Hotels are instituting or stepping up programs and policies that focus on the mental health and wellbeing of their employees. p.10 Hotels + Employee Well-Being
OUR MISSION CHLA is the indispensable resource for communicating and protecting the rights and interests of the California lodging industry, for providing educational training and cost-saving programs for all segments of the industry, and for supporting strategic alliances to promote the value of California tourism and travel. California Hotel & Lodging Association 414 29th Street, Sacramento, CA 95816 916.444.5780 | www.calodging.com EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE CHAIR Cormac O’Modhrain Sunstone Hotel Investors VICE CHAIR Daniel Kuperschmid Hyatt Hotels Corporation IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIR Dhruv Patel Ridgemont Hospitality SECRETARY/TREASURER Kristi Allen Ensemble Investments GOVERNMENT & LEGAL RELATIONS CHAIR Javier Cano JW Marriott at L.A. LIVE AUDIT & INVESTMENT COMMITTEE CHAIR Laurenne Douglas Pacific Plaza Hotels, Inc. 2025 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Laura Lee Blake AAHOA Javier Cano JW Marriott at L.A. LIVE David Craig Pebblebrook Hotels Vipul Dayal Days Inn San Francisco Airport West Laurenne Douglas Pacific Plaza Hotels, Inc. Marina Dutton Irvine Marriott Troy Flanagan AHLA Kerry Gaber Host Hotels Ross Gimpel Encore Jon Handlery, CHA Handlery Hotels, Inc. Nic Hockman Disney’s Grand Californian Matt Humphreys Hyatt Regency San Francisco Margie Jones, Ph.D Cal Poly Pomona Hee-Won Lim-Grosvenor Pacific Palms Hotel Michael Pace InterContinental Mark Hopkins Hotel Bijal Patel, CHA Coast Redwood Hospitality Bimal Patel, CHA Concept Hotels Perry Patel Radiate Hospitality Pragna Patel-Mueller Samata Management Tom Patton Ramada by Wyndham Santa Barbara Joe Piantedosi Park Hotels & Resorts Stacey Rivera Evolution Hospitality Tejal Sood Bayside Hotel Group John Spear Hotel Drisco Jeffrey Thurrell Fisher Phillips Wes Tyler, CHA Chancellor Hotel on Union Square Mike Tweeten Ace Parking Management Bobby Walia Marriott International Corporation Tony Zand Pacific Hospitality Group ADVERTISING & DESIGN Big Red M | www.bigredm.com Design & Layout Juliette Miratsky Advertising Sales Bethany Murphy 732.804.7166 [email protected] Copyright © 2025. All Rights Reserved CONTENTS CALIFORNIA Winter 2025 FEATURED 10 Hotels Are Leading the Charge for Employee Well-Being 14 Opening Doors in Hospitality 16 From High School Kitchen to Grand Hyatt SF: Jonathan Solis’ Rise in Culinary Excellence 18 Scholarship Recipient Spotlight: Mariam “Masho” Khabazashvili 19 CHLA Celebrates Hospitality Excellence at Hotel All Stars Awards DEPARTMENTS 02 M essage From the President + CEO 22 V oices of Hospitality 23 CHLA Marketplace 28 Upcoming Events 29 CHLA Partners 04 How California Hotels Are Giving Back 16 Member Profile: Jonathan Solis
2 CALIFORNIA LODGING NEWS www.calodging.com Lynn S. Mohrfeld CHLA President + CEO IT’S ALL ABOUT THE PEOPLE. Mariam “Masho” Khabazashvili was born and raised in the nation of Georgia, where history and culture shaped her pursuit of a career in hospitality. “Growing up in Georgia shaped my view on hospitality, and my desire to want to pursue hospitality as a career, because I wanted to bring my cultural roots to my professional life,” she said. In her native language, there is a phrase that translates to “every guest is a gift from God.” It guides her to serve each guest meaningfully and with pride. “It means that when a guest comes to your house, as a Georgian host, it is your responsibility to make sure that they feel comfortable. It’s your responsibility to make sure that they’re feeling spoiled,” she said. (Read more about Masho in our Spotlight on her on page 18.) Masho exemplifies the ambassadorial spirit that defines the dedicated service of so many hotel employees—housekeepers, accountants, dishwashers, revenue managers and bell staff— who make guests, colleagues and communities feel truly special. Every day, they care for guests and co-workers and give back to California communities by donating room nights, beach clean-ups, and volunteering at local food banks. It is through such holistic hospitality that California hotels and their employees make positive, meaningful and sustainable impacts that extend far beyond our hotel walls. CHLA’s Hotel Caring initiative revealed that California hotels donated more than $68 million and volunteered more than 328,000 hours to community causes in 2023. Our hotels and their employees make local communities stronger with their deep investment and support. To sustain these efforts, we must ensure our hotels are well-positioned for success. When tourism is thriving, demand is strong, and the business environment is supportive, everyone benefits. Hotels are then able to hire more employees into good paying jobs, generate greater tax revenue for cities and counties, and give back generously to the communities they serve. Our spotlight in this issue is on the remarkable people and properties driving meaningful change in California hospitality. We explore how hotels are championing employee well-being through initiatives that prioritize their personal and professional growth, unlock new opportunities for guest experiences and positively transform communities throughout the state. The power of hospitality to make guests, colleagues and local communities feel “spoiled” is increasingly clear. It all starts with individuals like Masho, who foster a culture of well-being and giving back that is the foundation for building a brighter and sustainable future for our industry. MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT + CEO
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4 CALIFORNIA LODGING NEWS www.calodging.com CALIFORNIA HOTELS AND INNS ARE MORE THAN PLACES FOR GUESTS TO STAY— THEY ALSO ARE MAINSTAYS OF THEIR COMMUNITIES. BESIDES CONTRIBUTING TO THE LOCAL ECONOMY AND SUPPORTING LOCAL BUSINESSES, MANY PROPERTIES ARE ALSO WORKING HARD TO DELIVER EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE TO THEIR COMMUNITIES IN OTHER WAYS THAT MAKE LIFE BETTER FOR THEIR NEIGHBORS. HOW CALIFORNIA HOTELS ARE Giving Back
www.calodging.com Winter 2025 5 COVER STORY Silverado Resort At Silverado Resort in Napa, one way they help the community is through monthly “wellness walks” for their staff that have a little twist. “We do a four-mile loop around the entire Silverado property, but we jazz it up a little bit, and we walk with trash bags and gloves and pick up trash along our route,” said Director of Human Resources Tami Douglas. “We enjoy doing our part to keep our community beautiful and clean.” Douglas, who spearheads most of the resort’s community service initiatives, said it doesn’t take much to get buy-in from her team. “One of the things I love most about Silverado is our team here really cares about giving back to the community and finding different ways to do it.” Silverado has its own culture committee, meeting regularly to discuss and plan team member and community engagement. The resort won CHLA’s 2023 Stars of the Industry Community Service award as a testament to its successful initiatives. Their work in 2024 was just as involved. In September 2024, the resort partnered with the Alzheimer’s Association and held its 4th Annual “Silverado Walks to End Alzheimer’s” event. The team walked the four-mile loop to raise funds for the organization. In 2024, Continues
