Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort & Spa, Surf City’s premier oceanfront destination resort, today announces the appointment of Jon Benson as General Manager. Benson will return to oversee operations of the 519-room property, where he once previously served as Director of Food & Beverage and led the opening of the resort’s signature restaurant, Watertable, in 2014.
“I could not be more thrilled to rejoin the team at Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach,” says Benson. “This property has always held a very significant personal and professional importance to me and my family, and I am honored to have been selected to usher in a new era of success for this beloved hotel.”
With over 35 years of experience at Hyatt Hotels & Resorts, Benson has held positions in 13 hotels and five years in its corporate office. Benson comes to Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach from Hana-Maui Resort, a Destination by Hyatt property, where he served as General Manager since 2020. Starting his career in culinary as a third shift room service cook, Benson ascended to become Executive Chef at five resorts and eventually took the role of Corporate Director of Culinary Operations for the Americas, overseeing more than 130 Hyatt hotels in the U.S., Canada and the Caribbean. Always aspiring to be a General Manager, Benson assumed this position at Hyatt Centric Key West in 2015. Benson has also served as General Manager at Park Hyatt Washington D.C., Hyatt Regency Long Beach and Hyatt Centric The Pike Long Beach before his most recent role at Hana-Maui Resort.
Benson’s current and past certifications include Executive Board Member of ‘Ohana Makamae, Visit Huntington Beach and Long Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau; Board Member of the Long Beach Hospitality Alliance, Lodging Associate Florida Keys and Key West, and Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association; Advisory Board Member of the Art Institute of California; and the Society of Fellows for the Culinary Institute of America. Benson brings his diverse experience in domestic and international hospitality management complemented with a proven track record in profitability, brand repositioning, renovations, and high guest and employee satisfaction to Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach.
About Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort & Spa
Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort & Spa features 519 well-appointed guestrooms, including 58 suites, offering guests sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean. The resort is home to four dining outlets that include signature culinary concept, Watertable, the new oceanfront SHOR restaurant, beach-chic Pete’s Sunset Grille, Mankota’s Grill and Tower 15 Pizzeria. Additional resort amenities include the 20,000 square foot oasis, Pacific Waters Spa, Slyders Water Playground, a tranquil lagoon-style swimming pool, and “The Village,” an eclectic retail plaza with everything from surf gear to renowned Orange County lifestyle brands. For further information visit hyattregencyhuntingtonbeach.com.
