CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va.—Virginia Guesthouse Hotel & Conference Center has announced the appointment of Gregg Hilker as general manager and Rich Keurajian as director of sales and marketing ahead of the hotel’s planned April 2026 opening.
The new hotel and conference center is being developed on the grounds of the University of Virginia. The property is expected to begin welcoming guests, university affiliates, and community members next spring.
Hilker brings more than 30 years of experience in hotel operations to his role as general manager. He will oversee hotel operations and set the vision and standards for the guest experience. His background includes leadership roles at such recently opened properties as The Loutrel in Charleston, S.C., and JB Duke Hotel in Durham, N.C.. which received a AAA Four Diamond Award in its first year.
Keurajian joins the Virginia Guesthouse team with more than three decades of experience in hospitality sales and marketing. His career includes senior roles at hotels, resorts, and conference centers nationwide, including Kingsmill Resort in Williamsburg and Lansdowne Resort in Leesburg. As director of sales and marketing, Keurajian will focus on developing sales strategies, building partnerships, and overseeing marketing initiatives for the property.
“Gregg and Rich bring proven track records of hospitality leadership to Virginia Guesthouse,” says Russ Cronberg, director of hospitality for the University of Virginia Foundation. “Their collaborative nature and positive group dynamic will be instrumental in guiding the hotel through its pre-opening phase and into the future, positioning it as the premier and top choice for alumni and travelers to the Charlottesville region. We are thrilled to welcome them both to the team.”
Virginia Guesthouse will be located along the University of Virginia’s Ivy Corridor and will serve as a hotel and conference center for academic, social, and community gatherings. The property will include 214 guest rooms, approximately 25,000 square feet of meeting and event space, and multiple dining options, including a full-service restaurant and a rooftop bar.