6 CALIFORNIA LODGING NEWS www.calodging.com COVER STORY
www.calodging.com Winter 2025 7 COVER STORY the resort received the award for the largest employer team in Northern California’s Napa Valley Walk, raising $3,851 for the cause with 55 participants. “We figured how great it would be to host a walk here,” Douglas said. “Alzheimer’s has walks all over the United States, but we were able to host one that’s specific to Silverado and open it up to the community.” In addition to participating in various seasonal events like the Toys for Tots Drive, Santa Grams, backpack drives, and activities during breast cancer awareness month, the resort has a few other long-standing partnerships with the community. Silverado partners with the Napa Valley Education Foundation and the Napa Valley Unified School District for the “Resorting to Opportunity Summer Mentor Program.” The resort has been involved with the program since its inception in 2018 and employs high school students for paid mentorships at the resort over the summer. “The goal is to promote hospitality as a viable career while giving local students the opportunity to get paid to learn about hospitality,” Douglas said. In 2024, Silverado hosted a team-building event to kick off the summer program with a putting clinic and contest. It also hosted the program’s graduation, attended by students in the various Napa Valley hotels. Of the ten students Silverado mentored in the summer of 2024, eight stayed on part-time employment after the program’s conclusion. “Something that we’ve found is that if you offer multiple different initiatives to employees, there’s going to be different things that people really care about,” Douglas added. The resort tries to get involved in at least one big community event per month. “In this day and age, people want to have a purpose and truly want to give back to others,” she added. “I think the team gets a real sense of fulfillment from being able to contribute to their community.” Silverado was also recently recognized by California State Senator Bill Dodd for more than 70 years of excellence in the Napa Valley and for their enduring commitment to hosting world-class golf tournaments and charitable events, enhancing the success and sustainability of their community and creating exceptional experiences for guests while fostering pride among team members. Douglas also feels that it’s the resort’s responsibility to help make lives better. “Whether that’s for our team members, for our owners, for the community—it’s all about how we can enrich lives and make them better,” she said. The Maybourne Beverly Hills According to Sam Jagger, General Manager of The Maybourne Beverly Hills, good community service begins with clearly communicating that the hotel’s doors are open to everyone. “We want our local residents to feel welcome—whether they’re dining on our gorgeous Terrace Restaurant or experiencing the breathtaking views of the Hollywood Hills from Dante on our Rooftop, enjoying a drink at The Maybourne Bar or Whisky Bar using the luxury facilities, or simply visiting the hotel. Additionally, we aim to host events that cater to the diverse interests of our community, ensuring that everyone can participate and enjoy the offerings at The Maybourne Beverly Hills.” Jagger and The Maybourne are heavily involved in the Beverly Hills community, and he offered another perspective on why staying active locally is essential. “First and foremost, it’s about positioning Beverly Hills as a top-tier destination,” said Jagger, who also sits on The Beverly Hills Conference & Visitors Bureau board. “We all need to work collaboratively to attract customers to our destination, which is only possible with strong community cooperation and mutual support.” Jagger sees community leaders as another critical group with which to collaborate and serve. That includes elected officials as well as law enforcement and first responders. “They are all trying to make the best decisions on behalf of the city based on all their stakeholders,” he said. “That sense of community and collaboration is vital because everyone needs to have a voice to collectively advance the city’s interests.” Jagger also views local businesses as critical stakeholders to support. “The retail, the food, and the phenomenal beverage establishments in the city are all compelling reasons people want to visit us,” he said. “Even if they’re not staying in Beverly Hills, these attractions give them a reason to explore.” Continues Continued
8 CALIFORNIA LODGING NEWS www.calodging.com “Community really drives overall performance, both at the local level and then the domestic and international level, and it’s really important that we are active participants in that,” he added. The property has its own community service committee, which organizes various service initiatives. One of their most recent events was the Alive Together program, an annual walk to help raise awareness about suicide prevention and raise money for Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services. “I believe everyone has some degree of connection to someone who has struggled with mental health, and it’s likely more prevalent now than ever,” Jagger said. “This creates a genuine connection amongst our employees to raise awareness and support each other and the community.” The property also recently participated in Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, a walk to raise awareness and funds to end breast cancer. The Maybourne had 18 volunteers and raised $5,000 for the cause. To ensure the success of these events, Jagger emphasized the importance of clear communication to keep the team informed about upcoming initiatives utilizing tools like emails and posters at both the department and hotel levels. He also highlighted the need to focus on quality over quantity. “Choose a few events and execute them exceptionally well, rather than trying to do too many,” he advised. Jagger expressed that The Maybourne Beverly Hills looks forward to continuing to serve and develop their relationships within the Beverly Hills community so they can all succeed together. “At the end of the day, the giving back component of what we do is really important, so let’s rise to the challenge and be good stewards in our communities,” he said. Continued COVER STORY
www.calodging.com Winter 2025 9 “ This creates a genuine connection amongst our employees to raise awareness and support each other and the community. –Sam Jagger, General Manager of The Maybourne Beverly Hills 328,000 volunteer hours for activities ranging from beach clean-ups to blood drives OUR PEOPLE Hotels are important pillars of community vitality and service. Here’s just some of the impact that California hotels have made on their local communities. Source: Oxford Economics, STR, American Hotel and Lodging Association COVER STORY $68 million total contributions in the form of cash, in-kind donations, fundraising, scholarships, and food drive donations
