Lani Shufelt

Lani Shufelt is the Chief Operating Officer (COO) and General Manager of The Chanler at Cliff Walk, a luxury boutique hotel located in Newport, Rhode Island. She has a rich background in the hospitality industry, having started her career at a young age. Shufelt's journey in hospitality began at thirteen, working at Mission Point Resort, which was owned by her father. This early exposure laid the foundation for her passion for the industry.

Career Path

• The Chanler at Cliff Walk: Shufelt began her tenure at The Chanler as a Reservations Supervisor and progressed through various roles, including Rooms Manager and Marketing Manager, before becoming COO in 2017. In her current position, she oversees all aspects of hotel management, including staff operations and guest services.12
• Previous Experience: Before returning to The Chanler, she worked with the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group in various management roles and briefly ventured into digital marketing with Plukka in Hong Kong and Henri Bendel in New York City.13

Education

Shufelt holds a Bachelor’s degree in Art History from Skidmore College, a Cuisine & Pastry degree from Le Cordon Bleu Paris, and an MBA with a focus on Luxury Goods Marketing from Cornell University’s S.C. Johnson Graduate School of Management.13

Vision for Hospitality

Under Shufelt's leadership, The Chanler emphasizes personalized guest experiences and unique offerings that reflect the local culture. She believes that modern travelers seek more than just accommodation; they desire memorable experiences that connect them to their destination.2

Lani Shufelt's blend of operational expertise and creative marketing strategies has positioned The Chanler at Cliff Walk as a distinguished player in the luxury hotel market.