Marcus® Hotels & Resorts, a nationally recognized owner and management company and division of The Marcus Corporation, today announced that Kay Washington has been named general manager of the AC Hotel Chicago Downtown. In her role, Washington will oversee all facets of the 226-room hotel located in Chicago’s River North area and just steps from the Magnificent Mile and the city’s newest casino, Bally’s Chicago.
With more than 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Washington brings a wealth of leadership expertise to the AC Hotel Chicago Downtown. Most recently, she served as general manager of the Ivy Hotel Chicago, where she oversaw operations, brand implementation, and sales strategy for the boutique downtown property. Prior to her time at the Ivy Hotel Chicago, Washington served in management and operations roles at several Marriott International properties including Chicago Marriott Downtown Magnificent Mile, Cleveland Marriott Downtown at Key Tower, Seattle Marriott Waterfront, and Renaissance Seattle Hotel.
A native of the Hyde Park neighborhood in Chicago, Washington studied business administration at Harold Washington College and Chicago State University. She also holds a certificate in hotel financial statements & labor productivity from the Hotel Accounting Institute, and taught Hospitality Management as an Adjunct Instructor for Kendall College, located in Downtown Chicago. Washington currently serves on the board of directors for the Illinois Hotel & Lodging Association.