10 CALIFORNIA LODGING NEWS www.calodging.com WELLNESS on improving care for the planet, people, and responsible business. “Hyatt’s purpose is to care for people so they can be their best. This purpose is reflected in how Hyatt treats its guests and employees, and is a core part of the company’s business,” she said. “This purpose of care takes into account physical and emotional well-being driving all interactions with our hotel colleagues and is a major reason for the longevity of our workforce.” The Manchester Grand Hyatt is focused on all aspects of work-life to promote employee well-being: Team Engagement By organizing team-building events, social gatherings, wellness activities, and quarterly leader outings to encourage employees to connect outside of their daily roles, the team at the Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego is working towards cultivating positive working relationships that build trust and community within staff. Learning & Development Opportunities The Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego has begun offering workshops and training sessions for all employees but truly prides itself on the Hyatt Leadership Academy that brings employees together to grow their skills to become future leaders. Participants in the academy have access to the leadership team, department heads, and other leaders throughout the hotel to learn what each department does and to hear about the skills they can gain to excel within Hyatt. These programs not only strengthen individual expertise but also promote a shared sense of purpose and teamwork. Hotels Are Leading the Charge for People in the hospitality industry work in a bustling fast-paced environment where guest satisfaction is the top priority. The high expectations they place on themselves to deliver exceptional service, no matter how difficult the circumstances, can make it challenging for everyone on staff to take the time and effort to look after their own wellbeing. That can have an effect on personal health as well as performance on the job. Recognizing that healthy and happy staff are the key to a positive work environment, many hotels are instituting or stepping up programs and policies that focus on the mental health and well-being of their employees. Michelle Hill, the human resources director at the Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego, says that caring for themselves helps them to better care for their guests, highlighting the importance of mental and physical well-being among her staff. Hyatt employs a global approach called World of Care, which focuses Continues EMPLOYEE
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12 CALIFORNIA LODGING NEWS www.calodging.com WELLNESS Mental & Physical Well-Being The Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego has implemented a few key initiatives to help staff care for their mind and bodies: Relaxation Room in the colleague lounge, a safe, quiet place for colleagues to relax and slow down during work hours. Access to the hotel’s StayFit Fitness Center. The hotel’s fitness center features beautiful waterfront bay views through floor-to-ceiling windows and provides over 30 pieces of Precor cardio gym equipment, free weights, and exercise machines. Hyatt colleagues can make use of the fitness center during their free time, giving them the opportunity to engage in regular exercise without the burden of a gym membership. Free subscription to Headspace for all staff. Headspace is an online platform that offers a range of resources to support mental health and well-being, including mediations, sleep music, and more. Wellness Week includes activities like walking around the bay, stair climbing, massages, mediation room, wellness speakers, daily healthy snack offerings in the colleague lounge, and more. Complimentary hotel stays allow colleagues to book up to 12 free nights per year at any Hyatt hotel. Encouraging Inclusion & Belonging “We ensure all employees feel welcome and valued,” said Hill. “Employee resource groups and diversity-focused initiatives give everyone a chance to connect on a deeper level and contribute to our inclusive culture.” The hotel supports five active and engaging Diversity Business Resource Groups (DBRG) including: • Hyatt B.L.A.C.K.: Focusing on Black leadership, action and community knowledge. • Asian and Pacific Islanders: Only the third of its kind in the Hyatt family. It aims to foster inclusivity, celebrate Continued
www.calodging.com Winter 2025 13 WELLNESS diversity, and provide a supportive community for API Hyatt colleagues. • HyPride: Inclusive of all San Diego Hyatt Hotels. This chapter’s shining accomplishment is its participation as a corporate ally in the San Diego Pride Parade, where it was awarded Best Corporate Ally two years in a row. • Women@Hyatt: Hosts quarterly events for around 75 women, open to all Hyatt Hotels in San Diego. These events provide valuable resources such as resume workshops, mentorship programs, recognizing top-performing women in the area, and raising funds for community organizations focused on women’s needs. • Latinos@Hyatt: Organizes several impactful events throughout the year that include networking events, workshops and educational sessions for Latino colleagues. Recognition & Appreciation “Acknowledging and celebrating contributions is key to fostering a supportive culture,” said Hill. “Our recognition programs highlight individual accomplishments, creating an environment where hard work is seen and appreciated.” Recognition is a way of life at the Grand Hyatt San Diego with quarterly “Leader of the Quarter” awards and quarterly “Grand Excellence Awards” for nonmanagement positions. The quarterly Grand Excellence Award winners are openly recognized by their nominators in front of their peers, leaders, and family members. A fully catered reception is hosted by the hotel quarterly, and award winners are encouraged to invite their families to attend and witness the kind words their coworkers have to share about them. Open Communication Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego actively promotes transparency through regular team meetings, town halls, and one-on-one check-ins. Employees are encouraged to share ideas, ask questions, and provide feedback. “We want to ensure our colleagues feel heard and valued and one of the biggest ways we do this is through our quarterly all-colleague survey,” said Hill. Hyatt’s quarterly colleague surveys are part of our Colleague Experience Listening Strategy. The surveys are used to gather feedback on topics like leadership effectiveness, workload, and well-being. The data from the surveys is used to help leaders make decisions that address the specific needs of their teams. With continued investment in programs like the ones highlighted by the Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego, hotels are not only helping their staff navigate the stressed of the job but also building more sustainable and positive workplace cultures.
