Rhys O'Connell
Co-Founder & President, HIVE House Club · Hospitality Executive & General Manager
Rhys O'Connell has spent over 25 years transforming hotels, building teams, and creating the kinds of experiences people don't forget — and then return for.
His career is a study in what happens when operational excellence meets genuine hospitality. From elevating the Luxe Rodeo Drive Hotel's star rating to revitalizing the Surf Lodge with a 30%+ increase in bookings, Rhys has consistently delivered results in some of the most demanding environments in the industry.
DEFINING ACHIEVEMENT
The Mayfair House Hotel and Garden
Rhys's most defining achievement is the complete repositioning of the Mayfair House Hotel and Garden in Miami — a transformation he led from the ground up. Under his leadership, the property went from a 2-star hotel to a 5-star luxury icon, earning it 5 Diamond status and Two Michelin Keys. It remains one of the most significant hotel turnarounds in South Florida's recent history.
WHAT DRIVES HIM
The art of hospitality was a childhood imprint for Rhys, learned from his mother — a quintessential hostess in their hometown of Adelaide, South Australia. He understood early that hospitality isn't about the property. It's about the person in front of you, and how clearly you're communicating that they matter.
That philosophy has never left him. It shows up in how he runs a hotel, how he runs an event, and how he runs HIVE.
COMMUNITY
Following a career that took him across the globe, Coconut Grove became home — and Rhys invested in it accordingly.
As President of the Coconut Grove Chamber of Commerce, Rhys worked to strengthen connections among local business leaders and support the kind of community-driven growth that he had seen transform neighborhoods and properties alike. It was during that time that his partnership with Silvana Massolo deepened, and their shared conviction about the power of intentional relationships led them to co-found HIVE.
He credits his mentor and friend Monty Trainer for inspiring his deep commitment to Coconut Grove — and for showing him, firsthand, the transformative power of community engagement.
HIVE
At HIVE House Club, Rhys serves as Co-Founder and President. He leads operations, member relationships, and event execution — the person who makes sure every experience lives up to what HIVE promises.
PERSONAL
Born and raised in Adelaide, South Australia, Rhys brought his instinct for hospitality — and his belief that every room should feel like it was designed for the person walking into it — from the other side of the world to Miami. Coconut Grove is where he planted roots, and HIVE is what grew from them.
Want to connect with Rhys through HIVE?
Applications are reviewed by Silvana and Rhys personally. If you believe you belong in this community, we'd love to hear from you.
