Monty Bennett

Monty Bennett is a prominent figure in the world of hospitality, hailing from the vibrant city of Dallas, Texas. He is the driving force behind Ashford, Inc., Ashford Hospitality Trust, and Braemar Hotels and Resorts, collectively overseeing the ownership, management, and operation of a diverse portfolio comprising more than 100 hotels across the United States.

His impressive collection of upscale properties dates back to the late 1960s. Over the ensuing decades, he has spearheaded the transformation of the family business, leading it from a modest half-dozen hotels to an impressive tally exceeding 130. His vision extends to managing 13 resort properties in six states and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Monty proudly carries the credentials of a Cornell University graduate. His formative years were spent in Houston, Texas, where he grew up as one of seven siblings. Today, he splits his time between the bustling city of Dallas and the charming town of Athens, situated an hour southeast of his long-standing home—where he has established roots with his growing family for over three decades.

In Monty Bennett's current roles and responsibilities, he serves as the chairman and founder of Braemar Hotels & Resorts and Ashford Hospitality Trust. He holds the position of CEO at Ashford, Inc.

Braemar Hotels & Resorts, a venture initiated by Bennett in 2013 as an offshoot of Ashford Hospitality Trust, has thrived under his adept guidance. The company boasts a diverse portfolio of 13 distinctive properties, including two standout gems: The Ritz-Carlton St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands and The Ritz-Carlton Lake Tahoe in Nevada County, California.

Braemar Hotels & Resorts embraces five guiding principles that define the company's ethos in line with his deeply held values. These principles revolve around ethics, innovation, profitability, engagement, and tenacity.

In 2003, Monty Bennett laid the foundation for Ashford Hospitality Trust, a significant player in the upscale, full-service hotel investment sector. This enterprise went public in 2013 and boasts a remarkable portfolio of over 110 properties. You'll find distinguished establishments such as The Ritz Carlton Atlanta, the neighboring W Hotel Atlanta, and the Renaissance Nashville Hotel among these.

Ashford Hospitality Trust and its predecessors boast a rich heritage in the hotel business, with a legacy spanning over five decades. Chairman and founder Bennett and his dedicated team draw upon extensive experience gained through numerous hotel cycles, disciplined market strategies, and value-enhancing asset management initiatives. The outcome is a stellar track record of successful transactions for the trust.

In keeping with the same core values as Braemar Hotels & Resorts, Ashford Hospitality Trust exhibits a solid commitment to philanthropy. The company actively engages with and contributes to the local community, seeking to positively impact the lives of those less fortunate through major company-wide charitable events, including its annual Community Service Day.

In 2014, Monty Bennett ventured into another arena with the establishment of Ashford, Inc. This enterprise primarily functions as an advisor to Braemar Hotels & Resorts and Ashford Hospitality Trust. As an alternative asset management company, Ashford, Inc. focuses on providing comprehensive global asset management, investment management, and related services to its affiliated entities.

Furthermore, Ashford, Inc. oversees a dedicated Hospitality Products and Services department strategically positioned to invest in operating companies within the hospitality industry. It also acts as an incubator, nurturing the growth of these companies through proprietary platforms and other third-party programs.

His remarkable journey in the hospitality sector underscores his unwavering dedication, visionary leadership, and unwavering commitment to excellence, shaping the industry's landscape with each endeavor.

Learn More: The Importance of Outstanding Hospitality Management