New GM David D’Arcy.
The Wyndham Chelsea Hotel on Everett Avenue represents a turning point for the city, according to City Manager Jay Ash. What was once a deteriorating industrial zone has been revitalized into an area that residents can take pride in. Despite heavy rain pouring down, more than 200 people showed up for the groundbreaking ceremony in 2000.
“People were in awe and so proud that the groundbreaking for a hotel was happening in Chelsea,” Ash noted. “The Wyndham has really been a center of activity not only for hospitality but for us celebrating community. There have been so many events there and the staff at the Wyndham has become an extension of our family.”
Taking charge of the Wyndham’s Chelsea operations is David D’Arcy, who began his tenure as general manager on November 11. Steven Haley, who has held the director of sales position since the hotel opened in January 2001 and has become well-known throughout the community, greeted D’Arcy in his new role.
“I’m looking forward to working with David and I welcome him to the hotel and city,” Haley remarked. “We’ve met some of the dignitaries in the city such as Jay Ash and Councilor-at-Large Leo Robinson and I’m excited to be working with him.”
The scope of D’Arcy’s responsibilities encompasses the entire 117-room operation. He manages sales and marketing, food and beverage services, staff development, Logan Airport transportation arrangements, and ensuring guest satisfaction. His collaboration with Haley will be crucial to running the property smoothly.
D’Arcy is a West Roxbury native who earned his high school diploma from Catholic Memorial in 1985, where he was an accomplished soccer player. He pursued studies in business management at both Suffolk University and Northeastern University.
“My first job was as a night auditor at the Holiday Inn in Brookline,” D’Arcy explained. “I became the night manager two years later.”
For the previous four-and-half years, D’Arcy served as general manager of the Radisson Hotel in Plymouth, Massachusetts.
“I like the hotel industry a lot, especially meeting new people and trying to improve the operation of the hotel and its occupancy and how guests view our hotel,” D’Arcy stated. “I enjoy working with people who share the same commitment to customer satisfaction that I do.”
The Wyndham brand has long held his respect, D’Arcy indicated.
“I think the Wyndham is a great name and I hope to bring a lot to this hotel,” D’Arcy noted.
What improvements might guests see at the Wyndham going forward?
“Down the road we look to renovate some of our first floor rooms as well as the fitness center,” D’Arcy responded.
Having familiarized himself with the area through local tours, D’Arcy views Chelsea’s future with confidence and enthusiasm regarding its potential for growth.
“There is a great future for Chelsea, both in business development and as well as the residential outlook,” D’Arcy observed. “There is a great shopping area across the street with Market Basket, Starbucks, the other stores, and the brand new hotel next door. It shows that there is a lot of great, new development here.”
Involvement in community organizations, several of which conduct meetings at the hotel, is something D’Arcy aspires to pursue.
“Being part of the community is vital to the hotel,” D’Arcy commented.
D’Arcy resides with his wife, Lynne, and their 6-year-old daughter, Alexis.