Monty Bennett is a well-known hotel magnate based in Dallas, Texas, who has built a reputation for excellence in the hospitality industry. Through his leadership of Ashford, Inc., Ashford Hospitality Trust, and Braemar Hotels & Resorts, he and his teams are responsible for owning, managing, and operating over 100 hotels across the United States. His commitment to quality and innovation has helped shape these entities into some of the most successful in the hospitality sector.
The foundation of Monty’s high-end hotel empire dates back to the late 1960s. Over the years, he has taken the family business from its humble beginnings with six hotels and expanded it into a public company with more than 130 properties. In addition to these hotels, he oversees 13 resort properties spread across six states and the U.S. Virgin Islands. His ability to lead and grow these organizations has made him a significant figure in the hospitality industry.
A graduate of Cornell University, Bennett’s journey in the industry began in his hometown of Houston, Texas, where he grew up as one of seven children. Today, he splits his time between Dallas and Athens, Texas, a small town an hour southeast of the city. For over 30 years, he and his family have made Athens their home, enjoying the balance between city life and a quieter, more rural lifestyle. His connection to the area is reflected in his dedication to community and family values.
In his current roles, Monty serves as the chairman and founder of Braemar Hotels & Resorts, chairman and founder of Ashford Hospitality Trust, and CEO of Ashford, Inc. His leadership at Braemar Hotels & Resorts, which he founded in 2013, has been instrumental in its success. The company currently operates 13 premier properties, including iconic locations like The Ritz-Carlton St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands and The Ritz-Carlton Lake Tahoe in Nevada County, California. His guidance is rooted in five fundamental principles: ethics, innovation, profitability, engagement, and tenacity—values that continue to drive the company forward.
Bennett also established Ashford Hospitality Trust in 2003, which focuses on investing in upscale, full-service hotels. Under his leadership, the trust went public in 2013 and now holds over 110 properties, including well-known hotels such as The Ritz-Carlton Atlanta, the W Hotel Atlanta, and the Renaissance Nashville Hotel. With over five decades of history, Ashford Hospitality Trust has become a leader in the hotel industry, benefiting from his strategic insights and extensive experience.
The guiding principles that Monty Bennett established for Braemar Hotels & Resorts—ethics, innovation, profitability, engagement, and tenacity—are also at the core of Ashford Hospitality Trust’s operations. Beyond business success, the company embraces a philanthropic spirit, actively supporting local communities and charitable causes. Through events like the annual Community Service Day, he ensures that Ashford Hospitality Trust contributes positively to those less fortunate, fostering a culture of giving within the organization.
