CHICAGO – First Hospitality, a national hotel operating and development company, kicked off 2025 celebrating its 3,500+ associates and 40th anniversary at the company’s annual First Honors Awards Gala that took place in February 5-6 at the voco Chicago Downtown. In attendance was general managers and directors of sales from every property within the portfolio, the First Hospitality corporate team of associates, our valued hotel owners and asset managers, and brand partners including Hilton, Marriott, Hyatt and IHG.
The First Honors Awards Gala honored hotel properties and associates across First Hospitality’s diverse portfolio of more than 70 lifestyle, independent and branded properties. A record 160 awards were bestowed across 28 categories ranging from “Hotels Ranked #1 on STR”, “Most Buzzworthy Social Media Campaign” to “Societal Leadership Award” and “Online Reputation Management”.
For the second year in a row, The Drake Oak Brook was named Hotel of the Year – Full Service & Lifestyle and the dual brand Hampton Inn Chicago West Loop + Homewood Suites Chicago West Loop was named Hotel of the Year – Premium Select, these properties were the top performing hotels in 2024 with revenue well exceeding previous year along with an increased RevPAR index. The Drake Oak Brook also earned the AAA Four Diamond Award for 2025 and the Conde Nast Readers’ Choice Award, ranking as the #7 Hotel in the Midwest.
Recognizing the talent and achievements of our extraordinary team is truly the highlight of the year, said David Duncan, president and CEO of First Hospitality. Our continued growth is the direct result of the work and commitment of our associates. Duncan referenced the 2024 launch of two new company verticals – Full Service & Lifestyle and Premium Select.
The “Sales Excellence” Award recognized eight high performing sales leaders in group index growth, negotiated share growth, and booking goal performance for the year. The director of sales honorees included: Erin Hill, Hyatt Place Ann Arbor, Rebecca Bennett, Hiltons of McCormick, Machelle Collins, Fairfield Inn & Suites Columbus Airport, Jenna Haymond, Sheraton Suites Chicago O’Hare, Melanie Williams, Hotel Indy Indianapolis, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, Darcy Griswold, delta Hotels Milwaukee Northwest, Jill Hare, The Drake Oak Brook – Autograph Collection, Erika Smith, Hilton Garden Inn Toledo Downtown.
Recognizing First Hospitality’s top commercial strategy leaders in sales and revenue management, the “Pace Setters” Award was presented to Matt Colony, Hampton Inn Chicago West Loop + Homewood Suites Chicago West Loop; Machelle Collins, Fairfield Inn Columbus Airport; Melanie Williams, Hotel Indy; Erin Hill, Hyatt Place Ann Arbor, and Jill Hare, The Drake Oak Brook.
This year’s “President’s Award,” honoring individuals who have surpassed expectations and elevated First Hospitality performance in 2024, were Sylwia Oak, Area General Manager – Minneapolis, Brandon Sprigler, Director of Asset Management, Mike Kuzmar, Vice President of Business Intelligence and First Analytics, and Jennifer Markham, Project Manager.
The most honorable award of the evening is the Live Free Drive Free award that recognizes all hourly associates who achieved perfect attendance during the year prior. More than 1,000+ associates were honored and entered to win a year of housing (Live Free) or car payments (Drive Free). The grand prize winner of this year’s award selected the “Live Free” prize.
The stories behind the associates recognized for our Live Free Drive Free award are truly inspirational, added Duncan. This year’s winner is a remarkable associate within our company, and we are thrilled with her choice to Live Free!
For more information on First Hospitality, visit www.firsthospitality.com.
About First Hospitality
First Hospitality is a top-ranking development, investment, and third-party operating company with a portfolio of branded, lifestyle and independent properties along with a portfolio of restaurants & bars located throughout the United States. Founded 40 years ago, the organization fosters opportunities for associates, investors, owners, and partners to prosper together. The foundation of First Hospitality’s success is built on an individualized approach that puts people first, encourages a strong ownership culture, and consistently demonstrates astute business acumen. The company and its hotels are frequently recognized by the industry and media for high guest service and associate satisfaction, including accolades from Forbes, Condé Nast, TripAdvisor, and AAA. For more information, visit www.firsthospitality.com.
