ST. LOUIS—Historic property The Royal Sonesta Chase Park Plaza Hotel has welcomed Amy Ruffner, CRME, as general manager.
Built in 1922, The Royal Sonesta Chase Park Plaza Hotel is located in St. Louis’ Central West End. The hotel features 398 newly renovated guest rooms and suites, an 18,000-square-foot fitness center, multiple dining and entertainment options, an outdoor Mediterranean-style swimming pool, and more than 65,000 square feet of flexible meeting and event space.
Ruffner most recently served as general manager of The Royal Sonesta Chicago River North, where, under her leadership, the property achieved placement in the top 10 percent of hotels in the city. In her new role at The Royal Sonesta Chase Park Plaza Hotel, Ruffner will oversee the hotel’s daily operations, financial performance, and quality standards.
“In just two-and-a-half years, Amy turned The Royal Sonesta Chicago River North into one of the Royal Sonesta brand’s top performers,” says Michelle Steffens, vice president of Full-Service Hotel Operations for Sonesta International Hotels. “Amy has an outstanding ability to drive performance and elevate the guest experience.”
Ruffner brings two decades of experience in the hospitality, banquet, and F&B industries, including Hyatt and Marriott. Before starting at Sonesta, she managed several boutique and lifestyle hotels in the urban and lifestyle division of White Lodging Services. She is a member of Women Leading Travel & Hospitality, a network of female executives across all sectors of the hospitality industry.
“Amy’s leadership style embodies Sonesta’s core values,” Steffens says. “She is deeply invested in not only achieving business success but also in ensuring a balanced and fun work environment for her team. We are confident that her experience, leadership, and passion will help drive the continued success of The Royal Sonesta Chase Park Plaza, an iconic property with a rich history.”
