El Encanto, Santa Barbara’s most storied luxury hideaway, has appointed Chris Saputo as General Manager. Bringing more than 20 years of hospitality experience to the role, Saputo joins the property with a background spanning luxury hotel brands, acclaimed independent resorts, and a deep-rooted passion for thoughtful service and operational excellence.
Hawkins Way Capital and FOUND Hotels announced that Best Western Plus Pepper Tree Inn, a long-standing Santa Barbara favorite for travelers, has now upgraded and rebranded to become FOUND Hotels, Santa Barbara, Series by Marriott, bringing Marriott Bonvoy® rewards, complimentary breakfast, free parking, and enhanced guest services to one of the city's most recognized hospitality landmarks.
A new chapter has officially begun for one of Santa Barbara's most beloved coastal landmarks. The Milo, Hotel by the Sea (The Milo), formerly Hotel Milo, has unveiled the results of a multi-million-dollar renovation and rebrand significantly elevating the guest experience. The comprehensive transformation includes a full reimagination of all 121 guestrooms, upgraded outdoor gathering spaces, and a refreshed brand identity, marking the most extensive update to the property in more than 30 years and positioning The Milo as one of Santa Barbara's premier design-forward, experience-led boutique hotels.
El Encanto, the historic landmark perched in the hills of Santa Barbara's Riviera district, is delighted to announce the appointment of Chef Joel Viehland as Executive Chef. In his role, Viehland oversees all of the hotel's culinary experiences, including The Dining Room and Terrace with sweeping ocean views, the bar program, weekend brunch, in-room dining, and special events, bringing a fresh vision to one of Santa Barbara's most beloved destinations.
Hilton (NYSE: HLT) has appointed Dane Gorup as the new general manager of Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort, a beloved coastal retreat set on 24 oceanfront acres. In this role, Gorup will lead resort operations, overseeing the next chapter of the recently renovated property, with a focus on delivering exceptional guest experiences and fostering a strong team culture at the 335-room beachfront resort.
El Encanto, the legendary luxury hideaway perched in the hills of Santa Barbara's American Riviera, is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Gary Obligacion as its new General Manager. With more than four decades of experience in the hospitality and restaurant industries, Mr. Obligacion brings a deep-rooted passion for service, a track record of operational excellence, and a personal connection to California to his new role.
Pacifica Hotels, a leading owner and operator of boutique hotels across California and Hawaii, announces a new promotion this quarter.
Hotel Milo, the boutique beachfront property located in the sun-kissed Pacific enclave of Santa Barbara, has embarked on a multi-million-dollar renovation and rebranding effort. The first phase of the full-scale reimagination is underway, with a floor-to-ceiling revitalization of the property's 121 guestrooms and refreshment of all outdoor communal spaces. Marking a new chapter for this beloved West Beach landmark positioned along W Cabrillo Blvd., the hotel will unveil its refreshed identity as "The Milo" in June 2025, with full project completion slated for summer 2025. Throughout the renovation process, the hotel will remain open to guests, with several newly redesigned guestrooms now complete and available for reservation.
Drift Santa Barbara, the design-forward boutique hotel nestled in the heart of downtown Santa Barbara, announces the appointment of Jacqueline Westbrook as General Manager. In her role, Westbrook will oversee the 45-key boutique property and two first-floor eateries, Dawn and Dusk, while leading the property team, streamlining day-to-day operations, and implementing strategic initiatives to drive revenue and enhance the overall guest experience.
Nocturne Luxury Villas, owner and operator of best-in-class luxury villa rental companies in the US, Caribbean, and Mexico, announces the appointment of Louise Astbury to general manager of Paradise Retreats in Santa Barbara.
El Encanto, A Belmond Hotel, a serene hideaway overlooking the Pacific Ocean in the foothills of the Santa Ynez Mountains, announced today the appointment of Pedro Dias as general manager. Dias will oversee all aspects of hotel operations in his new role, from managing day-to-day staffing to maintaining the hotel's exemplary service standards and guest satisfaction levels.
