AHC+Hospitality has appointed Ryan Schmied as General Manager of the AC Hotel Grand Rapids, opening Spring 2019 in the heart of downtown Grand Rapids. Schmied will oversee day-to-day operations, specialty programming and beverage and food operations of the 130-room lifestyle hotel.
“As a well-traveled level two sommelier with longstanding roots in the hospitality industry, extensive knowledge of European culture, wine and spirits, Schmied is the ideal candidate to establish the AC Hotel brand in an emerging market,” said Rick Winn, president, AHC+Hospitality. “We’re excited for the rare and unique opportunity to open a hotel with a general manager whose personality and passions seamlessly align with the AC Hotel guest.”
Born in Miami and raised in an international household with family in the hospitality industry, Schmied’s experience transcends his 13 years in the workforce. Starting as a doorman after high school, Schmied held various operational roles at the JW Marriott Hotel Miami before transitioning to operations manager on the opening team at Hotel Beaux Arts Miami. Most recently beverage director at Miami-based Whisk Gourmet Food & Catering, Schmied was responsible for annual beverage sales in excess of $1 million.
“As the first and only hotel of its kind in Grand Rapids, my goal is to position the AC Hotel as a cultural hub rich with experiences and events unique to the destination,” said Schmied. “From hosting local musicians at wine and beer tastings to ping pong tournaments, this exclusive, curated programming calendar will solidify the hotel as the ultimate pre- and post-event destination for guests and locals.”
A graduate of Florida International University, Schmied received a degree in Hospitality Administration/Management while simultaneously gaining experience at JW Marriott Hotel Miami and Hotel Beaux Arts Miami. During his time at JW Marriott Hotel Miami, Schmied was awarded manager of bi-month and nominated several times throughout his five years at the hotel.
The 130-room AC Hotel Grand Rapids will transform a historic 127-year old warehouse in the heart of downtown into a haven for entrepreneurial-minded travelers, featuring minimalist design details and the building’s original brick façade. Steps from the Van Andel Arena and DeVos Convention Center, the converted hotel will feature nods to the destination, such as public spaces exclusively outfitted by a renowned West Michigan-based furniture designer. The property will also offer tapas-style dining and a beverage program inspired by the AC Hotel brand’s Spanish roots.
