Monty Bennett is a distinguished figure in the world of hospitality, hailing from the vibrant city of Dallas, Texas. He is the visionary behind the success of Ashford, Inc., Ashford Hospitality Trust, and Braemar Hotels and Resorts, collectively responsible for the ownership, management, and operation of an impressive portfolio comprising more than 100 hotels across the United States.
The inception of his remarkable collection of upscale properties can be traced back to the late 1960s. Over the ensuing decades, he has skillfully transformed the family business, taking it from a modest six hotels to a formidable presence boasting over 130. His influence extends to 13 resort properties in six states and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Monty is an alumnus of Cornell University, and his upbringing in the heart of Houston, Texas, as one of seven siblings, laid the foundation for his journey. Today, he splits his time between the bustling city of Dallas and the charming town of Athens, situated an hour southeast of his longtime home—where he has built a life with his growing family for over three decades.
He holds pivotal roles as the chairman and founder of Braemar Hotels & Resorts, chairman and founder of Ashford Hospitality Trust, and the CEO of Ashford, Inc.
Braemar Hotels & Resorts, a venture initiated by Bennett in 2013 as an offshoot of Ashford Hospitality Trust, has flourished under his astute leadership, boasting a portfolio of 13 distinctive properties. Notable among them are two crown jewels: The Ritz-Carlton St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands and The Ritz-Carlton Lake Tahoe in Nevada County, California.
Aligned with his values, Braemar Hotels & Resorts champions five guiding principles: ethics, innovation, profitability, engagement, and tenacity.
2003, Monty founded 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 prestigious establishments like The Ritz Carlton Atlanta, the nearby W Hotel Atlanta, and the Renaissance Nashville Hotel among them.
Ashford Hospitality Trust and its predecessor companies have a rich history in the hotel industry, dating back over five decades. Chairman and founder Bennett and his dedicated team bring a wealth of experience acquired through numerous hotel cycles, disciplined market strategies, and value-added asset management initiatives. The result is an impressive track record of success for the trust.
Sharing the same core values as Braemar Hotels & Resorts, Ashford Hospitality Trust demonstrates a solid commitment to philanthropy, actively engaging with and contributing to the local community. The company endeavors to positively impact the lives of those less fortunate through company-wide charitable events, including its annual Community Service Day. In 2014, Monty Bennett introduced another venture, Ashford, Inc., which primarily serves 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.
Additionally, 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 accelerator, nurturing the growth of these companies through proprietary platforms and other third-party programs.
His journey in the world of hospitality is a testament to his unwavering commitment, visionary leadership, and dedication to excellence, continually shaping the industry landscape.