09/28/2026
SDCLA members are at the heart of San Diego’s hospitality community, supporting local businesses, strengthening neighborhoods, and helping make San Diego a thriving destination for visitors.
Through our Member Spotlight series, we’re highlighting the people and organizations actively engaged in their communities and making a meaningful difference every day.
Our next member spotlight is Lee Ann Kinkelaar! Lee Ann is a Concierge at The US Grant, a Luxury Collection Hotel, San Diego.
What drew you to hospitality, and how did you get started as a concierge?
I believe my passion for hospitality started when I was a very young traveler. Between the ages of 6 and 18, I flew to other cities, mostly alone, to visit my older siblings. I remember the airline, restaurant and hotel employees who made me feel “safe and welcomed.”
While working in the Front Office at a luxury hotel, I was asked to become a concierge. I finally learned I’d be fine as long as I knew EVERYONE in the city and EVERY INCH of it and could solve problems within minutes.
I discovered that my curiosity, networking skills, love of San Diego and careful listening would guide me. Most importantly, I STAY IN THE MOMENT.
What trends or changes do you see shaping the guest experience and concierge profession?
Since AI will make more time for us to socialize with guests, hotels may need to hire more “personalities” who are conversationalists.
Five years from now, humanity may crave less technology and more human interaction. I see it already at my hotel. I've never had more guests return because our FRIENDLY and GENUINE concierge team and staff.
Looking back at your career, what experience, skill, or relationship has had the biggest impact on your success as a concierge?
Being a past President of the San Diego Concierge Association, as well as working all the board positions in my past 26 years as a concierge, has been an incredible learning experience of my career and life.
What's your favorite part about connecting guests with authentic San Diego experiences?
Since “tourism” is San Diego's global IDENTITY, I'm humbled that I am a part of that.
I build 1–2 hour scenic drive itineraries, and guests come back amazed by how much of our city they saw in such a short time.
Outside of work, what are some of your favorite hobbies, passions, and what's one San Diego hidden gem you'd recommend to locals and visitors alike?
I love exploring new restaurants, even if I don’t eat there. I’m fascinated by the design, lighting, noise level, atmosphere and, DEFINITELY, the crowd!
My happy place is taking scenic drives through residential neighborhoods because architecture is my passion. Love popping into antique shops, which I see as museums of people’s past lives. I might hit the golf driving range to work on my patience and drive (pun intended), or take a 2–8 mile coastal walk to clear my head before a big speech or presentation and enjoy the fresh sea air!
Regarding telling you my hidden gems, you’ll have to staycation at The US Grant to find out.
