OTO Wins 2017 CONNECT Developer of the Year Award

May 10, 2017 | Awards

SPARTANBURG SC -- OTO Development has been named Marriott International’s 2017 CONNECT Developer of the Year.

Marriott selected OTO Development for this top award based on the company’s consistent success developing new product in high-barrier-to-entry markets.

“OTO Development continues to bring high-quality projects in tough-to-build locations,” says Eric Jacobs, Chief Development Officer of Marriott International Inc. “OTO recently opened a Courtyard three blocks off the Santa Monica Pier – in a city where there hasn't been a new build hotel for over 25 years -- and a second Courtyard in Redwood City CA, in the heart of Silicon Valley. These are examples of how OTO is willing to go into markets that many stay away from due to the complexity, time and effort that it takes to brings projects to fruition.”

Indeed, OTO has developed more than 60 hotels over the past 13 years in challenging urban markets ranging from San Francisco to Manhattan to Washington DC, and the Spartanburg SC-based company is a leading partner in Marriott’s efforts to launch the AC Hotel brand in the United States. OTO Development is opening four AC Hotels in 2017 and President/CEO Corry Oakes is serving as the first president of AC Hotels Franchise Advisory Council.

“Corry's leadership is helping us shape and ensure the brand’s success,” Jacobs says. “With AC projects under way in San Francisco, New York City, Chapel Hill NC and Spartanburg SC, OTO Development’s early, strategic commitment has been imperative to the initial success Marriott is having with AC Hotels.”

In addition to developing new hotels, OTO has a long list of managed properties comprising some 7,200 room keys.

“We are committed to growing a dynamic portfolio of excellent hotels staffed by exceptional people,” says Corry Oakes, President/CEO. “Winning Marriott’s CONNECT Developer of the Year Award affirms our efforts to become the select-service hospitality company of choice – for brand partners, for management clients, for employees and – of course – for our guests.” 

Marriott presented the Developer of the Year Award to OTO Development during the 2017 CONNECT Conference in Los Angeles, a gathering of more than 1,300 Marriott hotel owners.

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