HQ Hotels & Residences, a newly launched lifestyle hospitality brand led by sbe Chairman & CEO Sam Nazarian, has appointed industry veteran Mike Metcalf as its President. With over 40 years of experience in hospitality, Metcalf brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership to the brand. He joins HQ Hotels at a pivotal moment, as the brand prepares to open its first hotels in Montreux, Switzerland and Detroit, Michigan.
Metcalf’s impressive career spans several top leadership roles, including his previous position as Chief Operating Officer at Crescent Hotels & Resorts. During his 18-year tenure there, he played a key role in the company’s expansion from 28 to over 110 properties. His focus on operational excellence, financial performance, and client relationships made him a valuable asset to the company. Metcalf’s experience extends beyond Crescent Hotels & Resorts. He previously served as General Manager of the 900-room Delta Orlando at Universal Studios and the PGA National Resort & Spa in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. He also spent 15 years with ITT Sheraton, holding various roles in operations, sales and marketing, finance, and corporate staffing across North America.
Sam Nazarian, Chairman & CEO of sbe, expressed his enthusiasm about Metcalf’s appointment, stating, “Mike joins HQ Hotels at a pivotal stage of its launch… His extensive background in hospitality at every level and his business acumen makes him the ideal choice for HQ and we are delighted to have him at the brand’s helm.”
Metcalf’s leadership will be crucial in shaping HQ Hotels & Residences as it seeks to revolutionize the lifestyle hospitality market. He has outlined his vision for the brand, stating, “As the HQ brand launches globally, my focus will be to source new deals, develop brand standards, and ensure we deliver on the HQ brand promise to guests, employees and owners alike. We’re creating a unique and global hotel experience specifically targeting Gen Z and Millennial travelers. In particular, we see the savvy Latin American travel demographic as integral.”
HQ Hotels & Residences is poised to redefine the hospitality industry by blending innovation, sophistication, and cultural elements into a unique lifestyle brand. The brand will be known for its entertainment value and its commitment to providing memorable experiences for its guests.
One of the key differentiators for HQ Hotels will be its dining experiences. In collaboration with renowned chefs and culinary innovators, HQ will offer exclusive dining experiences that blend inventive cuisine with traditional flavors. These restaurants will be crafted in partnership with the Disruptive Restaurant Group (DRG), bringing together culinary icons like Chef Katsuya Uechi, Chef Dani Garcia, and Chef Wes Avila.
HQ will also tap into the fast-growing premium quick-service restaurant (QSR) sector through a partnership with Everybody Eats, the largest premium QSR brand and digital food company. This partnership aims to connect with Millennials, Gen Z, and the Latin communities.
True to sbe’s DNA, nightlife and entertainment will remain central to HQ’s lifestyle offerings. Through strategic partnerships with top entertainment brands, HQ Hotels & Residences will deliver vibrant, curated nightlife experiences, ensuring each destination becomes a hub for high-energy entertainment.
With its innovative blend of hospitality, culinary artistry, and entertainment, HQ Hotels & Residences is set to become a new standard-bearer in the global lifestyle hotel market.
