
NEW BEDFORD, MA — Dillon Hospitality Management announced today the conclusion of its management services agreement for the New Bedford Harbor Hotel as ownership transitions from Waterford Group to Lafrance Hospitality.
During its tenure overseeing hotel operations, Dillon Hospitality Management worked closely with ownership, staff, and community stakeholders to enhance guest experiences, strengthen operational performance, and support the property's role as a key hospitality destination in the New Bedford waterfront district.
The conclusion of the management agreement follows the sale of the hotel by Waterford Group to Lafrance Hospitality, a respected regional hospitality company with an extensive portfolio of hotel properties throughout New England.
"We are grateful for the opportunity to have managed the New Bedford Harbor Hotel and to have worked alongside a dedicated team of hospitality professionals," said James Dillon, President of Dillon Hospitality Management. "We thank Waterford Group for their trust and partnership throughout our management relationship and wish Lafrance Hospitality continued success as they begin this exciting new chapter for the property."
Dillon Hospitality Management extends its appreciation to the hotel's employees, guests, vendors, and community partners whose support contributed to the property's ongoing success.
The company remains focused on expanding its hospitality management services throughout New England, offering expertise in hotel operations, facilities management, guest service excellence, revenue optimization, and asset performance.
About Dillon Hospitality Management
Dillon Hospitality Management is a Massachusetts-based hospitality management company specializing in hotel operations, facilities management, asset oversight, and hospitality consulting services. The company partners with hotel owners and investors to maximize operational efficiency, guest satisfaction, and long-term asset value.
Media Contact:
James Dillon
President
Dillon Hospitality Management
Email: info@dillonhospitalitymanagement.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 27, 2024
New Bedford, Massachusetts
Dillon Hospitality Management is pleased to recognize Lilly, who joined the company in July 2024, bringing extensive hospitality leadership experience and a proven track record in hotel operations and property management.
With many years of experience serving in both Operations Management and General Manager roles, Lilly has developed a strong reputation for operational excellence, team development, and delivering exceptional guest experiences. Her hospitality career has included leadership positions throughout the Providence, Newport, and Cape Cod markets, where she successfully managed hotel operations, improved performance metrics, and developed high-performing teams.
Lilly is a graduate of Johnson & Wales University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree. Since entering the hospitality industry, she has demonstrated a commitment to service excellence, operational efficiency, and leadership development.
As Regional Director of Operations for Dillon Hospitality Management, Lilly oversees company policies, operational objectives, and strategic initiatives across the organization's portfolio. In her leadership role, she is responsible for evaluating existing and proposed systems, procedures, and operational practices to identify opportunities for improvement and implement effective solutions that support organizational growth and performance.
In addition to operational oversight, Lilly plays a critical role in developing the next generation of hospitality leaders within the company. She works closely with current and future General Managers by providing mentorship, coaching, training, and professional development opportunities that strengthen leadership capabilities and enhance property performance.
"Lilly's operational expertise, leadership experience, and commitment to developing talent make her an invaluable member of our executive team," said James Dillon, President of Dillon Hospitality Management.
"Her ability to build strong teams while driving operational excellence continues to have a positive impact throughout our organization."
Dillon Hospitality Management remains committed to investing in exceptional hospitality professionals who share the company's mission of delivering outstanding guest experiences while maximizing operational performance and asset value.
Dillon Hospitality Management is a full-service hospitality management company specializing in hotel operations, facilities management, revenue optimization, guest experience enhancement, and asset performance. The company partners with hotel owners and investors throughout New England to maximize operational efficiency while delivering exceptional guest service and long-term value.
James Dillon
President
Dillon Hospitality Management
Email: info@dillonhospitalitymanagement.com
Website: www.dillonhospitalitymanagement.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 27, 2024
New Bedford, Massachusetts
Dillon Hospitality Management is pleased to recognize the contributions of Li Chen, who joined the company during the summer of 2024 as part of its continued commitment to operational excellence and hospitality leadership.
Li brings more than 20 years of hospitality management experience to the organization, with an extensive background in Front Office Management, Assistant General Manager, and General Manager roles. Throughout her career, she has successfully worked with multiple hotel brands and management companies, developing expertise in hotel operations, guest service excellence, team leadership, and business performance.
In addition to her hotel management experience, Li possesses a strong background in restaurant operations, providing her with a comprehensive understanding of the hospitality industry and the unique challenges facing both lodging and food and beverage operations.
