RLJ Lodging Trust (the "Company) (NYSE: RLJ) today announced the relaunch of Zachari Dunes on Mandalay Beach, a Curio Collection hotel by Hilton ("Zachari Dunes") in Oxnard, California on October 1, 2022, as a 250-all-suite lifestyle resort, following a transformative renovation and brand conversion.
A hospitality professional with three decades of experience, Schroeter has served in sales roles at hotels across California, including Hotel Karlan San Diego - a DoubleTree by Hilton, The Landing Lake Tahoe Resort & Spa, The Riviera Palm Springs, Napa's River Terrace Inn, Embassy Suites LAX North and Ayres Hotel and Suites Costa Mesa. Most recently, she served as the director of sales for DoubleTree Irvine Spectrum, Ca. Schroeter graduated from California State University Long Beach with a bachelor's degree in journalism and public relations.
Stephens brings over two decades of experience managing and operating U.S. hotels. He joins HRI Lodging from Chesapeake Hospitality, where he most recently served as general manager of the 342-room DoubleTree Pittsburgh Downtown, Penn. Prior to that, he oversaw operations at Crowne Plaza Resort Lake Placid, N.Y., and Hotel Alba Tampa, Tapestry by Hilton Collection, Fla. Stephens holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Southeast Missouri State University.
Keith Battaglia has been appointed to Director of Sales at Half Moon Bay Lodge. He has extensive experience working as a sales and marketing executive in the hospitality industry for more than 25 years. Prior to his new role, Battaglia was Director of Sales and Marketing at The Ameswell Hotel. He has also served in various roles at OTO Development, Conestoga Ranch Glamping Resort, Park City Marriott, and Sorrel River Ranch Resort & Spa among others.
Denise Waggoner was promoted to General Manager of The Belamar Hotel in Manhattan Beach, CA. With nearly 30 years of experience in the hospitality world, Waggoner has held positions at The Kinney in Venice Beach, The Carlyle Inn in Beverly Hills, and most recently, at Hotel Hermosa where she was the General Manager. Waggoner previously worked at The Belamar Hotel as an Accounting Manager and Front Office Manager.
Adrienne Snow has been promoted to Director of Sales at Jamaica Bay Inn. Prior to her role at Jamaica Bay Inn, Snow served in various roles at The Redondo Beach Hotel, Cambria Hotels & Suites, DoubleTree by Hilton, and Davidson Hotels & Resorts.
Serving as Head Sushi Chef, Masuno will run the exclusive Nobu Sushi Bar available as part of Sensei by Nobu. Masuno has over 20 years of experience focused on Japanese cuisine, originally hailing from Japan and completing his training in the United States. He was previously with the Ojiya Corporation in both California and Hawaii, having served as General Manager and Executive Chef at the brand's numerous restaurant locations.
We is Sensei Porcupine Creek's Executive Chef. A graduate of the Institute of Culinary Education in New York City, We worked with some of New York's greatest chefs including Jean Georges, Masaharu Morimoto and David Chang. About 13 years ago, We began her journey with Nobu at his Tribeca location, followed by roles around the world with the brand including Lana'i, Malibu, Malaysia, Palo Alto and most recently Spain.
Petrelli joined as the Director of Food & Beverage, spearheading all operations including Sensei by Nobu, an exclusive collaboration between Sensei co-founder Dr. David Agus and Nobu Matsuhisa that is rooted in Sensei's philosophies on nutrition. Prior to Sensei, he was the Director of Food & Beverage at Davidson Hospitality Group. Petrelli also has a long history working in the F&B space with Fairmont in Dubai, Hawaii, San Diego and more, as well as The Ritz-Carlton in Dallas. He attended culinary school at the Culinary Institute of America.
As Director of Wellness, Wieland works closely with Sensei's Wellness Science team to curate and deliver wellness programming and experiences. Wieland is a licensed psychologist with a PhD and MBA and was formerly the President of Winning Systems, which provides individual, team and leadership performance and health coaching. She also has an extensive background in sports performance, serving as Associate Athletic Director and Director of Sports Performance at the University of Pennsylvania. Andrea is a proud member of the 1996 US Olympic Field Hockey team.
Li has been appointed as Director of Operations at Sensei Porcupine Creek and is instrumental in crafting the overall on-property experience. Li has extensive leadership experience in luxury resorts, having served most recently as Director of Rooms at 1 Hotels. Prior to that, she worked with Montage International at the Beverly Hills location for more than six years in progressive leadership positions.