14 CALIFORNIA LODGING NEWS www.calodging.com The hospitality industry thrives on its ability to welcome guests with open arms, creating memorable experiences for all. But for hotels to truly embody inclusivity, efforts must also focus on opening doors for employees with disabilities. Inclusive hiring practices and a commitment to accessibility can create meaningful changes that benefit both staff and guests. As Jerri Davison, Director of the Pacific ADA Center, explained, “There’s no better way for your staff to understand disabilities than to work alongside people with lived experience.” Shaping Guest & Employee Experiences Accessibility within the hospitality industry extends beyond physical features such as ramps or pool lifts. Davison highlighted the importance of small yet impactful changes like providing unscented soap options or ensuring doors are easy to open. Hotels that prioritize accessibility not only enhance the guest experience but also unlock significant revenue opportunities. “One in four individuals in the U.S. has a disability, according to the CDC,” Davison called out. “That’s a lot of buying power in one community.” By taking ADA compliance seriously, hotels position themselves as preferred venues for conferences and events, as well as for guests booking a one-night stay. OPENING DOORS IN HOSPITALITY STAY INFORMED ON ADA COMPLIANCE Hospitality professionals can stay up-to-date on ADA developments by subscribing to the Pacific ADA Center’s newsletter at www.adapacific.org. Additional resources, including the latest DOJ cases, are available at https://www.justice.gov/crt/disability-rights-cases. Investments in inclusive infrastructure not only improve the guest experience but also create a more supportive and accessible workplace for employees with disabilities. Embracing Inclusive Hiring & Training for Inclusion Employing individuals with disabilities enriches hotel teams. It brings diverse perspectives that help hotels better serve ACCESSIBILITY
www.calodging.com Winter 2025 15 ACCESSIBILITY guests with similar needs while boosting employee morale in workplaces that value diversity and inclusion. Inclusive hiring practices can also lead to tangible benefits, such as higher retention rates and access to federal tax incentives. To attract qualified candidates, Davison advises hoteliers to review job descriptions carefully, removing unnecessary barriers like typing requirements or mandatory driver’s licenses when possible. She also recommends highlighting accommodations and benefits in job postings to demonstrate openness to diverse applicants. Practical strategies, such as sharing job postings with local vocational rehabilitation offices or American Job Centers, can further attract qualified candidates from diverse talent pools. Creating an inclusive environment begins with proper training. “It’s really important to provide training for all of the hotel staff, not just managers and supervisors,” Davison emphasized. Engaging disability-led organizations for training sessions can provide valuable insights into legal responsibilities, best practices, and the lived experiences of individuals with disabilities. Free resources, such as webinars and technical assistance from regional ADA centers, are readily available to help hotels stay informed and equipped. In California, the Pacific ADA Center offers confidential advice and training tailored to the hospitality industry. By embracing inclusive hiring practices and investing in ongoing training for staff, hotels create an environment where inclusion becomes a core value. This commitment not only fosters a more engaged and supportive workforce but also leads to better outcomes for both employees and guests, ensuring the entire team thrives together. Navigating 2025 Hoteliers aiming to create inclusive environments can tap into resources like the ADA National Network or the Pacific ADA Center’s newsletter for updates on ADA compliance and best practices. By embracing inclusive hiring and enhancing accessibility, hotels can lead the way in creating a hospitality culture where everyone—guests and employees alike—is welcome. TIPS FOR IMPROVING ACCESSIBILITY ENHANCE DIGITAL PLATFORMS: Accessible websites and booking platforms are essential in today’s digital-first world. Simple improvements— like adding alt text to images, ensuring good color contrast, and using keyboard-navigable pages—can make a big difference. Davison suggests hiring professionals to conduct accessibility audits and involving testers with disabilities to identify barriers. ADDRESS ACCESSIBILITY PROACTIVELY: “It’s a good idea to get ahead of a customer finding accessibility problems,” Davison said. Hotels can hire California Certified Access Specialists (CASp) to review properties and provide detailed reports of areas for improvement. This proactive approach helps management ensure guests with disabilities can fully participate in all the hotel has to offer. KEEP UP WITH DEVELOPMENTS: Recent trends highlight the growing influence of social media influencers with disabilities, whose reviews can shape public perceptions of hotels. Davison also notes a common issue with accessible room bookings: failing to hold these rooms for guests who need them. “This problem seems like a fairly easy no-cost fix for hotels that has a big impact on the customer experience,” she said.
16 CALIFORNIA LODGING NEWS www.calodging.com PROFILE Jonathan Solis wasn’t thinking about a hospitality career when he stepped into Eleanor Schuster’s classroom for an elective culinary class. “I just took the class to satisfy a requirement to graduate high school,” he said. But that required class quickly sparked Solis’ interest in cooking—something he said Schuster recognized and encouraged. “She recognized my potential and pushed me to go on and compete in a culinary competition through the program,” he said. Today, the Los Angeles native is the Director of Food and Beverage and Culinary Operations at the Grand Hyatt San Francisco. His parents emigrated from Mexico, and he draws a lot of his culinary inspiration from that heritage along with the Asian cuisine all around him in San Francisco. “I like to use a lot of Asian ingredients as well— that’s kind of my style,” he said. Solis attended the New England Culinary Institute on a scholarship after high school and, from there, got his first job at the Mission Inn Hotel in Riverside. He spent a few months there learning the business before moving to the Hyatt Regency Valencia to become its Lead Line Cook. From High School Kitchen to Grand Hyatt SF: JONATHAN SOLIS’ RISE IN CULINARY EXCELLENCE
