Press Releases

Denny Levette, owner of the treasured Cypress Inn in Carmel, announced today the appointment of renowned veteran hotelier, Joseph Violi, as General Manager.
 
Levett stated, "As an iconic and historic hotel in Carmel, we sought a visionary leader with a strategic mindset and a passion for excellence. Joseph Violi's extensive experience and dedication to hospitality make him the perfect fit to lead the Cypress Inn."
 
Violi, a graduate of Cornell University's School of Hotel Administration, brings over 35 years of experience in managing luxury hotels, golf, and beach resorts. His impressive career includes leadership roles at esteemed properties such as Ritz-Carlton, Laguna-Niguel; Ritz-Carlton, Buckhead, Atlanta; Ritz-Carlton, Aspen Swissotel Chicago; Hyatt Hotels; Hilton Hotel in Sonoma, California and Key West, Florida; and Carmel Valley Ranch.
 
Cypress Inn has long been celebrated for its pet-friendly atmosphere, with Sunset Magazine calling it "probably the most famous dog-friendly hotel in the country." Violi remarked, "Honoring the legacy created by Doris Day and Denny Levett—blending Old World charm with exceptional service—will be the pinnacle of my hospitality career."
 
Violi also brings extensive expertise in hotel marketing and food & beverage operations. His passion for the culinary arts is evident through his involvement with esteemed organizations such as the international Chaine des Rôtisseurs and Les Toques Blanches.
 
Levett emphasized, "Having recently signed a Mills Act contract with the City of Carmel, we needed an exceptional leader to uphold Cypress Inn's reputation as the jewel of Carmel."
 
In addition to managing Cypress Inn, Violi will oversee operations at Carmel's Lamp Lighter Inn and Forest Lodge. Originally from Massena, N.Y., where his family owned a restaurant for 70 years, Violi now resides locally with his prized dog, Dino Ferrari, a Vizsla.