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.
Quality Inn & Suites Hermosa Beach, located between Southern California’s acclaimed Manhattan and Redondo Beaches, has unveiled a $2.2 million renovation, featuring refreshed guest rooms, an expanded and enhanced lobby, and updated outdoor amenities designed to reflect a brighter more coastally inspired guest experience.
Hilton San Diego Bayfront announces the completion of its multimillion-dollar renovation, with the unveiling of 165,000 square feet of newly refreshed meeting and event spaces, as well as seventeen redesigned suites. Located along San Diego Bay and within walking distance of the city’s top attractions, the hotel continues to serve as a premier destination where business meets leisure, offering best-in-class meeting spaces, modern amenities, and an iconic Southern California setting.
Xanterra Travel Collection® has appointed Anthony “Tony” Beckerley as General Manager of The Oasis at Death Valley, the company’s iconic desert resort located within Death Valley National Park. Beckerley is known for his focus on operational excellence, team development and strong partnerships with corporate, community and labor stakeholders, all strengths that will support continued growth at the property amidst the largest National Park in the continental United States.
Soul Community Planet (SCP) Hotels is pleased to announce the appointment of Katie Cahill as General Manager of its two Laguna Beach hotels – the Laguna Surf Lodge by SCP Hotels and SCP Seven4One Hotel. Bringing a thoughtful, guest-centric approach shaped by years of boutique hospitality experience in New York, Los Angeles, and Laguna Beach, Cahill will oversee operations and guest experiences for both of SCP’s Laguna Beach hotels.
Merklinger, who previously served as the property’s Assistant General Manager, has been promoted to General Manager. Since joining Alisal Ranch from The Lodge at Torrey Pines, Merklinger has become a mainstay of the Ranch community, overseeing daily operations and championing the property’s signature service standards. A seasoned professional with over 20 years of experience, he is known for his operational expertise and a leadership style rooted in team development and authentic guest connection.
Cochran, who previously served as the property’s General Manager, has been promoted to Vice President and Managing Director. In this expanded role, she oversees the 10,500-acre working ranch and resort, leading a team dedicated to maintaining the property’s authentic guest experience and long-standing traditions. With more than 40 years of hospitality experience, she is known for her grounded leadership style and her ability to balance operational excellence with a people-first culture.
Carmel Valley Ranch, a resort playground for all ages set on 500 acres in the foothills of California's Central Coast, unveils the completion of a multi-phase transformation centered on wellness, connection, and sense of place. Anchored by a fully reimagined Spa Aiyana and a redesigned lobby experience, the renovation marks the evolution of the resort's long-standing commitment to immersive, nature-driven wellbeing.
BWH® Hotels today announced the opening of the Aiden Sacramento Downtown, the latest location of the design-forward, global boutique brand. Located in the heart of the city, the hotel blends mid-century inspired architectural elements with contemporary interiors designed for both comfort and connection.
A new kind of boutique hotel experience has arrived in downtown San Diego. The Margot Hotel officially opens today in the Gaslamp Quarter, marking its debut as one of the first properties in Outset Collection by Hilton—a new lifestyle brand designed to spotlight independent, soulful hotels backed by the global scale of Hilton.
With 15 years of hospitality experience, Jenny is known for her people-first leadership style, strong operational performance and collaborative approach to building high-performing teams. She believes in working side by side with her team, creating a culture rooted in support, shared success and aiming high.
Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco is pleased to announce the appointment of Michelle Armock as chef de cuisine of MKT Restaurant & Bar, the hotel's award-winning signature restaurant. In her new role, Armock will oversee day-to-day kitchen operations, menu development, and culinary innovation for MKT, working alongside Executive Chef Shaun Acosta to further elevate the restaurant's California-inspired dining experience.
Four Seasons Resort and Residences Napa Valley has appointed Evan Neumann as Executive Chef of Auro, the resort's Michelin-starred restaurant. Neumann, whose career spans the kitchens of Joël Robuchon, Alain Ducasse, Anne-Sophie Pic, and Christophe Bellanca, assumes leadership of Calistoga's only Michelin-starred dining room this April.
Woods Cove Inn, a 22-room boutique hotel located along Laguna Beach’s iconic Pacific Coast Highway, will reopen May 11, emerging as a newly independent coastal retreat. Previously operating under the Sonder brand, the property debuts with a renewed identity rooted in local character, thoughtful design, and relaxed California living.
A new hospitality concept is quietly redefining the landscape of Los Angeles boutique hotels. Located in the heart of Koreatown, The Ivory is an intimate, 48-room urban sanctuary designed to offer guests a sense of belonging and considered design within one of the city’s most dynamic neighborhoods.
Quorum Hospitality is proud to announce the promotion of Christel Jose to General Manager of Residence Inn Walnut Creek.
Napa’s first downtown urban resort debuts a full transformation, plus BOA Steakhouse and The Spa at Casa Mani.
A beloved fixture just steps from the Healdsburg Plaza is entering a more intimate and intentional new chapter. Formerly known as 27 North, the 16-room boutique property has reemerged as Liora Estate, a European-inspired retreat designed for connection, where atmosphere, ritual, and emotional resonance take center stage, echoing the property’s earlier identity as Hotel Les Mars.
Long Beach's iconic waterfront hotel will relaunch as The Maya in June 2026, following a design-driven renovation of guest rooms, public spaces and Fuego, and new guest programming
Silverado Resort announces the promotion of Devon Pritchard to the position of Executive Sous Chef. A versatile culinary talent with a career spanning high-end pastry arts and large-scale savory operations, Pritchard will now oversee a broader scope of the resort’s culinary offerings, including the highly anticipated spring opening of Matchplay Kitchen + Bar.