Andrew Firestone, former star of ABC's The Bachelor and co-founder of Santa Barbara-based hospitality development company StonePark Capital, along with his partner Jess Parker, announced today the opening of Moxy Santa Barbara. Perfectly positioned in the Funk Zone neighborhood of downtown Santa Barbara in southern California, Moxy Santa Barbara features 31 stylishly designed guest rooms, Bar Moxy, an outdoor pool, a social space for work and playing games, and a 24-hour marketplace. The pet-friendly hotel is located steps from State Street, diverse restaurants, award-winning microbreweries, wine tasting rooms and shopping. The hotel is managed by Azul Hospitality Group, a San Diego-based hospitality management platform that provides an innovative approach to maximizing performance.
June Kuglin has been hired as General Manager at The Riviera Beach House. Kuglin has more than 30 years of experience working in the hospitality industry. Her resume includes stops at LaBellasera Hotel/Hampton Inn Paso Robles, Pelican Inn & Suites, Hilton Embassy Suites Mandalay Beach, Hilton Grand Vacations Company, World Mark by Wyndham, and Polo Towers - Diamond Resorts. Kuglin most recently was the Dual Property General Manager for LaBellasera Hotel/Hampton Inn Paso Robles.
San Ysidro Ranch, a Ty Warner Property famed for ultimate privacy and A-list discretion, announced today that Andrew Caine has been appointed as director of food and beverage. As the longest standing luxury resort in the community, San Ysidro Ranch has served as an icon of the region for over a century and its award-winning restaurants offer gracious hospitality, mouthwatering cuisine, and a rustic romantic setting. In his new role, Caine will execute food and beverage operations to the highest standards; hire, train and manage culinary staff; and ensure exceptional customer service, guest satisfaction and unforgettable dining experiences.
The Steward, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel by Marriott, managed by Twenty Four Seven Hotels, is pleased to announce the appointment of Antonio Morales as general manager of the 87 all-suite, 4.7 acre property. Bringing over 10 years of hospitality expertise, Morales will provide strategic business development to position the recently opened Southern California property as a leader in the Central Coast.
Rosewood Miramar Beach is pleased to announce the promotion of James Verlinden to the position of Director of Food and Beverage, overseeing theResort's outlets including Michelin Star and Michelin Green Star recognizedCaruso's, Michelin New DiscoveryAMA Sushi, Miramar Beach Bar, The Manor Bar, the Resort's banquet operations and private members-only club, Miramar Club. James brings with him a wealth of experience and a strong track record of excellence in the hospitality industry.
Central Coast's newest all-suite property encompasses the natural beauty and magic of the land.
The Kimpton Canary Hotel's onsite restaurant Finch & Fork has recently appointed Christine Tran as director of food & beverage. An accomplished restaurateur, wine director, and hospitalitarian, Christine Tran has over 20 years of experience in food and beverage operations, PR, and marketing, specializing in the art of branding, storytelling, and genuine hospitality. After opening her own restaurant and leading award-winning programs for other LA restaurant groups such as Culinary Lab with the Michelin-recognized Hinoki & The Bird, AR Group with SOCA, and Del Frisco's Restaurant Group, she oversaw restaurant and bar operations at Four Seasons Hotels in Beverly Hills, including the Culina Ristorante + Caffé, which was recognized as one of Wine Spectator's Best Award of Excellence," Esquire's "100 Best Wine Restaurants" and named within the prestigious "Hollywood's 25 Top Power Lunch Restaurants" by The Hollywood Reporter. She is passionate about wine, art, photography, and travel; and is an active leader of the LA Sommelier Community.
Mar Monte Hotel, part of The Unbound Collection by Hyatt brand, today announces the appointment of Sean Conway as Executive Chef. In his new role, Conway will oversee the hotel's two restaurants, costa Kitchen & Bar and Café Lido, as well as other culinary initiatives on property from weddings and events to culinary programming and partnerships.
A hospitality veteran, Byerly brings more than 18 years of industry experience to her role as director of sales at The Steward, a Tribute Portfolio Marriott Hotel. In her new position, Byerly is responsible for curating innovative strategies to garner new business from meetings and events clientele, while bringing awareness of The Steward among business and leisure travelers, and the surrounding community. Byerly began her career as a sales coordinator at Hyatt Regency Columbus, combining her passion for sales and marketing with a desire to explore the world. Later, Byerly worked her way up the sales ladder as she served as the director of sales at Homewood Suites by Hilton Columbus, Towneplace Suites by Marriott Columbus, as well as the director of sales and marketing at Residence Inn in Worthington. Most recently, Byerly served as the director of sales at Residence Inn by Marriott San Francisco Airport.