The Rocco Forte Collection appoints General Manager for landmark St Petersburg hotel

London, 1 December, 2010: TheRocco Forte Collection has announced the appointment of Walter C. Neumann as General Manager for the Hotel Astoria in St Petersburg.  A 24-year veteran of the hospitality industry, Neumann brings a wealth of management experience to the new role and joins the company from Travel Charme Hotels & Resorts where he was Managing Director Operations. 

Commenting on the appointment, Martin Elsner, Rocco Forte Collection’s Director of Operations, said: “We are delighted that Walter will be taking the helm at the Hotel Astoria.  He brings with him a great blend of hospitality expertise and Russian market knowledge, which will prove invaluable in leading this iconic hotel.” 

In his new role, Neumann is tasked with managing the day to day operation of the 210-room luxury hotel which has been designed to reflect the elegance and history of St Petersburg, with the guestrooms and suites featuring a stylish mix of Russian antiques and contemporary design. Ideal for meetings and events, the hotel can accommodate up to 450 guests and features a stunning ballroom and Winter Garden. Hotel Astoria also features a variety of dining and entertainment options, including the Davidov Restaurant and Kandinsky Bar, as well as well as spa and gym facilities. 

A city landmark for almost 100 years, Hotel Astoria has welcomed many illustrious guests through its doors over the years and is perfectly located on St Isaac’s Square overlooking St Petersburg’s famous cathedral, within strolling distance over the city’s numerous historic attractions. 

A Russian speaker, Neumann is already familiar with the St Petersburg market, having spent three years as Rooms Division Manager at the Grand Hotel Europe, followed by a role as Executive Assistant Manager in the pre opening team at the All Suite 5 Star Clarion North Crown Hotel, before heading up sales and marketing for Chesma International Tours & Business Travel.

Over the past 13 years, he has been working in his native Germany holding senior management positions with Lindner Hotels, the Arabella Sheraton group and most recently Travel Charme Hotels & Resorts.  Walter also holds a MBA in Tourist Management.

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Notes to Editors

The Rocco Forte Collection
The Rocco Forte Collection is a family of 13 individual hotels and resorts. Each property has a unique style, reflecting its nationality and location, but all share The Rocco Forte Collection’s trademark attention to detail, high quality and immaculate service.

Established by Sir Rocco Forte in 1996, The Rocco Forte Collection comprises: Hotel de Russie, Rome; Hotel Savoy, Florence; The Balmoral, Edinburgh; The Lowry Hotel, Manchester; Hotel Astoria, St Petersburg; Hotel Amigo, Brussels; Brown’s Hotel, London; Villa Kennedy, Frankfurt; Hotel de Rome, Berlin; The Charles Hotel, Munich; The Augustine, Prague; Verdura Golf & Spa Resort, Sicily. Future openings: Abu Dhabi Spring 2011; Marrakech 2012; Jeddah 2012; Cairo 2013.
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