General Manager Jose Ortega
(SAN FRANCISCO; August 29, 2019) – Kokua Hospitality, LLC, an independent hotel management company based in San Francisco, announces the appointment of Jose Ortega as General Manager at Dr. Wilkinson’s Hot Springs Resort (1507 Lincoln Avenue, Calistoga).
Located in the heart of downtown Calistoga, this California oasis is strolling distance from all the art, wine, and culture the town has to offer. Situated in the picturesque Napa Valley, Dr. Wilkinson’s Hot Springs Resort is bordered by vineyards, mountains, and natural icons like the Petrified Forest, Safari West, and Calistoga’s own “Old Faithful” geyser. After a morning spent in the resort’s spring-fed pools, take time to tour Victorian-era wineries, hike through the rolling hills, and dine on local, farm-to-table fare. Back at the resort, guests can indulge in the specialty mud baths, massage packages, and other spa options.
The Calistoga area and Dr. Wilkinson’s Resort have a shared sense of culture and hospitality – which requires a unique approach to guest services, local community partnerships, and more. Few know this skill better than those who have worked from the ground floor up in hospitality, such as Ortega. He started his career in hospitality as a front desk agent and spent the next few years working his way up to Rooms Division Manager at Carmel Mission Inn in Monterey, California. Ortega’s hard work, quick learning, and keen sense of selflessness stood out to the management team and he was recruited to work alongside the Kokua Hospitality team on Dr. Wilkinson’s Hot Springs Resort.
Born in Jalisco, Mexico, Ortega grew up in a small community where everyone knew each other – he learned from a young age that the beauty of a culture comes from how people treat each other. His family moved to the United States when he was 13 years old and with it, came a huge culture shock. Ortega began to meet new people and learn a new language – the move sparked his curiosity and desire to connect with different kinds of people.
“As hospitality professionals we are in control of creating a memorable experience,” says Ortega. “The industry is always evolving, but the reward of knowing we helped created a great memory is well worth it.”
Early in Ortega’s career, he decided to move closer to his girlfiend on the Monterey Peninsula. Little did he know that this move would set both his hospitality career and his relationship with his future wife in motion. Ortega quickly learned this industry required wearing many hats to be successful and that every decision has endless choices and an opportunity to grow and learn.
“Watching people like Jose grow and learn in this industry is one of the great joys of my position,” said Kirk Pederson, president of Kokua Hospitality. “His determination to create a positive, memorable experience for our guests and willingness to jump into problems head-first alongside his team match the passion and values of this property.”
When he’s not creating the ideal guest experience, Ortega spends much of his time with his wife and son, hiking, running, and traveling. Even after rising through the ranks of the industry, he is currently working towards completing a Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management.
