How We Started

More Than 50 Years of Hospitality

From one hotel in Dothan, Alabama, to a portfolio of more than 100 hotels, LBA Hospitality has grown through trusted relationships, expanded capabilities, and a longstanding commitment to taking care of people.

The Beginning

Founder Larry Blumberg opened the 100-room, full-service Dothan Sheraton Motor Inn on June 30, 1973, marking the beginning of LBA Hospitality. Inspired by his uncles, who were independent hotel operators, Larry built the company around a belief that people and service come first.

Building the LBA Team

LBA continued building its corporate leadership with Barry Kraselsky joining the company and Sharon Powel becoming Larry Blumberg’s first corporate associate.

A Marriott Relationship Begins

LBA developed its first Marriott-branded property, Fairfield Inn Dothan, beginning a relationship that would become an important part of the company’s growth.

LBA Earns Its First Marriott Partnership Circle Award

LBA received its first Marriott Partnership Circle Award, the beginning of a recognition the company would earn four times between 1997 and 2010.

A NEW ERA OF THIRD-PARTY MANAGEMENT

LBA’s relationship with Apple REIT began with the purchase of 16 hotels, marking the company’s evolution into true third-party hotel management. The partnership continued to grow through future acquisitions and development opportunities.

Expanding the LBA Story

LBA developed its first Hilton-branded hotel in Dothan, adding another major brand relationship. That same year, LBA C.A.R.E.S. was established, formalizing the company’s commitment to supporting associates and communities.

50 Hotels

LBA opened its 50th hotel, Residence Inn Dothan, marking a major growth milestone for a portfolio that had numbered just 16 hotels less than a decade earlier.

LBA Makes Hilton Brand History

LBA opened the first Home2 Suites by Hilton in Fayetteville, North Carolina. The milestone followed Hilton’s 2010 Deal of the Year recognition for LBA’s work on the Fayetteville project.

A New Chapter of Leadership

Beau Benton became President of LBA Hospitality, marking the next chapter in the company’s continued growth.

Recognizing a Legacy

Founder Larry Blumberg was inducted into the Dothan Business Hall of Fame, recognizing his leadership, entrepreneurship, and impact on the local business community. That same year, LBA received Marriott’s Spirit to Preserve Award.

Continued Growth

LBA grew to nearly 70 managed hotels across 10 states as longtime LBA leader Farrah Adams was promoted to Chief Operating Officer.

A Partnership That Fuels Growth

In September, LBA began managing 3H Group’s 20-hotel portfolio, launching a long-term partnership that would expand across multiple brands and later include several first-in-brand openings.

That same year, LBA expanded its food and beverage management capabilities with Castillo Craft Bar + Kitchen at Renaissance St. Augustine Historic Downtown.

50 Years. 100+ Hotels.

LBA celebrated its 50th anniversary while surpassing 100 hotels, marking five decades of growth from a single hotel in Dothan to a nationally recognized hospitality management company.

Growing Through Owner Partnerships

BPR Properties selected LBA Hospitality as its exclusive management company, reflecting the strength of LBA’s third-party management platform and long-term owner relationships.

New Brands. New Capabilities.

LBA opened the first LivSmart Studios by Hilton in Tullahoma, Tennessee, and the first Hyatt Studios in Mobile, Alabama, continuing a history of being trusted with first-in-brand openings.

That same year, LBA introduced Nomia and Stratus at Caption by Hyatt Chattanooga Downtown, marking a new chapter in developing original restaurant and bar concepts from the ground up.

Recognition Along the Way

Across more than five decades, LBA Hospitality, its hotels, and its leaders have earned recognition from major hotel brands for performance, leadership, community service, guest satisfaction, and operational excellence.

Explore LBA Success Stories & Awards