Piazza Hospitality, developers of the acclaimed Hotel Healdsburg, h2hotel and Harmon Guest House in Northern California’s Sonoma County, is pleased to announce hospitality veteran, Lydia Bates, was appointed as the director of sales and marketing at its newest development, Hotel San Luis Obispo, nestled in San Luis Obispo’s vibrant downtown.
With 18 years of hotel experience, Bates, an alumna of California Polytechnic State University, is returning to San Luis Obispo to oversee the overall daily sales and marketing operations for the forthcoming luxury hotel slated to open June 2019.
“We are thrilled to have a robust team of talented hospitality professionals onboard who have a personal connection to San Luis Obispo and the Central Coast,” said Circe Sher, co-founder of Piazza Hospitality.
“Lydia’s outstanding skills in hotel sales and marketing make her an excellent addition to our team. Her exceptional talent and ability to provide guests with the quintessential San Luis Obispo experience will be key factors to the success of Hotel San Luis Obispo.”
“I am delighted to return to San Luis Obispo, the ‘Happiest City in America,’” said Bates.
“The landscape of “SLO” has evolved into a bustling travel destination and center for innovation, attracting more people to stay, visit and move to the area. Hotel San Luis Obispo will beautifully complement this charming town, providing guests with an elevated, luxurious experience, and I look forward to contribute to its growth and success.”
Bates’ impressive background makes her an ideal fit for her new role. From 2004 to 2011, Bates was part of the sales team at Resort at Squaw Creek in Squaw Valley, California. She began as the tour and travel sales manager and was subsequently promoted to national sales manager, senior sales manager, and, ultimately, to associate director of sales. During her time at Resort at Squaw Creek, she was the top sales producer in 2007 for all Destination Hotels and Resorts, the management company behind Resort at Squaw Creek.
Bates went on to achieve several additional accolades from Destination Hotels and Resorts over the years, including the prestigious Chairman’s Club status in 2007, 2008 and 2010, and received the esteemed President’s Club award in 2009. In 2012, Bates moved to Santa Cruz, California where she served as the senior sales manager at Chaminade Resort & Spa for four years.
In 2014 and 2015, Bates continued to rise in her profession as she was named the top sales producer for all Benchmark Resorts & Hotels, which manages Chaminade Resort & Spa. Most recently, Bates was the director of sales for Inns of Monterey from Portfolio Hotels and Resorts in Monterey, California.
During her tenure there, Bates received the renowned 2016 Rising Star Award from the company when she led her team to achieve a 22 percent increase in annual revenue.
Bates joins an eclectic group of talented California Polytechnic State University alumni involved in the development of Hotel San Luis Obispo. Additional alumni and individuals associated with the university include artist and Cal Poly Professor of Art Sarah Franz, horticulturist and designer David Brenner, architect Aaron Williams, and music industry executive, Bruce Flor. These visionaries are each playing an important role in the development of Hotel San Luis Obispo, creating a modern, relaxed retreat that captures the essence of San Luis Obispo.
