‘I DREAMED I WAS A DOORMAN AT THE HOTEL DEL CORONADO’ In 1970, Theodor Seuss Geisel, also known as Dr. Seuss, painted a whimsical representation of San Diego’s historic Hotel Del Coronado titled “I Dreamed I was a Doorman at The Hotel del Coronado,” complete with a whirling maze of bright pastels—blues, greens, yellows, and, of course, The Del’s famous red shingled roof. In the center is the silhouette of a hotel employee standing, ready to welcome guests into the fantastic world of The Del. Corey Menotti, Director of Guest Services at The Del, has a print of the painting hanging in his office and says when he looks at that hotel employee perched at the door, he knows exactly who it is: The Del’s beloved Bell Hop Richard Gilbert, who passed away in December 2023 at age 75. Richard dedicated almost four decades of his life to embodying the spirit of hospitality. Originally from the Bronx, he moved to San Diego and quickly found his new home and purpose in the hospitality industry, working at a bar and coffee shop before he landed a job as a Bell Hop at The Del in February of 1985. Gilbert’s friendly, outgoing nature endeared him to guests and colleagues alike. “Richard had an incredible ability to connect with people and to show people how to connect with others,” Menotti said. He believed in welcoming guests as if they were entering his own home, easing the tensions of weary travelers by fostering genuine and lasting connections. Menotti fondly recalls Richard’s encounters with famous personalities such as soul legend James Brown, boxer and activist Muhammad Ali, and singer/composer Smokey Robinson who passed through the historic halls of The Del. Richard had a knack for making everyone feel special, regardless of their status. His charm and wit, combined with small gestures like handing out ginger candies to guests, exemplified his dedication to bringing joy to others. Menotti attributes Richard’s longevity at The Del to his deep investment in the hotel and its guests. Richard often joked about his retirement plan being to stay at the hotel forever, watching over the staff from the mezzanine level. “Our industry requires a unique desire to serve and a love for connecting with others,” Menotti added. “If Richard were here, he’d say that a career in hospitality gives as much back to you as you give it.” Richard also believed that any hotel can be built beautifully, but it’s the people who fill the space and give it life. “It’s important for all of us to remember—we all have a small part in filling our hotels with love and life,” Menotti said. People may come initially for the grandeur façade and history of The Del, but what makes them come back are the interactions they have with employees like Richard. Just like that silhouette in Dr. Seuss’s painting, Menotti believes that Richard continues to watch over The Del. His legacy serves as a reminder that hospitality is not just a job but a lifelong commitment to creating meaningful connections and experiences—and above all else: a love for people. 8 CALIFORNIA LODGING NEWS www.calodging.com EMPLOYEE PROFILE
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