Donald E. Cook, who has managed hotels in major markets across the country and assisted in the transitions of legendary properties such as the Algonquin in New York City, has been named general manager of the Hilton Shreveport , announced John Cario, vice president/general manager for HRI Lodging.
Cook previously managed a number of properties in the portfolio of HEI Hotels & Resorts, one of the fastest growing privately held owner/operators in the hotel industry, with 51 hotels in 19 states. Cook has managed properties flying the flags of Hyatt, Marriott, Hilton, Holiday Inn and Embassy Suites. He also managed the Hotel Minneapolis in its rebranding to the Autograph Collection.
“Don brings to HRI Lodging a wealth of experience managing hotels across the nation at every level of size, brand, market and guest niche, ” Cario said. “His background in ownership transition will contribute to the growth model of HRI Lodging, and we look forward to benefitting from his vast experience,” Cario added.
Most recently, Cook served as general manager of the Embassy Suites Orlando-Lake Buena Vista and led its ownership transition from HEI to GF Management. He worked at HEI from 2005 through 2013, managing hotels in Orlando, Atlanta and Minneapolis. He also assisted in the HEI ownership and management transition of properties in San Diego, Austin, Washington, D.C. and Dallas-Fort Worth, in addition to the storied Algonquin Hotel in New York.
He started his career with Hyatt Hotels Corporation in management roles at Hyatt Atlanta Airport and Hyatt Regency Baltimore. He has also worked for Interstate Hotels Corporation and Crestline Hotels and Resorts.
He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in hospitality management from Johnson & Wales University in Providence, RI.
The Hilton Shreveport is connected to the Shreveport Convention Center that features 350,000 square feet of meeting space. The hotel offers 313 guest rooms, complimentary high-speed internet access, a 32-inch LCD HD TV with cable channels, refrigerator, designer bath products and a spacious work desk in the rooms plus a 24-hour business center and 1,781 square feet of meeting space.
