
DEREK CURL
PROPRIETOR
Film producer Derek Curl fell in love with Andes during a chance drive through the Catskills nearly a decade ago. With roots in Southern Appalachia, he was drawn to the area’s natural beauty and sense of community. In 2020 he took an unexpected leap, purchasing the Andes Hotel during the COVID-19 Pandemic, and embarked on a journey to restore and re-imagine this historic local landmark.
Derek sees the Andes Hotel as a gathering place where neighbors connect and traditions thrive. He has forged friendships with local farmers who supply the hotel kitchen with their produce, and works closely with the area’s artisans, community institutions and businesses to celebrate the spirit of Andes. The updates to the hotel—which include the creation of a flower-filled courtyard, 1950’s inspired guest rooms and fully renovated restaurant and function room—preserve and honor it’s heritage, while creating a space that is inclusive, warm and welcoming for all.

MAURIZIO CHIOVARO
GENERAL MANAGER
Before relocating Upstate, Maurizio spent 23 years honing his craft in Manhattan's bustling restaurant scene, where he successfully opened 23 establishments, gaining invaluable expertise in the industry.
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In 2023, Maurizio joined the Andes Hotel as a part-time cook, quickly earning a promotion to General Manager. He views his role as more than just a job—it’s a chance to bring joy to guests by creating a warm and welcoming environment. To Maurizio, the hotel is a cornerstone of the community, serving as a vibrant gathering place for locals and visitors alike.
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Hailing from Palermo, Italy, Maurizio carries a deep culinary heritage. Though his managerial duties take precedence, he occasionally returns to the kitchen to share his passion for cooking. Most recently, he prepared a memorable Feast of the Seven Fishes for the holidays and is planning more exciting culinary events for 2025.
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Outside of work, Maurizio can often be found cycling through the scenic mountain trails, embracing his love for the outdoors.

LON KIVELL
HEAD CHEF
Chef Lon, a graduate of The Culinary Institute of America, joined the Andes Hotel in 2020 after a distinguished 25-year career in Manhattan. Relocating to the Catskills has given Lon the opportunity to connect with local farmers and producers, allowing him to craft dishes that showcase the bounty of the region.
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Passionate about giving back, he has forged meaningful connections with students from the local high school, offering them a pathway to careers in catering. "The young people who work with me are smart, disciplined, well-mannered and creative. I'm grateful for the chance to make a positive impact in their lives".
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Chef Lon continues to evolve menus and weekly specials, and has plenty of new culinary ideas to implement in 2025.

HEATHER KERR
EVENT ORGANIZER & HOTEL DESIGNER
​​Heather Kerr moved to the Catskills in 2019 after spending over 20 years in New York City working as a designer and event planner for a wide range of clients. The Andes Hotel was one of the first places Heather visited during her initial trip to the area, and she fell in love with it immediately. The opportunity to work at the hotel came when her good friend, Derek Curl, purchased the property with the vision of giving it a fresh update while preserving its unique charm and expanding its role as a community hub.
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Since joining the team, Heather has been dedicated to renovating the hotel’s dining and event spaces, as well as updating guest rooms to enhance the visitor experience. She has also played a key role in organizing and preparing for major events, including the annual Halloween Extravaganza and the Holiday Tree Lighting, along with weddings and other celebrations that continue to fill the calendar.
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For Heather, the magic of The Andes Hotel lies in its ability to bring joy to the local community and visitors alike—welcoming guests from just down the street and from across the world.

SCOTT MASTRANGELO
HOTEL MANAGER
A long-time visitor to the area before calling Andes home, Scott Mastrangelo is a seasoned hospitality professional with 15 years of experience in the hotel industry working in New York City.
As the first point of contact for guests, Scott strives to create a warm, welcoming experience for guests, and ensures seamless check-ins and check-outs. Currently serving as the Hotel Manager, Scott oversees all aspects of the hotel operations and is known for his exceptional customer service, problem-solving skills, and ability to anticipate and fulfill guest needs.
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Scott’s passion for hospitality stems from his love for meeting new people and creating memorable experiences. He takes pride in being part of a team that prioritizes guest comfort and satisfaction.
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Outside of work, Scott enjoys skiing, Prosecco, long drives along a dirt road in the countryside and indulging in a touch of friendly sarcasm.