www.calodging.com Winter 2025 17 PROFILE During his time at the Hyatt, Solis found another mentor, Chef Rolf “Rolfs” Rothen, who Solis described as an “old-school” chef with a modern vision. “He wanted to develop the restaurant into something newer and more current,” Solis said. “So he allowed us to be creative and play around with some of the dishes.” Solis took advantage of the opportunity and honed his style and skills over his nearly fiveyear tenure at the Hyatt Regency Valencia. It was Chef Rolfs who then recommended Solis to a friend for a sous chef job at the Hyatt in Newport Beach. “He called me and said, ‘I have an opportunity for you here, and I don’t want to hold you back,’” Solis remembered. Over the next several years, Solis continued to work his way up—from Banquet Chef at the Hyatt Regency Newport Beach, to Chef de Cuisine at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza in Los Angeles, Sous Chef at the Four Seasons Hotel in Boston, Executive Sous Chef at the Hyatt Regency in Cambridge, Mass., Director of Food and Beverage and Executive Chef at the Sheraton Hotel in San Gabriel to his current role as the Director of F&B and Culinary Operations at the Grand Hyatt San Francisco. Solis started his position at the Grand Hyatt San Francisco just months before the COVID-19 pandemic hit, which upended everything and led the hotel to restructure its everyday operations. “Everyone had to do a little bit of everything, and so I was transitioned into not just the executive chef, but also the F&B director,” he said. “That meant that I had to focus both on the food as well as all of the purchasing and managing all of the servers, bartenders and banquet events,” he said. Solis is grateful he was forced to adapt and offered this advice to aspiring culinary professionals: “You never know what opportunities can open up for you when you’re willing to try something new. Be open and adapt.” As a chef, Solis uses his creativity to create spectacular guest experiences. He recalled his THE IMPACT OF HOTELS ON CALIFORNIA JOBS New properties create additional hotels, as well as construction and other ancillary jobs across the state. 98 hotels opened in California in 2024 4,000 new jobs supported in the state work at the Sheraton in San Gabriel where he had the opportunity to open the restaurant, the gift of a blank slate. “We went through the process of imagining every detail from what the silverware would look like on the tables to developing the menus,” he said. “We tasted 30–40 different types of butter to narrow down the ones we liked.” From there, Solis led the team in putting all the pieces together. “It’s a lot more research to take these wonderful ingredients then and let them naturally speak to you and dictate what they should be. The creativity comes through that.” At the Hyatt San Francisco, Solis is currently working with his Chef De Cuisine to slowly and methodically elevate the guest experience. “We’re taking the slow route and laying the foundation which means taking the time to teach the team new techniques,” he said, “How to handle products and ingredients and then start to build our menus for the future.” Solis likes to turn to social media to stay current on culinary trends. “You never know what could influence you,” he said. “It’s about shopping around and making sure you’re staying relevant.” He also looks at what’s happening in the natural world. “For instance, citrus is not doing really well, so we’ll have to tweak our menu for upcoming seasons and adapt as things happen.” It’s precisely that uncertainty that Solis loves so much about his job. “I love that no day is the same, and we get to overcome different challenges every day,” he said. “And you know…I can’t think of a better job that pays you to eat and taste new wine all the time.” With the exception of Friday nights, Solis loves cooking dinner for himself, his husband Noel, and the littlest member of their family. “My little dog Olive is my sous chef,” he said. “She’s always careful to see if I drop something on the floor.” Solis also loves trying new restaurants in his free time. “Anywhere I travel, I make it a point to build my itinerary around where I’m going to eat for dinner.” Source: Oxford Economics, STR, American Hotel and Lodging Association
SPOTLIGHT Mariam “Masho” Khabazashvili was one of the recipients of a 2024 CHLA Hospitality Foundation Scholarship. She is currently a student at San Francisco State University and works as a Guest Services representative at the St. Regis San Francisco. Masho sat down with Josiah McKenzie from the Hospitality Daily podcast for his episode: From Tradition to Tomorrow: Meet the Future of Hospitality. She was born and raised in the nation of Georgia, on the eastern shore of the Black Sea between Turkey and Russia, where tourism including thousands of historic and cultural monuments is an increasingly important part of the economy. “Growing up in Georgia shaped my view on hospitality, and my desire to want to pursue hospitality as a career, because I wanted to bring my cultural roots to my professional life,” she said. In her culture, there is a phrase that translates to “every guest is a gift from God.” She explained that the phrase guides her to serve each guest meaningfully and with pride. “It means that when a guest comes to your house, as a Georgian host, it is your responsibility to make sure that they feel comfortable. It’s your responsibility to make sure that they’re feeling spoiled,” she said. She moved to San Francisco when she was 18 to study hospitality at San Francisco State University, where she first heard about the CHLA Hospitality Foundation from one of her professors who encouraged her to apply for the scholarship. “When I applied and won the scholarship, I didn’t know what it would mean for me,” Masho said. “Of course it was a financial support, which I’m really grateful for, but it was so much more than that.” Masho had the opportunity to attend a CHLA fundraising event, by invitation of the general manager of the InterContinental Mark Hopkins in San Francisco and chair of the CHLA Hospitality Foundation, Michael Pace, where she was asked to speak about what the scholarship meant to her. After she spoke, she was invited to be a speaker at the CHLA Hospitality Foundation Scholarship Awards Gala. “It was going to be a big event, and all the other students were going to attend. So, I thought that was such an incredible opportunity,” Masho said. “Just being there alone meant so much to me, but I also got to meet industry professionals, and it opened up so many doors for me.” At the Scholarship Awards Gala, Masho met Roger Huldi, the general manager of the St. Regis San Francisco. That connection led her to the job she currently holds at the St. Regis. “CHLA has been such a huge support in the beginning of my career. And there really is so much more to this foundation, because the leaders in that industry are all involved with the foundation and I think it’s very important that people who are currently in the business are supporting young students like me,” she said. Masho describes CHLA as a catalyst for her career. “CHLA opens doors, and not just to the industry professionals and the leaders, but with other students as well,” she said. “The CHLA Foundation really embodies what hospitality is all about: connection and genuine support for each other.” The full podcast episode featuring Masho can be found at: https://podcast.hospitalitydaily.com/ masho/ Scholarship Recipient Spotlight: MARIAM “MASHO” KHABAZASHVILI 18 CALIFORNIA LODGING NEWS www.calodging.com
www.calodging.com Winter 2025 19 CHLA Celebrates Hospitality Excellence at HOTEL ALL STARS AWARDS Continues AWARDS Hotel All Stars—an evolution of the association’s long-running Stars of the Industry Awards— builds upon past traditions by recognizing all top nominees for their exceptional contributions. This new, inclusive format celebrates a distinguished class of professionals who consistently perform at the highest level. “Congratulations to our 2024 Hotel All Stars, who represent the very best and brightest in hospitality across the state,” said Lynn S. Mohrfeld, President & CEO of CHLA. “Your commitment to excellence keeps our industry thriving and ensures that California remains a world-class destination for travelers. We are proud to celebrate your achievements.” CHLA honored 144 remarkable individuals at its new and improved Hotel All Stars awards luncheon held in December 2024 at the Hyatt Regency San Francisco.
