Rick Castaneda has been a Concierge at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills for eight years and on the Board of the Los Angeles Concierge Association for the past two years; last year as Treasurer and this year as President. He understands the importance of listening to new ideas and keeping an open door policy as President. “I feel this philosophy has helped us grow this year and I make everyone’s opinions important to me".

Rick was born in San Francisco in 1962 and graduated from the University of San Francisco with a BA degree in Government in 1984. Upon graduating he started working for Farmers Insurance and specialized in auto claims. He later became an estimating specialist for General Motors, then BMW. During his time at BMW he became acquainted with Mr. Bill Kimpton, the owner of the Kimpton Hotel Group. One day after a very long day at BMW Rick decided to leave the auto industry and pursue something completely new. He chatted with Bill who suggested Rick interview at The Prescott Hotel in San Francisco as a PBX operator. Not knowing anything about hotels he accepted the job, took a pay cut and started making wake up calls in 1995.

After six months as PBX operator he transferred to the front desk, then to Club Concierge, and a year later as a front lobby Concierge. He had found his love. During his tenure at the Prescott Hotel he started dating an actor from Los Angeles. Knowing the majority of acting jobs were in LA he decided to take the plunge and move to Southern California to be with his partner and find a job. He heard of the job opening at the Regent Beverly Wilshire, (The Pretty Women Hotel) and went through several interviews and got the job. Rick states "This hotel has so much history and is in a constant state of progressive evolvement. We just completed a thirty million dollar renovation and just opened our incredible Wolfgang Puck Steakhouse, CUT. It has become the coolest restaurant in all of Los Angeles with the most delicious food. I feel very proud to work with such a great group of people who truly love what they do. I am very blessed.”

During his free time Rick enjoys hiking up Runyon Canyon, going to Barry's Boot Camp, and going to Palm Springs to just "veg out.” His easy going attitude and friendly personality makes him an ideal candidate for training incoming new Concierges and opening new properties. In 1990 he spent six weeks training the front of the house of the Four Seasons Hotel Caracas.

Rick knows that creating moments of magic are his specialty. "I always try to think out of the box, first by listening and then by acting, performing, and creating something very special. I want my guests to take home a memory that they can cherish. When this happens; it makes me feel very good.” Last month Rick set up a special birthday for a 16 year girl staying at the Beverly Wilshire. "I set up lunch at the IVY on Robertson for her mother and four of her friends. After lunch she went shopping on Robertson to several cool stores for young people. At every location I had something unique and personalized set up and waiting for her. For example, at Lisa Klein an amazing arrangement of Gerber Daisies was on display and waiting for her; and at Kitson she was greeted with a sweet-sixteen balloon arrangement the moment she walked through the door. In addition, all stores were notified to pull cloths for her and made the entire group feel special and welcome. The manager of Kitson was so taken by the idea and the group of girls that even she got in on the shopping adventure by giving her a wonderful birthday gift. They had a fabulous time because they felt fabulous.” Events like the aforementioned remind Rick he has selected the right profession.

Being the owner of a luxury tour company, it is imperative that amazing levels of service come not only from experience and professionalism; but from the heart! Rick Castaneda’s love for his profession is a true reflection of this. We are proud to work with him and all of his colleagues at The Beverly Wilshire Hotel.

"Tony at Elite Adventure Tours I believe also shares some of my views. He always makes his clients feel special and leaves them with an amazing memory. He never disappoints and I love this about him and his great tour company.” - Rick Castaneda