Hotel Effie Sandestin, Autograph Collection, the luxury boutique hotel at the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, has announced the appointment of Jennifer Lombard Knight as its new general manager. Lombard Knight is responsible for overseeing the hotel’s day-to-day operations, including leading the team in delivering consistent, unique experiences that enhance the quality of service for guests.
“Jennifer brings valuable industry skills and fresh perspectives to her role as general manager at Hotel Effie Sandestin, Autograph Collection,” said Sara Becnel, president of Sandestin Investments LLC. “We are excited to have her on our team and look forward to fostering a positive environment where her management skills can prosper.”
In her new role, Lombard Knight will manage the property’s leadership team and further expand the hotel’s programming and amenities. Working alongside the remarkable operations, sales, human resources and revenue management teams, she will ensure each department shines individually while providing authentic Southern hospitality as a complete unit.
As a decisive, passionate and structured leader, she plans to evolve the hotel’s food and beverage offerings by working closely with its restaurant team. She also plans to strengthen the hotel’s wellness offerings, including the robust menu of services at Spa Lilliana, its wellness facility.
With over 18 years of experience at hotels across the globe, from large-scale properties to private member clubs, Lombard Knight has had the privilege of working across all departments. She has also collaborated with brands and owners alike to elevate hotel performance at all stages. Lombard Knight is passionate about fostering a diverse company culture that allows individuals and teams to thrive while enhancing the guest experience and ensuring financial success.
“I’m honored to step into this role at Hotel Effie Sandestin as general manager,” said Lombard Knight. “With its unparalleled location between the Gulf of Mexico and Choctawhatchee Bay and an esteemed reputation for delivering exceptional guest satisfaction, I look forward to working alongside our dedicated team to uphold Hotel Effie’s traditions and create new ones.”
While working on her bachelor’s degree in Switzerland, Lombard Knight completed internships at the Michelin-starred kitchen of Park Hyatt Paris-Vandôme, Fairmont Le Montreux Palace and Charles Kendall. She joined IHG Hotels & Resorts in 2006 on its first AMEA Future Leaders Program, where she worked in various departments at InterContinental Paris Le Grand and Crowne Plaza London. Lombard Knight spent 15 years with IHG working around the world, from Europe to the Middle East to Asia and, eventually, the United States.
Nestled inside the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, Hotel Effie integrates coastal charm and Southern hospitality in every delightful detail. The hotel features 250 guest rooms and suites, four culinary concepts, a luxury spa, a state-of-the-art fitness center, the only hotel rooftop pool in Northwest Florida and 20,000 square feet of meeting space. Rooted in Southern hospitality and attention to detail, Hotel Effie will keep guest service at its highest level. Named after owner Tom Becnel’s grandmother, Hotel Effie exemplifies the charm and personality of its namesake, who was best described as the ultimate hostess. Grandma Effie’s gift of welcoming every guest with open arms lives on as the hotel prepares complimentary warm chocolate chip cookies every day using her special recipe. The property recently joined Marriott International’s Autograph Collection, offering exclusive perks to Marriott Bonvoy members. For more information, visit hoteleffie.com.
