Friday, June 6, 2025
The Mining Exchange Hotel in Colorado Springs has appointed seasoned hospitality executive Jana Smith as its new general manager, marking a significant step in the property’s bold transformation. With over 20 years of experience in luxury and lifestyle hotels, Smith brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership to guide the hotel through a revitalization under the stewardship of Practice Hospitality. Her appointment comes at a pivotal time as the hotel seeks to redefine the luxury boutique experience, blending its historic charm with modern elegance to offer guests an elevated stay in the heart of downtown Colorado Springs.
The Mining Exchange Hotel Welcomes Jana Smith as General Manager to Lead Historic Transformation
The Mining Exchange Hotel, a newly reimagined boutique gem in downtown Colorado Springs, has named experienced hospitality leader Jana Smith as its new general manager to spearhead its historic transformation. With more than 20 years of leadership experience in luxury and lifestyle hotels, Smith steps into the role at a transformative moment for the landmark hotel, now under the stewardship of Practice Hospitality.
In her new position, Smith will oversee daily operations and spearhead the property’s ongoing revival, aligning with Practice Hospitality’s mission to reinvigorate historically significant hotels into vibrant, guest-centric destinations. The Mining Exchange, once a hub for Colorado’s early 20th-century mining industry, is undergoing a thoughtful, multi-phase redevelopment designed to elevate both the guest experience and its connection to the local community.
Smith brings a rich background in hotel management, having held senior roles at prestigious destinations including Brush Creek Ranch, the St. Regis Deer Valley, and W Seattle. Most recently, she served as general manager of The Brown Palace Hotel and Spa in Denver. There, she not only boosted profitability but also achieved remarkable improvements in guest satisfaction and operational performance.
Her proven track record in revitalizing both historic and modern properties positions her as the ideal leader to shape the next chapter of The Mining Exchange Hotel. Practice Hospitality, known for transforming storied hotels into cultural and social epicenters, believes Smith’s leadership will reinforce its people-first approach and usher in a new era of excellence at the property.
With her passion for guest experience and deep understanding of luxury operations, Smith aims to honor the hotel’s historic roots while introducing contemporary hospitality standards that resonate with today’s travelers. The Mining Exchange Hotel is poised to become a cornerstone of downtown Colorado Springs, offering a distinctive blend of heritage, comfort, and elevated service for locals and visitors alike.
“This role is both a professional highlight and a personal homecoming,” said Smith. “As a longtime Colorado resident, I’m proud to help shape the next chapter of this iconic hotel and showcase the best of Colorado Springs through thoughtful, people-driven hospitality.”
A standout moment in the hotel’s ongoing transformation is the grand opening of Oro, a vibrant new Italian dining destination that officially began welcoming guests on April 26. As the first major concept launched under Jana Smith’s leadership, Oro brings a modern twist to Italian cuisine and introduces a bold culinary energy to downtown Colorado Springs. This latest addition complements the hotel’s existing lineup of guest-centric offerings, which includes Golden Hour—a stylish indoor-outdoor bar and courtyard known for artisanal cocktails—and BLK MGK, a specialty coffee shop catering to both early risers and remote workers. These venues together showcase The Mining Exchange Hotel’s commitment to enhancing the local hospitality scene by generating employment, supporting regional food and beverage artisans, and enriching the city’s appeal to both vacationers and corporate travelers.
“Jana’s appointment is emblematic of Practice Hospitality’s philosophy: bold leadership, purposeful hospitality and the belief that transformation happens through people,” said Klaudio Simic, president of Practice Hospitality. “Her passion for creating exceptional stays will be key as we continue to build on the hotel’s momentum.”
The Mining Exchange Hotel in Colorado Springs has appointed hospitality veteran Jana Smith as general manager to lead its bold transformation and redefine the luxury boutique experience. With over 20 years of expertise, Smith will guide the hotel’s revitalization under Practice Hospitality’s stewardship.
