Us

Since 1932, HALA has been the voice of L.A.’s hotel industry.

Whether you’re an international chain or local family-owned boutique, senior management or hourly staff, we’re working for you—to better the industry and the lives of all who work in it. That’s because when the industry flourishes, we all benefit: our hotels become better guest experiences and better places to work.

All boats rise.

Our service to our members takes many forms—everything from training and operational support to discounts to connecting people who can help each other. When crises like COVID-19 strike, we’re here to help you through it with new ways of doing things. When new technologies emerge, we bring in experts to get you up to speed. When new laws go into effect, we make sure you understand them. We find cost savings and good deals for you. We help you make your workplace safer and more equitable for all team members.

And when the industry comes under attack, HALA makes sure we speak together—as one industry with one voice.

But our most important work is advocacy and government affairs. We work closely with elected leaders, officials, and the community to fight off harmful legislative proposals before they become law—or to correct existing laws. Our tools: a strategic blend of communications, lobbying, coalition building, and community education.

Are you a hotelier or hotel worker in one of the 88 cities of L.A. County? Come to us for the support you need.

We’ve got your back.

Executive Committee

Chair: Mark Davis

CEO, Sun Hill Properties, Inc. — Hilton Los Angeles Universal City
Immediate Past Chair: Steve Choe

General Manager, Moxy + AC Hotel Downtown Los Angeles
Vice Chair: Javier Cano

General Manager, Ritz-Carlton/JW Marriott/LA Live — Los Angeles Downtown
Secretary/Treasurer: Silvano Merlo

General Manager, Courtyard Long Beach Downtown
Exec. Committee Member: Kara Bartelt

General Manager, The Hoxton
Exec. Committee Member: Charlie Lopez-Quintana

Vice President & Managing Director, Shutters on the Beach & Hotel, Casa Del Mar

Board of Directors

Kandee Anderson

Dual General Manager, Los Angeles Airport Marriott Hotel
Mark Beccaria

Principal, Hotel Angeleno — West Los Angeles
Mark Eberwein

General Manager, SLS Beverly Hills
Greg Guthrie

General Manager, Hotel Maya Long Beach
Bonny Kirin-Perez

Managing Director, The Westin Bonaventure Hotel & Suites
Hee Won Lim-Grosvenor

Vice President/General Manager, Pacific Palms Resort – City of Industry
Robbie Nasser

General Manager, Omni Los Angeles Hotel
Ray Patel

Owner, Welcome Inn Eagle Rock
Jeff Ragonese

General Manager, Hilton Los Angeles Airport
Nick Rimedio

General Manager, W Hotel – Hollywood
Lara Shortz

Firm Recruiting Partner, Michelman Robinson, LLP
Mark Sokol

Owner, Hotel Erwin – Venice
John Thompson

General Manager, Westin Long Beach