Arbor Lodging Partners stands as a premier hotel investment firm, renowned for its strategic acquisitions and robust management capabilities within the hospitality sector. The foundation of Arbor Lodging Partners’ success is unequivocally its leadership team, a collective of seasoned professionals whose diverse expertise and collaborative spirit propel the company forward. This dedicated group of individuals embodies the principle that “Unity is strength,” working in synergy to achieve remarkable outcomes in the competitive landscape of hotel investment and management.
Vamsi Bonthala, CEO – Arbor Lodging Partners
As the Chief Executive Officer and co-founder of Arbor Lodging Partners, Vamsi Bonthala is at the helm of this award-winning national hotel investment firm. His strategic vision and leadership have been instrumental in overseeing approximately $1 billion in transaction volume since the company’s inception. Vamsi directs all facets of Arbor Lodging Partners, including corporate strategy, investor relations, fostering strategic partnerships, and managing acquisitions, dispositions, and asset performance. His influence extends to Arbor Lodging Management, the firm’s management affiliate, where he also serves as co-founder and Principal. Under his guidance, Arbor Lodging Management has consistently been recognized as a top-tier hotel management company by Hotel Management Magazine. Vamsi’s background includes a strong legal foundation, having practiced law in the Private Equity group of Kirkland & Ellis LLP and the Real Estate group of Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft LLP, prior to establishing Arbor Lodging Partners. His academic credentials include degrees from the University of Michigan and the University of Michigan Law School, underlining his deep understanding of economics, political science, and law, which he brings to bear on his leadership in the hospitality investment arena. Vamsi is also actively involved in industry and civic organizations, reflecting his commitment to broader leadership and engagement.
Image alt text: Vamsi Bonthala, CEO of Arbor Lodging Partners, a leader in hotel investment and management.
Sheenal Patel, CEO – Arbor Lodging Management
Sheenal Patel co-founded Arbor Lodging and currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Arbor Lodging Management, the operational arm of Arbor Lodging Partners. In this pivotal role, Sheenal is responsible for shaping the overall corporate strategy and spearheading all initiatives related to property management. His leadership ensures the seamless operation and profitability of Arbor Lodging’s managed hotel portfolio. Before co-founding Arbor Lodging, Sheenal held the position of Vice President at Related Capital Company, a prominent New York-based investment firm. There, he was responsible for the origination of approximately $800 million in tax-exempt bond transactions for LIHTC multifamily projects across the United States, showcasing his financial acumen and deal-making capabilities. Sheenal’s early career began in the Leveraged Finance Group within the Investment Banking division of CIBC World Markets, providing him with a robust foundation in finance. He holds a BA in Economics from the University of Michigan and furthered his education at the London School of Economics. Sheenal’s commitment to the hospitality industry is evident through his active participation in committees and boards, including the IHG Owners Association Industry Advocacy Committee and the Franchise Advisory Committee for Curio by Hilton. He also contributes to the community as a Senior Executive Board member of Street Samaritans, a Chicago-based non-profit organization.
Image alt text: Sheenal Patel, CEO of Arbor Lodging Management, expert in hotel operations and corporate strategy.
Kevin Down, Chief Investment Officer
As Chief Investment Officer of Arbor Lodging Partners, Kevin Down leads the investment team and is the driving force behind the company’s investment strategies. His responsibilities encompass identifying and sourcing investment opportunities, managing deal closings, negotiating transaction documents, and securing equity. Kevin also plays a crucial role in guiding Arbor Lodging’s growth strategy, particularly in relation to acquisitions, developments, and the company’s credit platform, which is focused on hotel debt and preferred equity origination. His extensive network within the brokerage community and strong relationships with Arbor Lodging’s institutional investors and lenders are invaluable assets to the firm. Prior to joining Arbor Lodging in 2012, Kevin honed his expertise at Paramount Lodging Advisors, a brokerage and advisory firm specializing in hotels, and Integra Realty Resources. He holds a BS from the University of Wisconsin–Madison and an MBA with a concentration in Real Estate Finance and Investment from DePaul University, demonstrating his strong academic foundation in real estate and finance.
Image alt text: Kevin Down, Chief Investment Officer at Arbor Lodging Partners, specialist in hotel investment strategies and deal execution.
Jim Lovekamp, Executive Vice President of Asset Management
Jim Lovekamp, as Executive Vice President of Asset Management at Arbor Lodging Partners, is entrusted with the critical task of monitoring the overall performance of the company’s portfolio. His role involves providing strategic guidance on the execution of business plans, offering feedback to management teams, and overseeing investor and lender reporting, ensuring transparency and accountability. With over 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Jim brings a wealth of knowledge and a proven track record to Arbor Lodging. His expertise has been cultivated through senior leadership positions at renowned hospitality firms, including Marriott, Schulte Hospitality Group, White Lodging, and Remington Hospitality. Jim’s extensive background includes managing operations for diverse portfolios, some generating revenues up to $300 million, with a balanced focus on both revenue enhancement and expense management. His comprehensive skill set and dedication to excellence are key drivers of success and growth throughout the Arbor Lodging organization.