20 CALIFORNIA LODGING NEWS www.calodging.com Awardees from diverse categories showcased their exceptional contributions, from maintaining top-notch facilities to creating unforgettable guest experiences. Categories included the following: • Accounting and Finance • Engineering and Security • Human Resources • Food and Beverage • Sales and Marketing • Guest Services • Housekeeping • General Manager Visit calodging.com/hotel-all-stars to see the full list of 2024 Hotel All Stars. Continued Hotel All Stars Winners Attendees Hotel All Stars Winners Annual Meeting AWARDS Hotel All Stars Winners
AWARDS www.calodging.com Winter 2025 21 Hotel All Stars Winners CHLA President + CEO, Lynn S. Mohrfeld Hotel All Stars Winners
Q: What does it mean to be a CHLA Hospitality Foundation Scholarship Recipient? I didn’t know what it meant for me. It was financial support which I’m really grateful for, but there’s a lot more than that . . . I met industry professionals; it opened up so many doors for me, and there really is so much more to the CHLA Hospitality Foundation because the leaders in that industry are all involved in the Foundation . . . They’re supporting young students like me. MASHO KHABAZASHVILI, Guest Service Representative at The St. Regis San Francisco and CHLA Hospitality Foundation Scholarship Recipient Q: How do you invest in your employees? We are probably one of the only small inns that provides employer covered healthcare, dental and vision plans, plus local gym/ fitness memberships. In addition, we have a 401(k) profit sharing program, holiday bonus program, and we try to do a party for them once a year. We meet regularly and have monthly lunches provided by Mar Vista plus we provide them extra time off with their families. CAB BOETTCHER, Owner, Mar Vista Farm + Cottages Q: What does it mean to be honored as a Hotel All Star? Being recognized as a 2024 Hotel All Star fuels my passion to provide guests with exceptional experiences and the utmost in service that they deserve. Sharing this recognition with aspiring hospitality professionals is truly meaningful. RYAN OCHS, Rooms Controller, Wyndham San Diego Bayside Q: How does your employer invest in you? This job came along in a pivotal part of my life. I was offered a work-from-home component, but I am still connected to the team and company with regular online meetings and regional touches, so we are never isolated. They invest in us by giving every tool necessary to be productive in a remote position, yet know we are valued by the organization with monthly meetings, fair pay and bonus potential. JAMES A. LYNTON, CHSP, Regional Director of Field Sales, ESA Management, LLC, Extended Stay Hotels 22 CALIFORNIA LODGING NEWS www.calodging.com VOICES OF HOSPITALITY
www.calodging.com Winter 2025 23 MARKETPLACE CHLA ACCESSIBILITY/ADA COMPLIANCE ACR Design & Build..................714.746.4000 ADA Compliance Consultants, Inc.........................916.608.0961 TravelAbility.................................917.434.6144 ADVERTISING/MARKETING/ PUBLIC RELATIONS 360view....................................... 213.320.7704 AIR CONDITIONING/HEATING Geary Pacific Supply..............623.824.6000 LG Air Conditioning Technologies...............................303.921.5538 AMENITIES/ROOM & HOTEL AMENITIES Adaptive Sound Technologies, Inc........................408.377.3411 Chadsworth & Haig................. 843.675.8250 Diversified Hospitality Solutions......................................619.985.6259 Napa Nuts..................................707.226.6083 ARCHITECTS Architectural Dimensions...... 510.463.8300 ASSOCIATIONS Hotel Council of San Francisco................................415.391.5197 Visit California Caroline Beteta 916.444.4429 [email protected] www.visitcalifornia.com Visit California is a nonprofit organization with a mission to develop and maintain marketing programs that keep California topof-mind as a premier travel destination. AUDIO/VISUAL Encore Global Ross Gimpel 530.559.0700 [email protected] www.encoreglobal.com Encore is a leading provider in the global event technology services industry delivering creative production, advanced technology, and staging to help customers deliver more dynamic experiences. BANKS/BANKING SERVICES TMC Financing........................... 415.989.8855 BARTERING/TRADING IMS Barter.....................800.287.3874 x1730 BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION Hotel Effectiveness Solutions....................................... 678.325.1150 Salary.com..................................480.237.6130 BEVERAGES/BEVERAGE DISPENSING SERVICES Everybody Water, Inc................917.583.7838 LaCroix Sparkling Water......... 714.308.5583 McClain Cellars, Inc................. 949.570.0790 BIOHAZARD CLEAN-UP Bio SoCal – Biohazard/ Crime Scene Cleaning............ 818.839.9000 CARPET & FLOORING SALES & SERVICE Embassy Carpets.................... 800.366.7847 CLEANING SUPPLIES/SYSTEMS Cyclone Eco Power Wash.........916.856.6571 Ecolab, Inc................................. 800.352.5326 HD Supply Hospitality............800.431.3000 Mobile-Pack.............................. 206.947.4905 Renegade Brands USA, Inc.....216.789.0535 COFFEE/TEA SALES/ SUPPLIES/SERVICES Tayst Coffee, Inc.......................... 516.962.2141 xBloom Coffee.......................... 734.272.8679 COMPUTER SOFTWARE ChefTec.......................................303.447.3334 CONSULTING & TRAINING Accurate Ergonomics............. 707.894.4544 Businesses Ending Slavery & Trafficking (BEST).............. 206.905.6843 Hogan Hospitality........................415.331.1061 Kassouf Consulting...................951.659.3202 Petra Risk Solutions................ 800.466.8951 Singer Associates, Inc.............. 831.227.5984 STR.............................................. 615.824.8664 Wallace Hospitality Solutions...................................800.450.0082 CONTRACTORS BKB Enterprises, Inc................. 949.201.6351 LIXIL Brands............................ 805.206.9053 CREDIT CARD SERVICES Casablanca Payments / Mercantile Processing, Inc.......................... 203.253.7259 Merchant Advocate..................215.439.2596
