Gilbert Santana, the general manager of the Hyatt Regency in downtown New Brunswick, has been with the hotel corporation for more than 26 years. He has traveled to California, Florida and even Puerto Rico in his work, but has yet to find a place quite like New Brunswick.
From the food to the live entertainment, New Brunswick has it all.
“New Brunswick is a well-populated small city that offers everything you would find in a big city,” Gilbert said. “There is every experience imaginable within walking distance in the Hub City.”
Starting as a dishwasher and climbing his way up the ranks at Hyatt, Gilbert has been the general manager for the past three years and a chamber member for the past two.
He says there are too many membership benefits to count, but is particularly pleased about the networking opportunities within the hospitality industry.
“The chamber and its events help you to make direct connections with potential clients and build relationships within the community,” Gilbert said. “It has been a terrific experience, both personally and professionally.”
Some of MCRCC’s signature events, including the Largest Networking Party, are held at the Hyatt Regency on Albany Street.
The hotel is finishing the second phase of an impressive renovation, Gilbert said, explaining that the facility will feature freshly-updated corridors and guest room renovations which should start in the not too distant future. During the first phase, the facade of the building was redone, prompting many compliments from the business community and visitors.
The Hyatt has been a part of the New Brunswick community for the past 38 years during the initial phases of the city’s ongoing, nationally-recognized revitalization. Gilbert is proud that many of the original employees are still working there.
“One of the things I love about New Brunswick is that we still have core team members that have been with the hotel for years and have developed great connections within the community,” he said. “We’re a big brand hotel with many local employees and I think that’s why many of our guests choose to stay with us.”
The Hyatt hosts a wide-range of major events from weddings to corporate events with Gilbert’s team of professionals helping with every step.
“You name it, we can do it,” he said.
The Hyatt also offers a complimentary shuttle service within a five-mile radius of the hotel, a heated indoor pool and an on-site restaurant and bar. It is also just steps from a thriving downtown with vibrant restaurants and entertainment, as well as the state university.
Gilbert highlighted how much he’s enjoyed the relationship he has built with MCRCC over the past two years.
“The relationships I have formed with the president, Lina, and her entire team have been invaluable,” he said. “They truly work every day to help their members succeed.”
