“I am very pleased to announce Andy’s appointment as general manager for this remarkable new personal luxury resort, Costa d'Este,” said Mr. Upshaw.  “He brings important operational experience to his new role which will serve this exquisite new property well as it moves toward opening in early 2008.”

A seasoned hotelier, Andrew Zinni brings nearly 25 years of hotel operational experience to his new role at Costa d'Este Beach Resort.  He was most recently the highly successful director of operations for Benchmark Hospitality at The Chattanoongan, in Chattanooga, Tennessee, where during his tenure overall food & beverage quality and guest service results rose dramatically.  While at The Chattanoogan, Zinni also held the title of director of food & beverage, successfully overseeing the hotel's three dining establishments, banquets, catering, in-room dining and culinary staff.

Previous to joining Benchmark, Mr. Zinni was employed by Adams Mark Hotels as food & beverage director for the company’s Winston-Salem property.   He served in the same role at the Marriott Wardman Park in Washington, DC.  Prior to this he held numerous positions of increasing responsibility with Marriott International. 

Andrew Zinni is a graduate of the Rochester Institute of Technology in Rochester, New York, where he received a bachelor of science degree in Food Service Administration.  He has relocated to Vero Beach.

Poised to redefine style, comfort and intimacy on Florida’s Treasure Coast, Costa d’Este Beach Resort will introduce Benchmark Hospitality’s Personal Luxury Resort™ concept to the region, providing the most discerning business and leisure travelers from around the world with a refreshing alternative to mainstream brands and “boutique” hotels.  From its sophisticated culinary offerings and intriguing design to its superb amenities, including a full-service spa, plus discreetly attentive service, Costa d’Este Beach Resort has been envisioned to engage the senses, beckoning guests to shift perspectives from bystander to active participant throughout all aspects of their stay.  Ideally located ocean-side in Vero Beach, an area ripe for discovery with superb white sand beaches, a thriving arts community, eclectic boutiques and small town charm, the property is owned by the internationally acclaimed recording artist/producer couple Gloria and Emilio Estefan and is being developed by Claro.  For more information, log onto www.costadeste.com.

Benchmark Hospitality International, an independent hospitality management company based in The Woodlands (Houston), Texas, operates resorts, conference centers, hotels and condominium resorts both domestically and internationally.  For locations of Benchmark Hospitality properties and for additional information, visit Benchmark's Website at www.benchmarkhospitality.com.