24 CALIFORNIA LODGING NEWS www.calodging.com MARKETPLACE CUSTOMER SATISFACTION INNtelligent CRM...................... 832.618.8880 DIRECT TV PROVIDER Commercial Connect Television, Inc.............................. 877.789.7995 ECO-FRIENDLY Act2EV, LLC................................408.502.1140 Greenview................................. 202.280.0203 EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS California State Polytechnical University – Pomona................909.869.3105 California State University – Long Beach............................... 562.985.4485 California State University – East Bay....................................... 510.885.4710 Cypress College.........................562.331.4032 San Diego State University....619.594.4964 University of San Francisco....415.422.2498 EMPLOYEE RELATIONS/BENEFITS Petra Risk Solutions................ 800.466.8951 EMPLOYMENT AGENCIES/SITES Hospitality Internships, LLC....901.800.7142 Hospitality Staffing Solutions.......................................619.249.0515 ENERGY EFFICIENCY Utility Saver................................619.259.0492 ENERGY MANAGEMENT INNCOM by Honeywell..............714.699.6131 Verdant Energy Management Solutions.......... 888.440.0991 ENTERTAINMENT SONIFI Solutions..................... 442.309.6254 Union Square Business Improvement District................ 415.781.7880 FINANCING/FINANCIAL PLANNING Hallmark Funding Corporation.................................916.784.2614 Hospitality Funding.................650.740.9875 Pinnacle Bank...........................408.637.6030 FITNESS EQUIPMENT Gym Equipment Rental.............818.471.3603 FOOD SUPPLIERS/DISTRIBUTORS Just 'N' Case Essentials, Inc........................... 866.636.8225 FRANCHISING Red Roof Franchising Stephanie Pina 713.576.7459 [email protected] Red Roof is an award-winning leader in the lodging industry recognized for creating the innovative Upscale Economy segment serving millions of guests each year. Whether business or leisure, short trips or extended stays, in the hearts of cities or on the road, Red Roof has a property for every traveler. FURNITURE/FIXTURES & EQUIPMENT (FF&E) Beeline Group, LLC.................... 317.503.8139 Case Goods Refinishing Robert Wallis, President 1545 Crossways Blvd, Ste 250 Chesapeake, VA 23320 757.617.4459 [email protected] https://casegoodsrefinishing.com/ Case Goods Refinishing specializes in ecofriendly, on-site refinishing for hotels. With over 50 years of combined experience, they offer long-lasting solutions that save owners up to 94% on replacement costs. Hongnestly Hospitality, Inc..... 626.715.2729 VDA Elevator & Escalator Consulting................ 214.329.4474 HOTEL BROKERAGE Carmel Business Sales.............. 831.625.5581 Lodging Brokers Network.......415.606.4587 NewGen Advisory – The Bowman Post Group......... 818.667.0627
www.calodging.com Winter 2025 25 MARKETPLACE HOTEL DEVELOPMENT/DESIGN Trinity Investments..................... 213.318.0587 HOTEL MANAGEMENT Acme Hospitality...................... 805.456.4291 Aelius Management Group...... 209.518.0971 Allen Property Group, Inc.........831.688.9231 Apple Hospitality REIT.............804.344.8121 Ashford Hospitality Trust REIT................................. 972.490.9600 Braemar Hotels & Resorts, Inc.......................... 972.490.9600 BRE Hotels & Resorts................. 718.921.8124 Concept Hotel Group..............650.839.6274 Crescent Hotels & Resorts.....703.279.7820 Davidson Hospitality Group........................................ 678.349.0909 Destination Properties, LLC........................760.250.0998 DiamondRock Hospitality Company......................................240.744.1150 Edward Thomas Collection.... 310.859.9366 Ellis Hospitality............................. 415.775.8116 Ensemble..................................... 562.257.1005 Extended Stay America Corporate Office.......................855.485.0712 Four Sisters Inns............831.649.0908 x108 Global Vision Hotels, Inc..........650.504.4119 Hotel Managers Group, LLC..................................858.673.1534 Huntington Hotel Group...........972.510.1200 Hyatt Hotels Corporation......301.380.3000 JC Resorts..................................858.454.9793 Johnson Hospitality................ 925.730.4930 Loews........................................... 212.521.2000 Noble House Hotels & Resorts..................................... 425.827.8737 Omni Hotels Corporate...........972.730.6664 OTO Development, LLC.........864.596.8930 Pacific Plaza Hotels, Inc.......... 510.832.6868 Pacifica Hotel Company........805.957.0095 Park Hotels & Resorts................571.302.5757 Radiate Hospitality...................650.424.1400 Reneson Hotel Group............. 415.883.4400 Ridgemont Hospitality........... 510.569.4400 RLJ Lodging Trust..................... 301.280.7777 Rosewood Hotels & Resorts, LLC.......................... 310.228.5000 Service Properties Trust..........617.964.8389 Sonesta Hotels......................... 800.766.3782 Spire Hospitality...................... 469.788.8700 Springboard Hospitality.........818.905.8280 Stonebridge Companies......... 303.785.3100 Storey Hospitality..................... 650.885.5189 Summit Hotel Properties........ 512.538.2300 The Mayer Corporation........... 949.759.8091 Xenia Hotels & Resorts............. 407.317.6950 HOTEL/RESTAURANT EQUIPMENT & SUPPLIES Frank & Ron Hotel-Motel Supply, Inc.................................. 510.568.4072 HUMAN RESOURCE SERVICES Gecko Hospitality.....................949.375.5943 Go Further Group.........................951.281.8011 Hotel Employee Rate BV................................. 31.062.787.8043 INFINITI HR................................623.455.6234 Paychex...................................... 949.357.7905 SeaBreezee Worldwide Recruiting Company................844.754.9225 Seasonal Connect....................... 617.716.6491 StaffWerk....................................760.583.6771 ICE MAKERS Western Pacific – Manitowoc Ice Scott Haag 2953 E Hamilton Ave Fresno, CA 93721 559.266.9505 [email protected] www.teamwpd.com Ice machines, water filtration, disinfection devices, refrigerators and freezers, cooking equipment, and more. Six locations in California and Nevada. INNSITTERS Kennedy Interim Innkeeping..................................916.420.6239 INSURANCE SERVICES/BROKERS DiBuduo & DeFendis Insurance.................................... 