About Us
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Hotel Management Companies in Florida

Driftwood Driven

We constantly seek out new opportunities to elevate the hospitality industry. We specialize in revitalizing existing establishments and building cutting-edge properties. With a keen understanding of the dynamic landscape, we deliver tailored solutions to empower emerging hoteliers and established players seeking a fresh direction. All this sets us apart from hotel management companies in Florida.

History Timeline
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Driftwood Hospitality Management (DHM) was founded by David Buddemeyer, the Chairman/CEO of Servico, one of the US's largest publicly traded Hospitality Management Companies.

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DHM merged with Carlos Rodriguez’s Cardel Hospitality Group, one of the fastest-growing hotel owner-operators in Florida.

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In a strategic move, DHM partnered with the renowned Lehman Brothers, expanding its footprint to include 30 distinct hotels. This joint venture showcased a promising fusion of financial expertise and hospitality excellence, paving the way for an innovative era in the industry.

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DHM forms a $40 million private fund called "Driftwood Acquisitions & Development, LP" (commonly abbreviated as "DAD").

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Driftwood Hospitality is a vertically integrated hotel company with over 85 hotels in its portfolio.

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2015
TODAY
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Our Origin Story

The year is 1999. A new century looms close, a time of burgeoning possibilities. An ambitious team comes together, fueled by a desire to help their clients succeed. Over the years, they honed their craft, tailored their services, and navigated the changing tides of the industry.

On this transformative journey, they evolve into trusted allies to some of the most respected and celebrated brands in the vibrant hospitality world. This humble yet determined team held the reins, steering both renowned luxury resorts and bustling city hotels, adeptly guiding these distinguished brands toward resounding success.

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Who We Are

Our executive team is a dynamic collective of seasoned professionals in the field of hotel management. Comprising marketing maestros, operations experts, and positioning strategists, they possess an unparalleled wealth of expertise to cultivate sustainable growth and the transformative touch to propel your hospitality brand into the next success story.

Get to know us

Why We Do It

Fueled by the entrepreneurial spirit, we’re agile, assertive, and adaptable, always ready to pivot and innovate. We compel our partners to break the mold in their search for new horizons. Our culture thrives on empowerment and kindling the flames of relentless innovation.

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Making an Impact

Through our partnerships with premier hotel and resort companies, we've established and maintained socially responsible initiatives across our owned and managed properties. In a significant expansion of our commitment, since 2014, we have proudly collaborated with Clean the World to recycle soap and bottled amenities.

Sustainability practices are tailored to each property and brand, reflecting our dedication to environmental stewardship. Our Margaritaville Beach Resort Playa Flamingo Costa Rica property has achieved a distinguished 4-leaf rating in sustainable operations, underscoring our dedication to practices that honor and preserve the environment.

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Brilliant Operations

By strategically implementing cutting-edge Management Information Systems (MIS), we seamlessly optimize all aspects of operations, ranging from room yields to cash management. Our vigilant monitoring ensures that performance remains at the forefront, allowing us to swiftly adapt and enhance efficiency across the board.

Awards & Recognition

Hailed for our innovative spirit, adaptability, and purposeful approach, Driftwood always stands out. Enjoy a snapshot of our recent MVP Moments.

2016

Driftwood Hospitality Management
Hotel Business, Top Owners, and Developers
Hotel Management, Top Third-Party Management Companies
Hotel Management, Top Hotel Companies
HOTELS, HOTELS 325 Rankings

2017

Driftwood Hospitality Management
Hotel Management, Top Management Companies
Hotel Business, Top Management Companies
Lodging Magazine, Top 50 Management Companies
Lodging Magazine, Top Management Companies Marketplace 2017
Driftwood Acquisitions and Development
South Florida Business Journal, Business of the Year Finalist

2018

Hotel Business Management Companies Annual Ranking – Driftwood Hospitality Management #22
Hotel Business Owners & Developers Annual Ranking – Driftwood Hospitality #14 (entered DAD/DHM under one brand, up from #21 in 2017)
Hotel Management’s 2018 March Top Third Party Companies Survey – DHM #20 (went up from #23 in 2017)
Hotel Management’s 2018 Top Hotel Management Companies – DHM #42 (went up from #50 in 2017)
Hotel Management’s 2018 October Top Multi-Unit Owners & Developers Survey – (no order)
Hotel Management’s 2018 December Top Multi-Unit Owners & Developers Survey – (no order)

2019

Hotel Business 2019 Management Companies Annual Ranking – Driftwood Hospitality Management #21
Hotel Management’s March 2019 Top Third Party Management Companies Survey – Driftwood Hospitality Management #40 (ranked #20 in 2018)
Hilton, Best in Brand Performance Award, Hilton Rockwall
DoubleTree by Hilton, Best in Brand Performance Award, DoubleTree Phoenix Tempe
IHG, Torchbearer Award, Holiday Inn Express Orlando
IHG, 5 out of 5 Award, Staybridge Orlando
IHG, 5 out of 5 Award, Crowne Plaza Springfield
IHG, 5 out of 5 Award, Holiday Inn Express Springfield

2023

Hotel Management – March 2023 / 40 over 40 winners announcement
Hotel Management – March 2023 (mydigitalpublication.com)
Home2 Suites by Hilton Pompano Beach Pier – 2023 Small Business Champion Award from the Greater Pompano Beach Chamber of Commerce