Walter Barela has over thirty-five years of experience in the hospitality industry with recognized international branded hotels and Boutique properties. He has earned a reputation for successful hotel turnarounds having taken underperforming hotel properties and successfully renovating and repositioning them to profitability and/or successful sale of the property.
In 2000, Mr. Barela co-founded Peak Hospitality which serves in the various roles of hotel acquisition; development, asset management, project consulting and management of full and select-service hotels throughout the United States. Peak Hospitality’s focus is maximizing return on investment.
Prior to forming Peak Hospitality, Mr. Barela served in senior management positions with Hilton Hotels Corporation, Regent Hotels, and West Coast Hotels.
He has served on the Board of Directors for various organizations and is an active participant in the Latino Hotel Association where he is focused on attracting minorities to the hospitality industry. He actively pursues and promotes green standards in buildings which is not only good for the environment, but ultimately a huge financial incentive to the ongoing success of a property.
Managing Director – Radisson Hotel and Conf. Center, Albuquerque, NM
General Manager – Olympus Hotel, Salt Lake UT
General Manager – Pickwick Hotel, San Francisco CA
General Manager – Forest Park Hotel, St Louis MO
Vice President of Operations – Ramada, Albuquerque, NM
Assistant General Manager – Regent Hotel, Albuquerque, NM
Rooms Division Manager – Ramada Classic, Albuquerque, NM
Operations Manager – Myrtle Beach Hilton, Myrtle Beach SC
President – Greater Albuquerque Innkeepers Association
Chairman – New Mexico Lodging Association
Board Member – Latino Hotel Association, American Hotel & Lodging Association , NM Department of Labor
Founding Member – Board of Directors- Latino Hotel and Restaurant Assoc.
Board Member – Hispano Chamber of Commerce Albuquerque, NM
City Councilor – St Louis, MO
President – Merchant Committee, St Louis, MO
City Ambassador – St Louis, MO
Marketing Committee – San Antonio CVB