In her role with Dillon Hospitality Management, Li serves as a liaison between hotel ownership, management teams, and franchise corporate entities to ensure compliance with brand standards and franchise requirements. She also provides operational support to hotel General Managers, assisting with staff recruitment, professional development, and organizational growth initiatives.
Li is dedicated to fostering a positive workplace culture through mentoring, coaching, counseling, team-building, and performance evaluation. Her leadership style emphasizes employee engagement, continuous improvement, and delivering exceptional guest experiences.
"We are excited to have Li as part of our leadership team," said James Dillon, President of Dillon Hospitality Management. "Her extensive hospitality background, operational expertise, and commitment to developing people make her an invaluable asset to our company and the properties we serve."
Li holds a Bachelor of Science in Hotel and Resort Management from Technikon Witwatersrand and continues to apply her knowledge and experience to support the growth and success of hospitality operations throughout New England.
Dillon Hospitality Management is a full-service hospitality management company specializing in hotel operations, facilities management, revenue optimization, guest experience enhancement, and asset performance. The company partners with hotel owners and investors to maximize operational efficiency while delivering exceptional guest service and long-term value.
Media Contact
James Dillon
President
Dillon Hospitality Management
Email: info@dillonhospitalitymanagement.com
Website: www.dillonhospitalitymanagement.com

About Dillon Hospitality Management, Inc.
Dillon Hospitality Management, Inc. is a hospitality management and consulting company specializing in hotel, restaurant, resort, and mixed-use hospitality operations. The company provides expertise in operational management, facilities oversight, guest service excellence, revenue enhancement, and asset performance optimization throughout New England.
Media Contact:
James Dillon
President
Dillon Hospitality Management, Inc.
info@dillonhospitalitymanagement.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 27, 2024
New Bedford, Massachusetts
Dillon Hospitality Management is proud to recognize the distinguished culinary career and contributions of Master Chef George Karousos, an internationally trained culinary professional whose decades of experience have left a lasting impact on the hospitality and restaurant industries.
Born in Greece, Chef Karousos began his culinary journey by apprenticing in his family's gourmet restaurant, where he developed a passion for fine cuisine and hospitality. He later continued his formal culinary education at the prestigious Ecole Barten Connet's in Loire, France, refining his skills in classical European culinary techniques.
Chef Karousos further advanced his education by earning a Master's Degree in Culinary Arts from the Panianos School of Cookery in Athens, Greece. This achievement earned him the distinguished title of Master Chef, recognizing his expertise, dedication, and mastery of the culinary profession.
In 1963, Chef Karousos immigrated to the United States, where he continued his culinary training through apprenticeships at two of the nation's most renowned hospitality institutions: the Plaza Hotel and the Waldorf Astoria in New York City. These experiences provided him with invaluable exposure to world-class hospitality operations and culinary excellence.
Following his tenure at the Waldorf Astoria, Chef Karousos embarked on a successful entrepreneurial journey, opening four restaurants of his own. Among his most notable accomplishments was the creation of the award-winning Sea Fare Inn in Portsmouth, Rhode Island, which earned widespread recognition for its exceptional cuisine, service, and commitment to hospitality excellence.
In addition to his culinary achievements, Chef Karousos is an accomplished author whose expertise is reflected in five published cookbooks. His numerous awards, professional affiliations, and contributions to the culinary arts have earned him respect throughout the hospitality industry.
"Chef George Karousos represents the highest standards of culinary excellence and hospitality leadership," said James Dillon, President of Dillon Hospitality Management. "His remarkable career, international training, entrepreneurial success, and dedication to the culinary profession continue to inspire hospitality professionals throughout our industry."
Dillon Hospitality Management is honored to celebrate Chef Karousos's extraordinary achievements and his lasting legacy within the culinary and hospitality communities.
Dillon Hospitality Management is a full-service hospitality management company specializing in hotel operations, facilities management, food and beverage operations, revenue optimization, guest experience enhancement, and asset performance. The company partners with hotel owners and investors throughout New England to maximize operational efficiency while delivering exceptional guest service and long-term value.
James Dillon
President
Dillon Hospitality Management
Email: info@dillonhospitalitymanagement.com
Website: www.dillonhospitalitymanagement.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 10, 2022
New Bedford, Massachusetts
Dillon Hospitality Management is pleased to announce the appointment of Steven Maciel as the company's Director of Facilities, effective January 2022.