559.432.0222 Heffernan Insurance Brokers....................................... 650.842.5246 Petra Risk Solutions Ida Gonzalez 800.466.8951 [email protected] www.petrarisksolutions.com Petra Risk Solutions specializes in insurance, risk management, and employee benefit solutions for the hospitality industry. Petra is offering CHLA members exclusive discounts and access to their industryleading Hospitality Risk Management Program, P3. UnitedHealth Group Tonya Johnson 763.361.4199 [email protected] www.optum.com With UnitedHealthcare, the only endorsed health carrier of CHLA, you’ll find an array of quality health plan solutions designed for the hospitality industry. Attract and retain top talent. Delver on what matter to employees today. Contact their dedicated team to review a variety of products and opportunities for cost savings typically only available to larger groups. USI Insurance Services.............949.343.1585 INTERIOR DESIGN MLS Interiors, Inc........................951.763.8597 INTERNET SERVICES Spectrum Enterprise............... 562.677.0538 LAUNDRY DESIGN & INSTALLATION Western State Design.............. 800.633.7153 LAUNDRY EQUIPMENT/SUPPLIES Alliance Laundry Systems........323.721.8832 Wash Automated...................... 425.326.6322
26 CALIFORNIA LODGING NEWS www.calodging.com MARKETPLACE LAW FIRMS/LEGAL SERVICES Ballard Rosenberg Golper & Savitt, LLP..............................818.508.3700 DPA Attorneys at Law............ 760.273.0007 Fisher Phillips Jeffrey Thurrell 949.798.2158 [email protected] www.fisherphillips.com Fisher Phillips is a national law firm specializing in labor and employment law and committed to providing practical business solutions for employers’ workplace legal problems. Fisher Phillips attorneys help clients avoid legal problems and are dedicated to providing exceptional client service. The firm has over 400 attorneys in 36 offices. Foster Garvey, PC..................... 206.816.1470 Hirschfeld Kraemer..................... 310.255.1821 Holland & Knight, LLP............ 214.964.9500 Miller Law Group...................... 650.566.2291 Nossaman, LLP........................... 949.477.7617 Stokes Wagner, ALC................... 213.618.4124 LINENS/BEDDING/TEXTILES A1 American..............................833.205.2200 Boca Terry................................805.245.0845 Comphy Company................... 323.225.8234 Cuddledown Wholesale............ 855.272.1742 H&I Hospitality & Institutional Supplies................562.544.1942 Venus Group.............................. 949.609.1299 LOYALTY PROGRAMS Stash Hotel Rewards.................. 253.951.1073 MANAGEMENT CONSULTANTS American Hospitality Services......................................530.662.7750 Avenir Hospitality...................... 707.937.5525 CIM Group................................. 323.860.9558 Empire USA, LLC..................... 310.394.6300 Evans Hotels.............................. 858.777.6705 Franklin Croft............................ 858.454.2188 Greystone Hotels........................415.915.0426 Hospitality Helpers.................... 201.783.9812 Host Hotels & Resorts.............240.744.1000 HRI Hospitality......................... 504.566.4754 Inns by the Sea.............................831.624.0101 Kintetsu Enterprises Company of America.............. 310.782.9300 Lyon & Lyon Property Management..............................619.296.6333 Marc & Rose Hospitality.........602.240.3340 Morrison & Company.............. 858.454.5633 Oxford Collection.......................541.749.1050 Pacific Advisors........................ 888.399.3331 Pacific Hospitality Group........949.861.4700 Pebblebrook Hotel Trust........ 240.507.1300 Samata Management..............805.544.5651 Sunstone Hotel Investors, Inc.............................. 949.677.2316 Twenty Four Seven Hotels.... 949.734.6400 Waterford Hotels & Inns............650.347.1222 Woodside Hotels & Resorts...................................650.330.8888 Zenique Hotels.........................650.483.9968 MARKETING/DIGITAL MARKETING SERVICES Miles Partnership...................... 559.515.4899 Parker Sanpei............................805.550.9150 Q4Launch by Inhabit.............. 970.963.7208 rezStream................................... 720.420.7783 MATTRESS & PILLOW PROTECTORS Hospitality Sleep Systems......909.387.9779 MATTRESS RECYCLER Mattress Recycling Council.....707.307.3052 MOLD REMEDIATION BluSky Restoration Contractors............................... 800.266.5677 OFFICE SUPPLIES/PRODUCTS Revolution Office..................... 949.421.9508 OUTDOOR FURNITURE & DECOR Patio Guys.....................................714.241.1200 PAINTING/WALL COVERINGS C&A Painting............................. 408.841.6109 PARKING ACE Parking Management, Inc. Mike Tweeten 619.233.6624 [email protected] www.aceparking.com Ace Parking provides exceptional hospitality management in the fields of valet parking, self parking, shuttle fleet, bell services, door services, and equipment consultation. FC Parking................................. 630.742.8467 LAZ Parking...............................858.587.8888 PLUMBING & SUPPLIES Andersen Commercial Plumbing.....................................909.741.0542 Ferguson Facilities Supply...888.334.0004 POINT-OF-SALE SYSTEMS/ PAYMENT PROCESSING i3 Commerce Technology – Payroc...............805.679.8088 PROPERTY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS AutoClerk, Inc............................ 925.284.1005 eviivo............................................512.499.2620 Oceanic Enterprises....................707.257.3717 ResNexus Software................. 877.236.2685 StayNTouch.............................. 347.828.4690 ThinkReservations Richard Aday 877.736.4195 [email protected] Think Reservations is a technology company that provides an advanced reservation booking engine and management system. They focus on delivering a high quality product to your guests as well as focusing on automation to help you save time! WebRezPro Property Management System.............. 403.777.9300
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