Ahead of spring opening, hotel names general manager

LAKELAND — McKibbon Hospitality named John Loute general manager of the SpringHill Suites by Marriott, slated to open in downtown Lakeland in spring 2020. According to a press release, Loute’s appointment is effective immediately.

Tampa-based McKibbon Hospitality will manage the 126-room, all-suites hotel, which, the release states, is owned by Lakeland Hospitality Group. The project is being developed by Tomlinson Construction and built by general contractor Rodda Construction.

“We are excited to have John join the McKibbon family to oversee the opening and operations of downtown Lakeland’s newest hotel,” states Todd Kinney, McKibbon Hospitality’s regional vice president of operations, in the release. “John’s hospitality management experience and his passion for the Lakeland community make him the ideal leader for this project.”

Loute, according to the release, brings more than 20 years of hospitality management experience to his new role. Most recently, he served as general manager for La Quinta Inn & Suites in Lakeland. He has also worked for Lakeland-based HI Development Inc. as the director of sales and marketing for the Avenue Hotel in Lakeland.