Benchmark Hospitality International, a leading US-based independent hospitality management company, has appointed Michael J. Taylor CHA, CMP general manager for the stylish new hotel being constructed at 231 Duffield Street in Brooklyn. Named Hotel 718, the property is owned by Brooklyn-based V3 Hotels and will be operated by Benchmark Hospitality.  It is scheduled to open in November of this year.  Greg Parsons, Benchmark’s senior vice president of operations, made the announcement.

“Mike is a veteran of the New York metropolitan market,” said Mr. Parsons.  “He has served in executive-level positions within New York City and surrounding markets for the past 20 years, including two previous general manager appointments.  He is ideal for this terrific new hotel close to Brooklyn’s historic Downtown.”

Mike Taylor has extensive experience within New York hospitality.  Previous to joining the Benchmark Hospitality organization, Mr. Taylor served as director of convention services at the New York City landmark hotel, The Waldorf=Astoria.  During his six-year tenure with the property a portion of his responsibilities included the coordination of visiting US and foreign dignitaries, such as Presidents, Prime Ministers, and the Pope.

Following this appointment, Mr. Taylor joined North Maple Inn in Basking Ridge, New Jersey, and also Benchmark Hospitality International, which operated the property at the time.  Taylor was rapidly promoted to general manager.  Under his leadership the hotel consistently earned the Four Diamond Award and was designated “One of the 50 Best Places to Work in the State” by a leading business publication.

Subsequent to this, Mr. Taylor opened and successfully launched The Heldrich Hotel, located in downtown New Brunswick, New Jersey, also a Benchmark Hospitality property.  Additionally, Mr. Taylor has served as corporate staff support for Benchmark Hospitality International, overseeing the group operations of 14 North American properties.

Earlier in his career, Taylor was employed with major brand hospitality companies where he participated in the pre-opening and transition teams for properties in Anaheim, San Diego, and Palm Desert, California.

Michael Taylor has lectured at New York University (NYU) Center for Hospitality Tourism and Travel.  He also served as NYU course instructor of Financial Management for Hospitality and Travel. Mr. Taylor is a graduate of Truman State University, located in Kirksville, Missouri, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree.  He earned his Master of Science degree in Hospitality Industry Studies from NYU.  Taylor is past president of the New Jersey Hotel & Lodging Association, and has served on the Board of Directors for the International Association of Conference Centers.