DANA POINT, CALIF. (April 3, 2024) – Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa, a picturesque resort on the California coastline and Dana Point Harbor, is pleased to announce the appointment of Ben Ly as the new General Manager of the AAA Four Star property, set high on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean. A 20-year veteran with Hilton Hotels, Ly brings a wealth of experience and leadership to Laguna Cliffs, managed by Aimbridge Hospitality, the world’s leading global hospitality management company. Through his two decades in the industry, Ly has demonstrated exceptional leadership skills and a profound understanding of luxury hospitality, making him the ideal candidate to lead the resort into its next era of growth and excellence.
“We are thrilled to welcome Ben Ly as the new General Manager of Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa,” shared Matt Engels, Senior Vice President of Operations, Aimbridge Hospitality. “Ben’s extensive experience in the hospitality industry, coupled with his unwavering commitment to excellence and guest experience, makes him the perfect leader to guide this outstanding resort to new heights. We are confident that under Ben’s leadership, Laguna Cliffs will continue to exceed the expectations of our valued visitors, and remain a premier destination in Dana Point along the stunning Southern California coast.”
Ly’s career in hospitality management spans a variety of prestigious properties across the United States, where he’s held positions such as Director of Rooms at Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort, Director of Operations at The Beverly Hilton, and General Manager of Embassy Suites San Francisco Airport. Most recently, Ly served as the General Manager at the award-winning 4 Diamond Zachari Dunes on Mandalay Beach in Oxnard, California. In this role, he spearheaded the recent rebranding and repositioning efforts, which involved overseeing the comprehensive property renovation, enhancement of service culture, successful commercial re-launch, and the development and opening of new F&B outlets, establishing himself as the central point of contact for these initiatives.
Ly expressed his excitement about joining the Laguna Cliffs family, stating, “I am honored to have the opportunity to lead such an iconic resort with a rich legacy of hospitality excellence. I look forward to working closely with the talented team at Laguna Cliffs to create unforgettable experiences for our guests and further solidify our reputation as a premier destination in Southern California.”
In his new role as General Manager, Ben Ly will oversee all facets of Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa’s operations, including guest services, culinary offerings, spa amenities, and overall guest experience enhancement initiatives. Ly will work closely with the resort’s talented team to uphold the highest standards of service and hospitality that guests have come to expect from Laguna Cliffs.
Perched high on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa is a picturesque Victorian-style resort on the California coastline and Dana Point Harbor. The iconic red-roofed coastal retreat boasts a recent renovation to its 378 spacious guestrooms, and suites, indoor and outdoor event spaces, two outdoor pools, fitness center, full-service spa, The Restaurant at Laguna Cliffs, and more. A destination for all types of travelers, the resort offers ample opportunity to explore the abundance of nearby pristine beaches, harbors, hiking trails, surf spots, and more while delighting in 300+ days a year of California sunshine.
