Video Highlight: Hotel Casa Del Mar
August 31, 2020 – We visited our Vice President Timothy DeRodeff at work at the historic Hotel Casa Del Mar. The hotels in Santa Monica have been doing quite well during the coronavirus pandemic, with the beach offering plenty of outdoor activities that allow for social distancing. Timothy graciously gave us a tour of his hotel in our latest YouTube video!
Meet Vice President Timothy DeRodeff
You recently returned to work at your concierge desk at Hotel Casa Del Mar. Have the requests and expectations of your hotel guests changed? Have you observed any new trends or new behaviors from travelers during this time? At this point, mostly everyone I have encountered understands that we are in a global pandemic. For the most part, people understand the limitations of what I am able to accomplish most of the time. What I have noticed is that people really want to return to a state of normalcy and they want to celebrate. I spend almost half of my time now putting together amenities for guests who are celebrating anniversaries, birthdays, honeymoons and more!
What is the most valuable lesson you have learned during the coronavirus pandemic and quarantine experience? Stay present. There is so much going on in the world right now that is completely outside of our control. As concierges, we are conditioned to think three steps ahead in an effort to provide seamless service, but it is equally as important to take note of the world around us.
In your role serving as our elected Vice President these past few years, which event or accomplishment are you most proud of and why? I am always the most proud of our LACA Expos. Every year they get bigger and better, and really are a great example of the power networking and how far the world of hospitality can reach.
Work-Life Balance and self-care is so important. Do you have any restorative wellness routines or favorite beauty rituals? I try to get in some form of exercise every day. I think even 10 minutes a day can center you and prepare you for your next challenge.
Which actor would you like to play you in a movie? There’s this really great young actor by the name of Kelvin Harrison Jr., who I think is going to go really far. I would be honored if he played me. If you haven’t seen “Waves,” or “Luce,”, please do yourself a favor and stream immediately!
Which famous living person(s) do you most admire? Without a doubt, the Obamas…and while not quite as famous…my mom.
Video Highlight: Pink’s Hot Dogs
August 13, 2020 – We were excited to visit Pink’s Hot Dogs for their “reopening”. They had been closed for fives months during the Covid-19 pandemic. They reopened on August 12th and showcased their enhanced health and safety measures, with all workers wearing face masks. Check out our latest video!
Hotel Opening: Maybourne Beverly Hills
August 12, 2020 – The LACA welcomes the newest luxury hotel brand to open this summer: Maybourne Beverly Hills. Located at 225 N. Canon Drive, this property is the former 201-room Montage Beverly Hills. The Maybourne Beverly Hills is destined to bring British charm to Hollywood. The Maybourne Hotel Group, which purchased the Montage, also owns the iconic Claridge’s, The Connaught and The Berkeley in the UK. The Chef Concierge of the Maybourne Beverly Hills is LACA member Barbara Reyes. For more information about the hotel, visit their website at www.maybournebeverlyhills.com.
