Drake Smith

About Drake Smith

I’m a luxury Hotelier with 15+ years leading high-performing teams across full-service, lifestyle, resort, and mixed-use properties. My background includes Marriott’s most iconic brands — Ritz-Carlton, EDITION, W, Marriott Vacation Club, and ultra-luxury Residences — spanning the U.S, Latin America, and the Caribbean.After six consecutive years as a GM (2018–2024), I expanded my scope by leading the Residences opening at Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve property in Costa Rica. That experience strengthened my ability to partner with UHNW owners, manage complex associations, and steward long-term assets — all of which reinforce my leadership in hotel operations.What I’m known for:• Transforming service culture and elevating guest experience• Leading openings, transitions, and repositioning efforts• Building strong relationships with ownership and asset teams• Driving financial performance and disciplined operations• Developing high-performing teams through clarity, coaching, and accountability• Strengthening luxury standards through hands-on leadership

Experience

1. Director of Residences

   The Tampa Edition

   Jun 2025 — Present · Tampa, FL, US

   Proud to lead The Residences at The Tampa EDITION — 38 private homes perched above a five-star hotel in the heart of Water Street. These one-of-a-kind residences offer seamless luxury living with access to world-class dining, a rooftop pool, spa, and dedicated amenities including a residents-only gym and lifestyle concierge. Where sophisticated design meets the ease of hotel-style living.

Education

• Florida State University

  Bachelor's degree, Hospitality Administration/Management

  1999 — 2003

Skills

• Hospitality Industry
• Revenue Analysis
• Opera
• Hotels
• Hospitality Management
• Opening Hotels
• Food & Beverage
• Customer Service
• Banquets
• Guest Service Management
• Tourism
• Rooms Division
• Hospitality
• Resorts
• Front Office
• Banquet Operations
• Hotel Management
• Rooms Division Management