Dasha Chayka
Dasha, born in Ukraine, immigrated to the United States at the age of 17, where she completed her junior and senior years at Naples High School in Florida with honors. A standout sprinter on the Track & Field Varsity Team, she received the Coach’s Award for Excellence. She continued her academic ascent at Florida State University, graduating early with a 3.9 GPA and Summa Cum Laude honors in International Affairs, specializing in Social Sciences, and minoring in Spanish, French, and Arabic. While at university, she worked full-time at the FSU Police Department.
Upon returning to Naples, Dasha ignited her entrepreneurial spirit, earning a Real Estate License, launching a photography business, and tutoring in English, Spanish, Ukrainian, and Russian. This versatility led her to her true calling – hospitality.
In October 2015, Dasha joined Courtyard by Marriott in Naples, excelling in various roles, including Front Desk Associate, Food and Beverage Associate, and Operations Supervisor. When TownePlace Suites Naples by Marriott opened on February 28, 2020, Dasha’s exceptional stewardship as Director of Sales and Assistant General Manager led to her promotion to General Manager in 2021.
Dasha’s visionary leadership has earned her global recognition. In 2025, she received the prestigious J. Willard Marriott Award of Excellence, distinguishing her as a top performer within Marriott International. Under her guidance, TownePlace Suites Naples was crowned Marriott Hotel of the Year in 2024 and achieved the esteemed Marriott Diamond Hotel designation in both 2023 and 2024. Dasha herself was titled Marriott Diamond General Manager in 2022 and 2024, in addition to being selected for the Marriott ELITE Sales Special Achievement Team in 2024.
A respected voice in the industry, Dasha serves on the Marriott General Manager Advisory Council (GMAC), sharing insights with fellow leaders. In 2024, she was honored as the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) General Manager of the Year for Extended Stay Properties, and her hotel was celebrated as Florida’s Modern Hotel of the Year for 2024/2025 by the Travel and Hospitality Awards (THA).
Dasha’s career is a testament to her unstoppable commitment to excellence, her talent for inspiring teams, and her dedication to creating unforgettable guest experiences. With grace and determination, she continually redefines leadership in the hospitality industry.
In addition to her professional accomplishments, Dasha learned to play classical guitar when she was 9 years old, later playing acoustic guitar for five years on her church’s worship team. In her leisure time, Dasha enjoys a good book, a captivating movie, traveling to new destinations, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and spending time with her German Shepherd.
Dasha attributes her success to God, believing that His presence, love, and guidance have shaped her into the person she is today. She is grateful for the faith that everything is possible and for the strength to make the impossible possible.
Q & A with Dasha
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1. What inspired you to get into this industry?
My inspiration to join the hotel industry stemmed from a desire to work in a dynamic team environment. I have always been drawn to the energy of collaboration, where diverse backgrounds and talents unite to deliver exceptional service. I enjoy meeting new people and learning about different cultures, and the hotel business offers a unique freedom to connect with people from around the world.
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2. What do you love most about being part of the tourism community?
What I love most about being part of the tourism community is the opportunity to make a meaningful and positive impact on people's lives. Whether it is empowering my team to grow and excel, creating memorable experiences for our hotel guests, or collaborating with fellow tourism professionals, I find immense fulfillment in building connections and enhancing the overall travel experience for everyone involved.
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3. What’s something most people don’t know about your business or what you do?
An interesting fact that many people may not know is that our team of over 30 associates is incredibly diverse, representing 15 different countries.
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4. Your favorite local spot(s)?
TownePlace Suites Naples by Marriott. :)
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5. Your favorite meal in town?
My favorite meal in town is the filet mignon steak paired with sautéed vegetables and home-style potatoes at Seed to Table. It's a combination that never fails to impress!
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6. Your favorite experience in town?
Some of my favorite experiences in town include playing pickleball, tennis, volleyball, and mini golf, all of which offer a great mix of fun and friendly competition. I also enjoy bowling and catching the latest movies. Going to the beach is always a great time as well.
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7. Any memorable visitor story or moment that stands out?
One of the most rewarding aspects of my experience has been the meaningful connections we have built with our regular guests. Many have been with us since the opening of TownePlace Suites Naples by Marriott in February 2020, and they truly see our team as family. Each visit brings its own unique stories and memorable moments, but what brings me the greatest joy is reconnecting with these loyal guests and hearing about their lives. Their ongoing support and the bonds we've created make every interaction truly special.
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8. Your favorite time of year in SWFL?
In Southwest Florida, every season has its own unique charm. I enjoy the crisp refreshing start of the year and the tranquil, cloudy days of the summer rainy season. The cooler weather with clear skies and mild breeze January through March brings a vibrant energy with pleasant temperatures perfect for outdoor activities. On the other hand, the summer rainy season, around June to September, has its own allure. The peaceful, overcast days create a serene atmosphere, ideal for cozy indoor moments.