Steven brings decades of operational, facilities, and marine industry experience to Dillon Hospitality Management. Having grown up in a family-owned business environment, he developed a strong foundation in leadership, customer service, facility operations, and business management from an early age.
In 1998, Steven's father, Mr. Maciel, leased the family business to Steven and his business partner, Geoff Banfield. Following health challenges that limited Mr. Maciel's ability to continue operating the business after suffering a heart attack during Hurricane Bob in 1991, Steven assumed a greater leadership role and helped guide the company into its next phase of growth.
Under Steven's leadership, the business expanded its operations while maintaining a steadfast commitment to customer satisfaction. His hands-on management style, attention to operational excellence, and dedication to building strong customer relationships helped establish a reputation for quality service and reliability throughout the region.
A graduate of Johnson & Wales University, Steven combined his formal education with practical business experience gained through years of working within the family enterprise. This unique blend of academic knowledge and real-world expertise has equipped him with the skills necessary to oversee complex facility operations and maintenance programs.
As Director of Facilities for Dillon Hospitality Management, Steven is responsible for overseeing property maintenance standards, capital improvement initiatives, vendor management, safety compliance, preventative maintenance programs, and facility operations across the company's hospitality portfolio. His leadership supports Dillon Hospitality Management's commitment to delivering exceptional guest experiences through well-maintained, efficient, and high-performing properties.
"We are excited to welcome Steven to our leadership team," said James Dillon, President of Dillon Hospitality Management. "His extensive operational background, commitment to customer service, and proven leadership experience make him a tremendous asset to our organization. We look forward to the expertise and professionalism he brings to our facilities management division."
Dillon Hospitality Management continues to expand its leadership team with experienced professionals dedicated to operational excellence, guest satisfaction, and long-term asset performance throughout New England.
Dillon Hospitality Management is a full-service hospitality management company specializing in hotel operations, facilities management, revenue optimization, guest experience enhancement, and asset performance. The company partners with hotel owners and investors to maximize operational efficiency while delivering exceptional guest service and long-term value.
James Dillon
President
Dillon Hospitality Management
Email: info@dillonhospitalitymanagement.com
Website: www.dillonhospitalitymanagement.com

New Bedford, Massachusetts — July 21st, 2020 — Dillon Hospitality Management is proud to announce that it has been selected to provide hospitality management services for the New Bedford Harbor Hotel, a landmark boutique property located in the heart of downtown New Bedford.
The hotel is owned by Waterford Group and is strategically positioned near the historic waterfront, cultural attractions, business district, and ferry services connecting visitors to Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket. The property has long served as a gateway for travelers exploring the South Coast region of Massachusetts.
Under the agreement, Dillon Hospitality Management will oversee operational strategy, guest experience initiatives, facility management, revenue optimization, vendor relations, and overall property performance. The partnership reflects Dillon Hospitality Management's continued expansion throughout New England and its commitment to delivering exceptional hospitality experiences while maximizing value for ownership groups.
"We are honored to have been selected to manage the New Bedford Harbor Hotel," said James Dillon, Founder and President of Dillon Hospitality Management. "This property is an important part of the New Bedford community and tourism landscape. Our team looks forward to building upon the hotel's strong foundation, enhancing guest satisfaction, supporting local partnerships, and delivering outstanding operational results."
The New Bedford Harbor Hotel features upscale accommodations, meeting and event space, dining facilities, and convenient access to many of the region's most popular attractions. Dillon Hospitality Management plans to implement strategic initiatives focused on service excellence, operational efficiency, workforce development, and community engagement.
Waterford Group, a respected hospitality ownership and investment organization, has a long-standing reputation for developing and operating successful hotel assets throughout the Northeast and across the United States.
The transition marks an exciting new chapter for the property as both organizations work together to strengthen the hotel's market position and enhance the guest experience for business and leisure travelers alike.
Dillon Hospitality Management is a full-service hospitality management company specializing in hotel operations, facility management, revenue optimization, guest experience enhancement, and asset performance. The company partners with hotel owners and investors to maximize operational efficiency while delivering exceptional guest service and long-term value.
James Dillon
President
Dillon Hospitality Management
Email: info@dillonhospitalitymanagement.com
Website: https://www.dillonhospitalitymanagement.com
Dillon Hospitality Management, Inc.
407/408 227 Union St, New Bedford, MA 02740
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