NAPLES, Fla. – The soon-to-open AC Hotel by Marriott Naples 5th Avenue in Naples, Fla., has announced its executive leadership team.
Jacob Kucinski will serve as general manager, Kimberly Hilty will be director of sales, and Douglas Gaquer will be food and beverage director with oversight of Limón, the hotel’s rooftop restaurant and bar.
OTO Development, part of The Johnson Group, is developing and will manage the AC Hotel by Marriott Naples 5th Avenue, which is slated to open mid-December 2023.
“Bringing this new hotel to the heart of Old Naples is truly a highlight of my career,” says Kucinski. “I’ve worked within the AC Hotels brand for the past six years—I love its distinctive aesthetic, which is absolutely ideal for this destination. The design marries European sophistication to the spirit of southwest Florida, with local and regional artwork lending a definite sense of place.”
He previously served as general manager of AC Hotel Spartanburg in South Carolina, where his team consistently ranked at the top in guest satisfaction scores across the entire AC Hotels brand.
Away from the hotel, Kucinski spends as much time as possible at the beach. He also enjoys checking out new restaurants and consuming all forms of media. An advocate of community service, he recently became treasurer of the Naples Design District.
Hilty brings more than 20 years of hospitality sales and marketing experience—as well as connections within the Naples community— to her role.
“I fell instantly in love with southwest Florida,” Hilty says, “And ever since, it’s been my privilege to help visitors feel the same way.”
After adopting Naples as her hometown, Hilty went on to help open four hotels in the city.
Out of the office, Hilty can typically be found either on the golf course or on the Gulf. A former collegiate swimmer, she still enjoys athletic challenges such as triathlons, open water swims, and cycling events.
Gaquer brings 16 years in the corporate restaurant space to his role with the hotel. In addition to management positions with Brinker International and Darden Inc., he has worked in boutique hotels.
“I’ve always been passionate about delivering exceptional service and exceeding expectations,” says Gaquer. “The opportunity to do so in Naples, the epicenter of upscale dining in Southwest Florida, is truly intriguing.”
Outside the professional kitchen, Gaquer volunteers with soup kitchens and other programs that address food insecurity. His community service also includes mentoring aspiring athletes and supporting sports initiatives for people living with disabilities. A fitness enthusiast with a passion for healthy cooking, he is an avid kiteboarder and runner with an affinity for half-marathons.
We have been olde Naples residents for the past 12 years we love your bar at mariott 5 th ave here are some of the problems we have encountered almost impossible to get your wifi please examine your website we have tried numerous times it continuously denies our password their is no options to reset your password question why is that we have spoken to the general manager more than once we often sit with an empty glass amd nobody Is aware of that’