Allegria Hotel Hires New Manager

* This story was updated at 1:45 p.m. on 10.5.12.

The Allegria has hired a new general manager to run the seaside hotel in Long Beach.

Nasser Samman, the manager at the Garden City Hotel since 2001, has signed on to run the Allegria, at 80 W. Broadway. Samman started his new position, succeeding Michael Witte, in September. The Garden City Hotel was recently sold, after which Samman started to hunt for another job, knowing new owners typically hire new management, according to Newsday.

“With its oceanfront setting, cutting-edge design, and unwavering commitment to guest satisfaction, The Allegria represents everything to which a great hotel aspires,” Samman said in a statement. “It is an honor to serve as its general manager.  I look forward to becoming actively involved in Long Beach and the surrounding communities and contributing to the ongoing success of this truly extraordinary hotel and dining destination.”   

The nine-story Allegria Hotel has 143 rooms and is owned by the Woodmere-based Alrose Group. Allen Rosenberg, president of development group, said that he has known Nasser for many years and he called him the region’s leading general manager.  

“That he has now moved from The Garden City Hotel to The Allegria is both exciting and indicative of the exceptionally high level of service afforded our guests,” Rosenberg said in a statement.  

According to Rosenberg, Samman will oversee daily operations of guest services, food and beverage, sales, and day-to-day operations at the hotel.   “From dining to social gatherings to overnight stays, Nasser will oversee every aspect of the Allegria experience, ensuring that our standards remain at their unrivaled best,” Rosenberg said.

Samman joined The Garden City Hotel in 1997 as director of food and beverage operations. Within two years, he was promoted to director of hotel operations.  In 2001, he was appointed general manager. Samman graduated from New York City Technical College and was honored by its Department of Hospitality Management with the Distinguished Alumni Award in 2006.  He was trained in hotel management at Damascus University in Syria.

Earliler this year, after nearly a year after the Allegria  filed for Chapter 11 protection, a bankruptcy judge approved a plan to reorganize the finances of the Long Beach establishment.

Grady Collin, formerly of the general manager at the Hilton Boston Downtown, will succeed Samman at the Garden City Hotel.