LAGNIAPPE
CONFIDENT AND CARING MIGHT BEST DESCRIBE LAURA MCIVER , MOST RECENTLY AT KSL RESORTS ’ MIRAVAL RESORT & SPA IN ARIZONA AND SINCE JULY CHARGED WITH ELEVATING SERVICE LEVELS AND OVERSEEING FOOD AND BEVERAGE PROGRAMMING AT CALIFORNIA ’ S ICONIC SHUTTERS ON THE BEACH . SINCE MOVING BACK TO SANTA MONICA , HER NEW OBSESSION IS EL SEGUNDO , WHICH SHE CALLS “ A WHOLE LOT MAYBERRY MIXED WITH AN INDUSTRIAL ZONE .”
Hotel pet peeve ?
I can only choose one !?
Favorite minibar indulgence ?
Peanut M & Ms
Favorite travel item ?
Lululemon duffle bag in gray
Best idea ever stolen ?
Branded luggage grippers
Historical figure you ’ d like to host ?
Marc Chagall
If not a hotelier …?
A psychotherapist or executive director of a nonprofit
Who taught you your biggest lesson , and what was it ?
My parents . They always made me feel as though I could do anything , to speak my mind and to respect others . This has made a big impact on how I approach work and how I work with people .
LAURA MCIVER , HOTEL MANAGER , SHUTTERS ON THE BEACH , SANTA MONICA , CALIFORNIA
A personal skill / experience that makes you unique as a hotelier ?
I am not sure it ’ s a skill , but I am a very social person and love to take care of people . I love to have people in my own home , to cook for them , to make sure they are happy . I guess this translates pretty well into taking care of our guests in the hotel .
What do you do better than anyone else you know ?
Thanksgiving . I love hosting and cooking Thanksgiving for my friends and family . The more the merrier .
What is your favorite hidden / unknown / off-the-beaten-track spot in your city that you recommend to guests ?
I recently moved back to the Los Angeles area and am a little obsessed with El Segundo . It is a whole lot Mayberry mixed with an industrial zone that is creating new artisan business . Tucked between the beach and LAX , it is pretty great .
64 hotelsmag . com October 2016