LAGUNA BEACH, CA –– June 2007 - Jeff McIntyre, one of the principals of Gemstone Hotels and Resorts, LLC (www.gemstoneresorts.com) has announced the appointment of Kevin Johnson the General Manager of Vacation Village Hotel in Laguna Beach – the company’s latest addition to its collection of destination hotels and resorts across the United States. 

Johnson assumes his responsibility as general manager immediately.  He oversees all of Vacation Village’s day-to-day responsibilities, including management of the front office, housekeeping, engineering, sales and human resources departments. 

“Kevin has proven himself as a great leader in the hospitality industry. His talent, experience and familiarity with Laguna Beach make him the perfect candidate to address the opportunities the great location offers,” said Jeff McIntyre.  “Kevin’s successful career and his professional acumen perfectly match this exceptional hotel.”

Johnson and his wife Laura relocated to Laguna Beach where the two met in 1996.  The family will call Laguna Beach home once again with the addition of their two children, seven-year-old daughter Faith and five-year-old son Drake.

“Spearheading the effort to enhance the service capabilities at Vacation Village – one of the finest locations in California – is a wonderful opportunity,” said Johnson.  “Nothing pleases me more than knowing guests will leave Vacation Village relaxed and rejuvenated.”

Prior to joining Gemstone, Johnson was managing director and vice president of Amara Creek Resort & Sedona Center in Sedona, AZ.  His earlier experience includes stints as general manager of the Inn at Loretto, Santa Fe, NM – A Noble House Hotel ® – and general manager of Casa Madrona Hotel & Spa – A Rock Resort ® – in  Sausalito, CA.

Johnson received his Bachelors of Arts in Hotel Administration from Washington State University where he graduated Cum Laude.  He has over 25 years hospitality experience with special industry-training distinctions and accolades. 

About Gemstone Hotels and Resorts, LLC
Gemstone Hotels and Resorts is a hotel and resort management company that specializes in luxury travel, independent and unique properties.  Gemstone’s portfolio includes some of the finest managed and asset-managed establishments in the hospitality industry including: Mosaic Hotel, Beverly Hills, CA; Carlton Hotel, New York, NY; Calistoga Ranch, Napa Valley, CA; Lake Arrowhead Resort, Lake Arrowhead, CA; Palm Mesa Resort, Fallbrook, CA; Lake Lawn Resort, Lake Delavan, WI; Forest Suites Resort, Lake Tahoe, CA; House of Blues Hotel, Chicago, IL; The Lodge at Rancho Mirage, Rancho Mirage, CA; The Equinox Resort, Manchester Village, VT; Rosario Resort, Orcas island, WA; Sedona Rouge, Sedona, AZ; Hotel Zaza, Houston, TX; and The Hotel Washington, Washington DC.  The company’s philosophy is based on mutual respect: The success of Gemstone Resort’s partnership depends on engaging clients as a fully-committed partner.  Gemstone Resort’s greatest achievements come from hotels that are poised and ready: a unique property in an outstanding market with a staff of dedicated professionals.

About Vacation Village Hotel
Vacation Village is a quaint, independently owned and operated oceanfront retreat set on 280 feet of private beach in downtown Laguna Beach.  The property includes 27 comfortable family suites, 103 deluxe guestrooms, two heated swimming pools, and a private Jacuzzi.  The Pacific Edge Beach House is Laguna Beach’s premier oceanfront rental home which includes a spacious living room, four bedrooms, five fireplaces, French doors, a roomy kitchen and three terraces that overlook a spacious wooden deck.  This 4,000-square-foot Cape Cod-styled rental home offers panoramic ocean views from all three levels and is available for weddings, small business meetings and mid-sized family gatherings.  Breakfast, lunch, dinner and cocktails are served daily at adjacent Beach House restaurant.  Most guestrooms are suited with a coffee-maker, hair-dryer, ironing board, refrigerator, phone with dataport and color television.  Guest parking is provided on site for a daily charge.  For more information, please visit www.vacationvillage.com or call (800) 843-6895.