District Hospitality Partners buys Baltimore hotel for $51M

Former Naval Academy midshipman Fred W. Malek’s hospitality investment firm, District Hospitality Partners, made waves in the industry with its recent purchase of the Westin Annapolis hotel.

Records show that the $51 million purchase was finalized on July 19, marking another significant business move for Malek, who graduated from the academy in 1988, the Baltimore Sun reported.

The Westin Annapolis, located at 100 Westgate Circle, is a prominent 225-key hotel that was previously owned by Texas-based Crescent Real Estate, which bought the property in 2018 for $41 million. 

The hotel has been a hotbed of activity, boasting a bustling market with around 2 million annual visitors, according to Malek.

This isn’t Malek’s first venture in Annapolis; he previously owned the Annapolis Waterfront Hotel at 80 Compromise St. before its sale in 2018. His firm, District Hospitality Partners, has a diverse portfolio of properties across the United States, Mexico, and the Caribbean.

The Westin Annapolis, constructed in 2007 as part of the Park Place development project on West Street, underwent a $5 million renovation in 2013. 

Another overhaul was executed by Crescent Real Estate in 2020, solidifying the hotel’s status as a premier establishment. With its ample meeting and event spaces, fitness center, and popular Azure Restaurant and Lounge, the Westin Annapolis boasts one of the city’s largest ballrooms at over 6,300 square feet.

Looking ahead, Malek’s firm plans to continue investing in the hotel’s improvements, including renovations to its restaurant and bar within the next year. HEI Hotels & Resorts, a prominent hotel management firm, will retain management responsibilities for the property.

Malek’s journey has been as impressive as his recent business acquisitions. A former rugby player and holder of an economics degree from the Naval Academy, he was commissioned in 1988 and served on the USS Juneau during Operation Desert Storm. His career later transitioned to the Navy Special Warfare officer in the Navy Special Boat Units.

Malek’s success in the hospitality industry is paralleled by his family’s legacy. His father, Fred V. 

Malek, was a significant figure in the world of hotels, having been the CEO of Marriott Hotels and a part owner of the Texas Rangers. He also played an advisory role for multiple presidents and was a notable Republican fundraiser until his passing in 2019.

— Ted Glanzer