Image alt text: Jim Lovekamp, EVP of Asset Management for Arbor Lodging Partners, expert in portfolio performance and strategic guidance.
Brett Kennedy, Chief Operating Officer
Brett Kennedy serves as the Chief Operating Officer at Arbor Lodging Management, where he is responsible for overseeing all hotel operations, sales strategies, and revenue management initiatives for Arbor’s extensive hotel portfolio. His leadership ensures operational efficiency and revenue optimization across all managed properties. Before joining Arbor Lodging, Brett achieved significant success in multi-unit retail with Best Buy Co, Inc., and most recently served as Vice President of Sales & Operations at a leading T-Mobile dealer. In this role, he spearheaded the acquisition of twelve different dealers within a 5-year period and played a pivotal role in establishing an international presence in Dubai and Pakistan. Brett’s expertise extends to establishing centers of excellence and managing large teams, having led over 4,000 employees across 32 states and three countries. His ability to effectively integrate with diverse cultures and teams has been a key factor in his success and the growth of the organizations he serves.
Image alt text: Brett Kennedy, COO of Arbor Lodging Management, specialist in hotel operations, sales, and revenue management strategies.
Gina Schuster, Chief Human Resources Officer
Gina Schuster is the Chief Human Resources Officer at Arbor Lodging Management, a critical role in the people-centric hotel management business. She leads the entire HR function for Arbor Lodging Management’s portfolio, encompassing both corporate and hotel property human resources. Gina’s responsibilities are comprehensive, covering employee relations, labor-related matters, and all other aspects of the HR function. She is also a valued member of the company’s Executive Committee, contributing to overall strategic decision-making. Gina’s prior experience includes several years with Starwood Hotels & Resort Worldwide, where she served as Assistant Director of Human Resources for the Sheraton Chicago Hotel & Towers, supporting over 800 associates. She also held the position of Director of Human Resources for The McCrone Group, where she established the HR department from the ground up. Gina holds a BA from Lewis University in Organizational Leadership and is an active member of professional HR organizations.
Image alt text: Gina Schuster, CHRO at Arbor Lodging Management, expert in human resources and employee relations within the hospitality sector.
Lance Williams, Senior Vice President of Finance
Lancelot “Lance” Williams serves as the Senior Vice President of Finance at Arbor Lodging Management, playing a key role in overseeing the accounting and finance division. His responsibilities include ensuring the financial health and strategic alignment of the organization through robust financial management. Lance brings valuable experience from previous roles at True North Hotel Group, Inc., and the Hotel Phillips Curio Collection, enhancing Arbor Lodging Management’s financial capabilities. He joined Arbor Lodging Management’s Chicago office to contribute his expertise to the company’s financial objectives and strategic growth. Lance holds a Bachelor’s degree in Finance and Accounting, along with an MBA from Southwestern, providing him with a strong academic and practical foundation in finance and accounting principles. His active involvement in shaping financial strategies is crucial to Arbor Lodging Management’s resilience and adaptability in the ever-changing hospitality industry.
Image alt text: Lance Williams, SVP of Finance at Arbor Lodging Management, specialist in hotel finance, accounting and strategic financial planning.
John Metzbower, Senior Director Revenue Management
John Metzbower is the Senior Director of Revenue Management for Arbor Lodging Management, where he leads a team of Area Directors of Revenue Management. In this capacity, he provides essential support and guidance to property teams in developing effective selling strategies and optimizing inventory management. John’s extensive experience in the hospitality industry spans over 20 years, encompassing roles in Operations, Food & Beverage, Sales and Revenue Management. He has supported multiple major hotel brands, including Marriott, Hilton, and Hyatt, providing him with a broad understanding of various market segments and operational models. Prior to joining Arbor Lodging, John held Revenue Management leadership positions at White Lodging Services and Aimbridge Hospitality, further solidifying his expertise in revenue optimization and strategic revenue management.
Image alt text: John Metzbower, Senior Director of Revenue Management at Arbor Lodging Management, expert in hotel revenue strategy and inventory optimization.
The leadership team at Arbor Lodging Partners embodies a powerful combination of experience, expertise, and a shared commitment to excellence. Their collective leadership ensures that Arbor Lodging Partners remains at the forefront of the hotel investment and management industry, driving success and delivering exceptional results. MEET OUR TEAM
