Global Traveler: Tell us about your professional background and your experience in the hotel industry.
Paul Hortobagyi: Prior to securing the coveted assignment of general manager of Le Merigot, I successfully managed the Georgian Hotel in Santa Monica, Calif., for more than eight years. I was also with Southwest Hospitality as a “turnaround” specialist assigned to spend 90 days at a property to assess its needs and implement management directives to bring a hotel or restaurant back into the black. Similarly, while employed at R&R Hospitality I functioned as food and beverage director implementing creative and successful operational tactics, innovative menus and service standards.

As a certified hotel administrator, I am an appointed member of the executive board of the Santa Monica Convention and Visitors’ Bureau where I also serve as treasurer. I am an active member of the Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce. Originally from Hungary, I trained at the Hospitality Industry Institute in Budapest where I earned a degree in hotel management as well as a master’s degree in culinary arts.

GT: What makes the Le Merigot unique among the many high-end properties in and around Los Angeles?
PH: Le Merigot’s unexpected crispness, superior service, bright, contemporary design and sophisticated food and beverage choices make the hotel unique among its Santa Monica competitors. In a comparison of Santa Monica hotels, the Los Angeles Times cited Le Merigot’s superior service. This accolade is supported by our unique ability to host small to midsize meetings in a boutique-style setting designed for the new century.

GT: Who is your average guest? What draws guests to Le Merigot?
PH: Our average hotel guest ranges from the upscale business traveler to sophisticated couples, families and celebrities. Le Merigot’s guests expect — and receive — exceptional accommodations as well as stellar, personalized guest service.

GT: Tell us about the hotel’s unique services and amenities, from the spa to guestrooms to dining.
PH: Le Merigot is dedicated to providing superior accommodations, first-class service and personal attention to patrons of our 175 guestrooms and suites. All accommodations are elegant, sophisticated and, above all, comfortable. Business travelers appreciate the generously scaled desk, the large work area and the oversized lounge chairs that are perfect for relaxing between meetings. In addition to the hotel’s self-service business center, each room features dual phone lines, high-speed Internet access and fax machine.

For rest and relaxation, Le Merigot offers guestrooms with spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean or the Santa Monica Mountains. Amenities include terry cloth robes and slippers; a bed made up with 300-thread-count Italian linen plus luxurious feather beds, pillows and duvets; and 24-hour in-room dining.