Ritz-Carlton Los Angeles scheduled to open in February

Rajesh Khubchandani has been appointed hotel manager of The Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles at L.A. Live, which will be opening on February 15, 2010 as the first luxury hotel in Downtown L.A., adjacent to the Staples Center, Nokia Theatre and the Grammy Museum.

Khubchandani has 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry working in several countries, including Thailand, the Maldives Islands, India, Sri Lanka, Canada and the United States. He was most recently the director of operations for The Ritz-Carlton, Boston Common. Prior to that, he was the director of operations for the Toronto Airport Marriott, where he aided in the renovation and re-positioning of that hotel. While as the Toronto Airport Marriott, he was awarded the North American Lodging Director of Event Management award in 2004. In 2000, Khubchandani worked at the Westin Harbour Castle in Toronto as the director of food and beverage outlets.

Prior to working in Toronto, Khubchandani served as the resort manager of the Taj Coral Reef resort in the Maldives. During his time abroad, he also helped to open an Oberoi and a Taj Hotel in Asia.

“I am thrilled to be involved in the leadership of such an important Ritz-Carlton branded hotel opening in Los Angeles,” explains Khubchandani. “I am honored to have been given the opportunity to develop an incredible team of ladies and gentlemen, during an exciting and promising time.”

Khubchandani graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce degree, specializing in economics and finance, from the University of Calcutta, India. He also attended post-graduate courses at the Oberoi Center of Learning and Development in New Delhi, India and he went to Cornell University for Strategic Hospitality Management studies.

The breadth of experience Khubchandani brings to The Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles can only be surpassed by his energy and character. He is excited to become immersed in Los Angeles. He will report to General Manager Javier Cano, who oversees The Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles; JW Marriott at L.A. Live and The Ritz-Carlton Residences.

The Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles will feature 123 well-appointed guestrooms, including 14 suites with contemporary décor, as well as the downtown district’s only full-service hotel spa, The Ritz-Carlton Spa, providing a luxurious, 8,000-square-foot sanctuary. The Ritz-Carlton will also feature a 3,400 square-foot Club Lounge, an exclusive rooftop pool and a signature restaurant with a celebrity chef partner. Steps away from Staples Center, The Nokia Theater, The Grammy Museum and an array of restaurants and nightspots, The Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles will be at the center of one of the most exciting parts of the city.