Condado Vanderbilt Hotel Appoints New F&B Director

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico—International Hospitality Enterprises (IHE) has named Albert Charbonneau food & beverage director of Condado Vanderbilt Hotel. The hotel, which reopened in the Condado District of San Juan in December 2014 after a $200 million renovation, offers luxury accommodations, a spa sanctuary with Puerto Rico’s first Hammam, two pools, and two restaurants helmed by Chef Juan Jose Cuevas.

In his new role, Charbonneau will oversee all food and beverage operations for the property’s 319 guest rooms and suites, banquet and group event spaces, bars and lounges, as well as its restaurants, Ola and 1919.

“With the rising importance travelers place on dining and drinking experiences and the increase in weddings and corporate events, we know how important it is for Condado Vanderbilt’s restaurants, bars, and banquet facilities to be running smoothly,” said José M. Suárez, president of International Hospitality Enterprises. “Albert’s extensive experience in the restaurant and hospitality industries make him the ideal candidate to lead the charge as food & beverage director.”

“I’m excited to join the team at this historic property and work with a prestigious chef like Juan Jose Cuevas on the continued success of the hotel’s restaurants, bars, and banquet facilities,” Charbonneau said.

Charbonneau brings 25 years of experience in the restaurant and hospitality industries to his new position at Condado Vanderbilt. He started his career as general manager of the Relais & Chateaux L’Orangerie Restaurant in Los Angeles before beginning his first hotel food & beverage role at the Paris Casino in Las Vegas. Since then, Charbonneau has managed restaurants at hotels such as the W Los Angeles Westwood, Viceroy Miami, and the W Washington, D.C., and acted as food & beverage director at properties including L’Ermitage Hotel, Shutters on the Beach, Ritz Carlton Washington, D.C., and the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel.

Most recently, Charbonneau was general manager of the Qantas First & Business Class Lounge at Los Angeles International Airport, where he oversaw service of over 900 covers per day.