Press room

CHLA Members Honored at National AHLA Stars of the Industry Awards

Washington, DC – The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) today announced the winners of the AHLA Stars of the Industry Awards for outstanding hotel properties and employees. Three California nominees were awarded with AHLA Stars of the Industry Awards. Awarded annually since 1966, these awards distinguish individual hotels that have developed outstanding programs, events, and campaigns and employees for their outstanding accomplishments, service, and leadership in the hospitality and lodging industry. CHLA member winners were chosen in the categories of community service, guest relations and emerging hospitality leader.

The winner of the outstanding community service award for a small property was the Montage in Laguna Beach, California. Hearts of Montage is a volunteer philanthropic organization founded and led by the employees of Montage Hotels and Resorts and was established in 2003. Some of the organization’s many events include blood drives, beach cleans-ups, and food and clothing drives.

In one of the most competitive categories, the winner of the guest relations award for a small property was the Magic Castle Hotel in Los Angeles, California. Epitomizing service that defines California, the Magic Castle Hotel provides an amazing guest experience with full service free laundry, unlimited 24 hour snacks, free DVD rentals and board games, and much more.

The winner of the Stevan Porter Emerging Hospitality Leader award, is Whitney Okuda, Catering Manager at Hotel Nikko in San Francisco, California. Whitney made great strides as a student leader, which attributed to her steady growth and development in the hotel industry. Whitney’s eagerness and drive showed through her accomplishments and has exceeded all expectations and goals that were set and has developed rapidly with her understanding of the hospitality industry.

“The California Hotel & Lodging Association is elated to have had three California nominees honored at this year’s national Stars awards,” said Lynn S. Mohrfeld, CAE, President & CEO of CHLA. “We applaud them on their tremendous accomplishments and are proud to have them represent the California Hotel & Lodging Association.”