitality category, Tempo by Hilton is dedicated to exceeding the expectations of the ambitious, modern traveler and offering accommodations thoughtfully designed to help guests relax and recharge, including an open lobby concept with dedicated spaces to relax, work and dine, as well as premium culinary options, such as the brand’s signature coffee fuel bar, a casual breakfast cafe and an inviting bar experience. Created to serve a rising class of highly discerning guests committed to personal growth and development, Tempo by Hilton amenities include well-being offerings, state-of-the-art fitness facilities and programs, flexible meeting and working spaces and more. Learn more about Tempo by Hilton at newsroom.hilton.com/tempo.
