Hotel Hero Awards

The Hotel Hero Awards celebrate and recognize our industry’s exceptional members and hotels. Awards are presented to dedicated individuals who define hospitality with their generosity of spirit and devotion to their hotels and guests.

To join the Hotel Hero Awards planning committee, please email Erica Green at egreen@hotelcouncilsf.org.

View photos from the 15th Annual Hotel Hero Awards (2018):

<a href="https://flic.kr/s/aHsmjqfFNX" target="_blank">Click to View</a>

View photos from the 14th Annual Hotel Hero Awards (2017):

The eight Hotel Hero Awards presented are:

Rising Star

This award is given to an individual who has been in the industry for less than five years, but demonstrates the potential to become a pivotal figure in the hotel community.

Unsung Hero

This award is given to an individual who enables their hotel to enhance guest experiences. An unsung hero strives to improve customer service out of professionalism and dedication to true hospitality.

Beyond the Call of Duty

This award is given to an individual who demonstrates a willingness to go “beyond the call of duty”. At a minimum, the employee created an unforgettable experience for a guest or colleague.

Werner Lewin Lifetime Achievement – Operations

This award is given to an individual (non-manager) who has proven dedication and commitment to the hotel industry for over ten years.

Lifetime Achievement – Department Manager

This award is given to a Department Manager who has proven dedication and commitment to the hotel industry for over ten years.

Bob Begley Lifetime Achievement – Hotel Executive

This award is given to an individual who is a General Manager, Vice President, and/or Regional Director. This individual has proven dedication, leadership, and commitment to the hotel industry for at least fifteen years.

Hotel Community Spirit

This award is given to a hotel or hotel company that contributes to the community. Contributions include volunteer efforts, donations, and giving back through various programs and organizations.

Hotel Sustainability

This award is given to a hotel or hotel company committed to environmental sustainability. This commitment can be proven through instituting green design and equipment, water conservation, local food sourcing, and waste reduction programs.

The Hotel Hero Awards Judging Committee

Each committee member independently reviews all completed nominations, then meet as a group to select finalists and winners.

The Hotel Hero Awards Judging Committee are hospitality industry partners who deeply understand the industry from the following organizations:

Convention Facilities of the City and County of San Francisco
The Bay Club Company
Expedia, Inc
NRG Energy
PSAV
Recology Golden Gate
San Francisco Travel
United Airlines
University of San Francisco

As a smaller hotel, I appreciate the network of information the Hotel Council provides. Not only are the seminars filled with relevant topics, but the members are always willing to share ideas and experiences.

Brittney Beck Owner and Operater / Beck’s Motor Lodge May 12, 2017

The Hotel Council creates connections among its allied members and hotels throughout the year through committees, educational programs, and philanthropic initiatives. The individuals I have met on committees are now integral business partners at my hotel.

James Lim Chair of the Board | General Manager, Omni San Francisco Hotel May 12, 2017

Our partnership with the Hotel Council has enabled our students to network with and learn from successful leaders in the hotel industry. In fact, they were instrumental in the successful launch our first Department of Hospitality Management Women in Leadership Summit at USF, which highlighted the great opportunities that exist in the industry.

Michelle Millar USF School of Management | Department Chair, Associate Professor May 12, 2017

Being a part of the Hotel Council is priceless – the resources and support that the team provide are truly beneficial to my hotel and team. There is no organization that provides both educational seminars and events that support individual passion and development.

Suzie Yang General Manager / Galleria Park Hotel May 12, 2017

The Hotel Council is a powerful hospitality industry ally for the Golden Gate Restaurant Association in working together to ensure our voices are heard at City Hall and beyond.

Gwyneth Borden Executive Director, Golden Gate Restaurant Association May 12, 2017

As an active member of The Hotel Council, the ROI for our dues is hard to beat when we consider the value of the advocacy efforts. The Hotel Council is always at the table advocating on behalf of our industry and the benefit of that is immeasurable.

Wes Tyler General Manager, Chancellor Hotel on Union Square May 12, 2017

Our Hotel Council membership is a powerful social and business tool for meeting new and old friends in the hotel industry. More importantly, it allows us to actively participate in sharing new ideas and keep updated on current events.

Murat Eskicioglu Regional General Manager, SMG at Moscone Center May 12, 2017

We became a member of The Hotel Council of San Francisco in September of 2018 and attended the Human Resources Seminar in October. We learned about several compliance rules from top-notch speakers that are influential during the entire employee journey. Sparkwork Software automates these compliance rules inside organizations so that these risks can be avoided. The attendees of the seminar were in the right spirit to network, help and learn from each other! We are grateful to be a part of the Hotel Council.

Bijay Baniya Sparkwork Software, Inc. May 12, 2017

There is only one way to truly be engaged in the San Francisco hospitality industry, and that is through the Hotel Council. Being an active member has provided me the opportunity to partner with top hotel leaders, gain access to our city leaders, and stay abreast of issues that impact the hotel community.

Spencer Sechler Director of Business Development / Impark May 12, 2017

The Hotel Council truly represents and supports all its members and does not shy away from tackling tough issues. Our partnership with the Hotel Council has opened doors for so many of us and connected me personally to many other professionals and industry leaders.

Roger Huldi General Manager, W San Francisco May 12, 2017