Monty Bennett is a prominent hotel magnate based in Dallas, Texas, and he is recognized for his significant influence in the hospitality industry. Through his leadership of Ashford, Inc., Ashford Hospitality Trust, and Braemar Hotels & Resorts, he and his teams manage and operate more than 100 hotels across the United States. His business acumen has not only shaped these companies into industry leaders but has also contributed to their substantial growth. His efforts in expanding the family business reflect his dedication to luxury, quality, and innovation in hotel management.
The foundations of Monty’s success in the hotel industry trace back to the late 1960s when his family first entered the business. Over the decades, he has transformed the family’s small collection of six hotels into a public enterprise boasting more than 130 properties across the country. Among these are 13 high-end resort properties located in six states and the U.S. Virgin Islands, highlighting his ability to manage and grow a diversified portfolio. His strategic vision and commitment to luxury have made him a pivotal figure in the evolution of the hospitality sector.
Bennett is a graduate of Cornell University, where he honed his skills and knowledge in the field. He grew up in Houston, Texas, as one of seven children, which instilled in him a strong work ethic and resilience. Today, he splits his time between Dallas and Athens, Texas, a town about an hour southeast of Dallas. He and his family have called Athens home for over 30 years, enjoying the balance it provides between the fast-paced business world and a quieter, community-focused life. His strong ties to both cities underscore his commitment to family and community values.
As the founder and chairman of Braemar Hotels & Resorts, which he established in 2013, Monty has led the company to great success. The company currently operates 13 properties, including flagship destinations such as The Ritz-Carlton St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands and The Ritz-Carlton Lake Tahoe in California. He has steered Braemar Hotels & Resorts with a set of five guiding principles—ethics, innovation, profitability, engagement, and tenacity—that drive the company’s continued growth and its commitment to excellence in the luxury hospitality industry. These core values are reflected in the company’s approach to managing its high-end properties.
In 2003, Bennett also founded Ashford Hospitality Trust, a real estate investment trust (REIT) focused on upscale, full-service hotels. Ashford Hospitality Trust went public that same year and has since grown to include more than 110 properties in its portfolio. Among its signature holdings are The Ritz-Carlton Atlanta, the W Hotel Atlanta, and the Renaissance Nashville Hotel. His vast experience and disciplined approach to asset management have enabled Ashford Hospitality Trust to build a solid transactional track record, navigating market cycles with skill and foresight. His leadership continues to drive the company’s success in the hospitality industry.
Both Ashford Hospitality Trust and Braemar Hotels & Resorts operate under the same five guiding principles that have shaped Monty Bennett’s career. These principles emphasize not only profitability and innovation but also ethics and community engagement. Ashford Hospitality Trust, in particular, has earned a reputation for its solid philanthropic spirit. The company actively contributes to the communities where it operates, hosting events such as its annual Community Service Day to support charitable causes and those less fortunate. Through these initiatives, he ensures that his business success is paired with a dedication to making a positive impact beyond the hospitality industry.
Learn More: The Importance of Outstanding Hospitality Management
The foundations of Monty’s success in the hotel industry trace back to the late 1960s when his family first entered the business. Over the decades, he has transformed the family’s small collection of six hotels into a public enterprise boasting more than 130 properties across the country. Among these are 13 high-end resort properties located in six states and the U.S. Virgin Islands, highlighting his ability to manage and grow a diversified portfolio. His strategic vision and commitment to luxury have made him a pivotal figure in the evolution of the hospitality sector.
Bennett is a graduate of Cornell University, where he honed his skills and knowledge in the field. He grew up in Houston, Texas, as one of seven children, which instilled in him a strong work ethic and resilience. Today, he splits his time between Dallas and Athens, Texas, a town about an hour southeast of Dallas. He and his family have called Athens home for over 30 years, enjoying the balance it provides between the fast-paced business world and a quieter, community-focused life. His strong ties to both cities underscore his commitment to family and community values.
As the founder and chairman of Braemar Hotels & Resorts, which he established in 2013, Monty has led the company to great success. The company currently operates 13 properties, including flagship destinations such as The Ritz-Carlton St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands and The Ritz-Carlton Lake Tahoe in California. He has steered Braemar Hotels & Resorts with a set of five guiding principles—ethics, innovation, profitability, engagement, and tenacity—that drive the company’s continued growth and its commitment to excellence in the luxury hospitality industry. These core values are reflected in the company’s approach to managing its high-end properties.
In 2003, Bennett also founded Ashford Hospitality Trust, a real estate investment trust (REIT) focused on upscale, full-service hotels. Ashford Hospitality Trust went public that same year and has since grown to include more than 110 properties in its portfolio. Among its signature holdings are The Ritz-Carlton Atlanta, the W Hotel Atlanta, and the Renaissance Nashville Hotel. His vast experience and disciplined approach to asset management have enabled Ashford Hospitality Trust to build a solid transactional track record, navigating market cycles with skill and foresight. His leadership continues to drive the company’s success in the hospitality industry.
Both Ashford Hospitality Trust and Braemar Hotels & Resorts operate under the same five guiding principles that have shaped Monty Bennett’s career. These principles emphasize not only profitability and innovation but also ethics and community engagement. Ashford Hospitality Trust, in particular, has earned a reputation for its solid philanthropic spirit. The company actively contributes to the communities where it operates, hosting events such as its annual Community Service Day to support charitable causes and those less fortunate. Through these initiatives, he ensures that his business success is paired with a dedication to making a positive impact beyond the hospitality industry.
Learn More: The Importance of Outstanding Hospitality Management
