Riverside Hotel Welcomes Thomas “Tom” Ludwiczak as New Group Sales Manager

Riverside Hotel Welcomes Thomas “Tom” Ludwiczak as New Group Sales Manager

The iconic Riverside Hotel, the oldest and only family‑owned hotel on Fort Lauderdale’s famed Las Olas Boulevard, proudly announces the appointment of Thomas “Tom” Ludwiczak as its new Group Sales Manager.

Located in the heart of Downtown Fort Lauderdale, the Riverside Hotel was opened in 1936 by the pioneering Wells family—developers of Las Olas Boulevard—and remains a beloved symbol of the city’s heritage. Known for its blend of Caribbean style and old Florida charm, the 12‑story hotel features 231 newly renovated guest rooms, including 6 suites, each combining timeless design elements, modern amenities, and sweeping views of the city skyline and New River.

Tom Ludwiczak brings more than a decade of proven experience in hospitality sales, revenue generation, and client relationship development across major brands and markets. His appointment marks a homecoming: Tom elevated his hospitality career at the Riverside Hotel, serving as an Event Manager. During that time, he developed invaluable insight into the property’s culture, history, and longstanding reputation as a premier destination for business and leisure travelers.

Tom’s professional journey includes significant tenure with Hilton properties, most notably as Group Sales Manager at Hilton Hasbrouck Heights, where he led group bookings across corporate, SMERF, government, and association segments for a 355‑room hotel with more than 35,000 sq. ft. of meeting space. Despite the challenges of a full‑property renovation, he exceeded annual revenue goals—demonstrating his resilience, strategic mindset, and ability to produce strong results in evolving market conditions.

Most recently, Tom served as Sales Manager for Bahia Mar Fort Lauderdale Beach – a DoubleTree by Hilton, gaining extensive experience in the resort and marina segments while deepening his client engagement and business development acumen.

Returning now to the Riverside Hotel, Tom will focus on driving high‑value group business, cultivating key planner and third‑party partnerships, and expanding the hotel’s competitive presence within the Fort Lauderdale meetings and events market. His industry expertise, combined with a deep familiarity with the destination and the property itself, positions him as an impactful addition to the Sales & Marketing team.

“Tom’s leadership, proactive communication style, and commitment to service excellence make him an exceptional fit for the Riverside Hotel,” said the executive leadership team. “His return brings both valuable market experience and a genuine passion for this property’s legacy. We are thrilled to welcome him back home.”