Hotel Heron to open with trio of complementary foodservice concepts nrn.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from nrn.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Harry Francis is Hotel Heron s Director of Lifestyle. A Virginia native, Francis is a vibrant and passionate hospitality and entertainment professional with more than 10 years of experience. With a rich tapestry of experiences, including leadership roles at Pangea Music Group and The Line Hotel DC, Francis infuses his passion for music into every aspect of his work. His artistic touch extends to curating hyper-local music playlists that add a special touch to the property. During his tenure at Riggs Hotel in Washington, D.C., as the brand and experience manager, he excelled at amplifying the brand s essence through captivating experiences and strategic partnerships. In his most recent role at Riggs, as Guest Engagement Manager, Francis finesse in hospitality shone brightly as he orchestrated personalized encounters that captivated guests, earning him accolades for his leadership.
Leading the team is Phillip Blane, who joins as General Manager of the property. After establishing himself in culinary roles at the notable Charlotte Hotel and Restaurant and Equinox Restaurant, Blane became the chef and owner of Washington, D.C. neighborhood restaurant Unum for nearly seven years. Seeking new challenges, he transitioned to hotel management, serving as general manager at Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants in Washington, D.C., and the Lorien Hotel & Spa in Alexandria, Virginia, starting in 2022. During his tenure at Lorien Hotel, Blane developed a fondness for the burgeoning and community-centric city of Alexandria, leading him to join Aparium Hotel Group to open the new 134-room Hotel Heron.