Oliff joins the property as General Manager of Sensei Porcupine Creek. Oliff has a long history in luxury hospitality, having been with the St. Regis brand for 10 years, serving as General Manager of the St. Regis Residences in Rye, New York, as well as Director of Operations and Spa Director in Aspen, Colorado. Prior to her tenure with St. Regis, she gained tremendous experience in the luxury wellness space, serving as Spa Director and Director of Recreation for The Ritz-Carlton Club, Aspen Highlands and St. Thomas. She also proudly served as a member of the board of directors for ISPA for two terms.
Park Hyatt Aviara Resort, Golf Club & Spa, the iconic Forbes Five-Star and AAA Five Diamond resort situated in Carlsbad, Calif. overlooking the Pacific Ocean, today announces the appointment of Scott Mason as general manager. Now in his 25th year with Hyatt, Mason joins Park Hyatt Aviara from Andaz 5th Avenue in New York City, where he served as general manager for four years.
Iconic downtown Los Angeles hotel, The Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles, is pleased to announce the addition of its new award-winning Executive Pastry Chef, Francois Behuet. In his new role, Behuet oversees pastry for food and beverage outlets at both The Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles and JW Marriott Los Angeles L.A. LIVE, which include the signature Californian Trattoria, Savoca; Glance Lobby Bar; Illy Caffé; The Ritz-Carlton Club Lounge; in-room dining; and an all-new concept coming to the 24th floor of The Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles in late 2022.
The Hayes Mansion San Jose (Hayes Mansion), a California historical landmark, announces the completion of its transformative renovations that includes 214 revamped guest rooms and suites, 33,000-square-feet of upgraded event space and a reimagined lobby. The design was led by ForrestPerkins, a premier hospitality design group with extensive Hilton and historic hotel experience. The original luxury estate structure was constructed in 1905 and is situated on six acres of prime real estate adjacent to a 20-acre park located minutes from downtown San Jose. The property hosts a variety of premier outdoor spaces that can accommodate the most intimate of celebrations to the largest of gatherings across two pristine lawns and patio areas. Hayes Mansion is owned by a joint venture lead by JMA Ventures, LLC, and operated by Aimbridge Hospitality.
Highway West Vacations, a collection of 15 glamping, camping and boutique hotel accommodations throughout the United States, announces the debut of Hotel Hygge (pronounced hoo-guh), a charming 23-room property in the heart of the Santa Ynez Valley. Located in Buellton, Calif., the opening of the hotel marks an exciting expansion for Highway West Vacations, now offering five properties in the region.
Marriott International (Marriott.com) has appointed industry veteran, Nusrat Mirza as the General Manager of the iconic Palm Desert hotel, JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa (www.desertspringsresort.com). Nusrat Mirza takes on an all-encompassing role at the newly-renovated, 450-acre property, which recently debuted 884 redesigned guest rooms, including 101 suites, along with a reimagined spa and event venues.
Today, Pacifica Hotels, the largest owner and operator of boutique hotels along the Pacific Coast, unveils the latest addition to its portfolio with the debut of Hotel Virginia Santa Barbara, Tapestry Collection by Hilton. Hotel Virginia Santa Barbara opens its doors after an extensive remodel and rebrand, offering 61 well-appointed guest rooms and suites.
Oxford Hotels & Resorts, LLC and The Godfrey Hotel Hollywood announce the appointment of Konstantine Kabilafkas as general manager of the brand's first west coast location. Bringing more than two decades of industry experience, Kabilafkas now oversees operations of the 220-room luxury lifestyle property, including onsite amenities like its food & beverage outlets, including the SoCal-centric restaurant and bar About Last Knife (ALK); a courtyard event space; and the 12,000 square foot I|O Rooftop—the largest public rooftop space in Los Angeles—which boasts a 70-foot projection mapping video wall, two bars, swimming pool, fire pits, and water feature. Sponsored and managed by Oxford Capital Group, LLC and Oxford Hotels & Resorts, LLC, respectively, The Godfrey Hotel Hollywood is Oxford's 10th California property, and 12th in the Western region.
Sofitel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills is pleased to announce that Estérel has reopened with Executive Chef Fernando Bedolla at the helm. With years of experience under his belt, Bedolla has given the iconic restaurant a new menu inspired by the diverse tastes of the City of Angels.