Get to know the people behind the scenes at Orli. This month, we’re spotlighting Omar Chavez, our Director of Guest Experience

 

Q: As Director of Guest Experience, what does a typical day at Orli look like for you?

Throughout the day, I move between guest engagement, operational oversight, supporting the concierge team, and working ahead with wedding groups looking to stay with us! Behind the scenes, I also track guest satisfaction metrics and online reviews, which help guide decisions on how we elevate our approach and overall guest satisfaction. But ultimately, my role is about being present; listening, anticipating, and ensuring each guest feels genuinely cared for. Whether it’s their first visit or their fifth. Every day is a mix of proactive planning, in-the-moment creativity, and team collaboration. That fluidity is what keeps our guest experience fresh, intentional, and memorable.

 

Q: What do you find most rewarding about shaping the guest experience at Orli?

One of the things I love most about my role is that no two days ever look the same, especially at a boutique property like Orli, where the guest experience is highly personalized. Each day brings a different rhythm. Some mornings I collaborate with the team on special arrivals or last-minute itinerary requests, while afternoons could involve guest check-ins, handling personalized touches, or reviewing feedback to see how we can refine even the smallest details. That variety is what energizes me. It keeps me creative, present, and constantly tuned in; not just to the logistics, but to the vibe and nuance behind a great stay we all work very hard to achieve.

 

 

Q: You’ve been part of the San Diego and La Jolla community for some time—what local spots do you love recommending to guests?

There’s no shortage of things to do and see in San Diego, but if you’re staying local to La Jolla, one standout spot I always recommend is the Cave Store. It might look like a typical beachside shop, but inside you’ll find a tunnel that leads down to Sunny Jim’s Sea Cave! It’s a quick, unique experience and a great spot for photos. And while you’re roaming La Jolla Cove nearby, grabbing lunch at Brockton Villa is a perfect way to round out the afternoon.

 

Q: Where do you like to recharge when you’re off the clock?

The entire Orli team could probably answer this for me with how vocal I am about our San Diego Padres! Petco Park is like a second home to me and you can always count on me showing up to cheer for the brown and gold when the Padres are in town! The beach is a definite close second but if I had to choose, I’m taking a seat at Petco Park over a towel in the sand almost any
day.

 

Q: What’s your go-to coffee order—and do you have a favorite spot nearby where the service or vibe stands out?

An iced cinnamon or brown sugar latte any day, every day! My go-to spot in La Jolla is Il Giardino di Lilli. Not only do they craft one of my favorite lattes, but their fresh pastries are absolutely irresistible. The best part? It’s just a breezy 10-minute stroll from Orli!

 

Q: Are there any under-the-radar places in La Jolla or San Diego you love to send curious guests to?

Brunch has a permanent spot in my foodie heart, and Comedor Nishi does an incredible job of expanding my palette and leaving me always coming back for more. Their menu blends Latin and Japanese flavors – think tamari pork belly, yuzu hollandaise, and crispy tostadas. Whether you’re craving something savory, sweet, or totally unique, they deliver a brunch experience that’s both inventive and comforting.

 

Q: Can you share a guest interaction or moment that left a lasting impression on you?

One moment that really stayed with me involved a couple who had chosen Orli as their home base for an intimate elopement weekend. They weren’t looking for a grand production, just a meaningful, private experience for themselves. From the moment they arrived, there was this excitement in the air, and we were able to tailor a few special touches: a custom floral setup in The Irving Gill Penthouse Suite, a handwritten note with their favorite local wine waiting for them in their suite, and recommendations for some funtivities in San Diego. What made it unforgettable was how they invited us into their story – not as staff, but as part of the fabric of their weekend. I remember how they met, favorite colors, favorite animals, how they found out about the Orli, their full itinerary both in San Diego and beyond. It reminded me of what makes Orli special: we’re not just a hotel, we’re a canvas for people’s most meaningful moments. Creating space for connection, memory-making, and a true sense of place are just a few other reasons why we enjoy what we do.

 

Q: Looking ahead, what are you most excited about at Orli this year in terms of guest experience?

This year, we’re especially excited about deepening our connection with the La Jolla community to enhance the guest experience in fresh and meaningful ways. From expanding local partnerships that offer exclusive access to the neighborhood’s best-kept secrets, to hosting more curated events that bring both guests and locals together, we’re focused on creating a sense of place that goes beyond the stay. It’s about crafting experiences that feel authentic, personal, and truly rooted in the vibrant spirit of La Jolla.

 

Q: How would you describe the Orli experience to someone who’s never stayed with us before?

I’d describe the Orli experience as elevated, effortless, and deeply personal. From the moment you arrive, there’s a sense that everything has been thoughtfully designed for you; not just the aesthetic, but the feeling. It’s boutique in scale but rich in intention, blending the comforts of a luxury hotel with the warmth and flexibility of a private residence. What really sets Orli apart is how it balances independence and hospitality. Guests have the freedom to move at their own pace, whether that means using our seamless check-in, lounging with a nitro cold brew in the garden before check-in or after check out, or heading out for an Orli concierge-curated experience. Staying at Orli feels like being let in on a hidden gem that is tailored entirely to you.

 

Q: If you were crafting a dream itinerary for a guest’s perfect day in La Jolla, what would it include—from sunrise to sunset?

If I were crafting a dream itinerary for a guest’s perfect day in La Jolla, it would begin right here at Orli; the mornings always bring a soft coastal breeze into our courtyard with the sun peaking through the marine layer. Followed up by a stroll down to Bird Rock Coffee Roasters for a locally roasted cup of joe, paired with their Brioche Breakfast Sandwich. YUM. Late morning is perfect for exploring! Make your way to La Jolla Shores For something unique, I always recommend taking a guided kayak tour or taking a guided snorkel tour through the Sea Caves if conditions allow; it truly is the kind of experience that stays with you.

By early afternoon, wind down with a walk through the independent boutiques and galleries along Girard and Prospect—perfect for a bit of local flavor and unexpected finds.

As the sun begins to dip, I’d steer you toward Nine-Ten or Catania for the perfect meal to close out the day – whether you’re craving refined cuisine or a vibrant meal with coastal views. Of course, a La Jolla sunset is always on the itinerary, but for me, nothing quite compares to a sun setting over Petco Park. Grab a seat, a drink, a hot dog, and let the Padres close out the night with a W. But that just might be me.