Name: Ashley Gochnauer
Title: General manager
Company, city: Kimpton Everly Hotel Hollywood; Los Angeles, Calif.
Number of employees: About 125
First job: My first hotel job was with W Hotels as a guest services agent.
Little-known fact about you: I am a coffee enthusiast and consider it a genuine hobby. I enjoy exploring L.A.’s rich coffee scene, which offers no shortage of excellent options.
Your Business
What innovations/initiatives do you foresee in the industry over the next years? The hospitality industry is clearly moving toward increased automation, reducing some face-to-face interactions during a guest’s stay. That said, Kimpton’s approach remains distinct: we focus on reading each guest and adjusting our service based on verbal and nonverbal cues. Some travelers prefer privacy and minimal interaction, while others seek warm, personal contact while on the road. By tailoring service to individual preferences, we deliver a highly customized experience that a fully automated system cannot replicate.
Best career advice you’ve received: Hospitality is an art form—take pride in it and pursue excellence. That level of quality comes from preparation, dedication, and a commitment to the craft.
What advice would you give someone starting out in the field? Care deeply about the work, but learn not to take everything personally. Hospitality requires acting from the heart and empathizing with people you don’t yet know. Seek perfection but accept that setbacks will happen; resilience matters. Set high standards, learn from challenges, and grow stronger through experience.
Ashley Gochnauer as a Traveler
Favorite travel memory or story: As a teenager, I had the chance to go on a safari in Kenya. That trip was unforgettable and has stayed with me ever since.
One travel tip you cannot live without: Jet lag affects me when I cross time zones, so I push through the first day to sync with local time as quickly as possible. Another practical tip from my mother: choose a color scheme for your trip. That lets you mix and match clothing, vary your outfits each day, and avoid overpacking.
Best advice for business travelers: Business travel can be exhausting, but it’s unfortunate when travelers never leave their rooms. Hotels offer curated food and beverage, thoughtful design and attentive service—take advantage of that. Even one evening drink at the bar or a morning cappuccino can help you carve out a moment to enjoy the hotel and recharge.
About Kimpton Everly Hotel Hollywood
Tell us about both Kimpton Everly and the brand’s eco-friendly initiatives. Our housekeeping team is trained to notice guest cues about towels and linens: if towels are hung up, we interpret that as a wish to conserve and reduce laundering. We always replace items when needed, but we also encourage guests to opt into greener housekeeping practices. Recycling is implemented throughout the property, and we continuously seek ways to reduce paper and single-use plastics. As a newly constructed building, the hotel includes modern systems and features designed for environmental efficiency.
As one of Hollywood’s newest properties, how did you incorporate the hotel’s location into its design and theme? Our location—between Hollywood Boulevard and the Hills—allows guests to walk to iconic landmarks and still have quick access to Griffith Park and many hiking trails. Our design reflects that unique setting: it draws on the relaxed Southern California lifestyle and the aesthetic of mid-century homes in the Hills. Social areas are designed to feel welcoming and comfortable, like someone’s living room, and that residential warmth informs both our interiors and our service style for a cohesive guest experience.
Which of the property’s amenities garner the most buzz, and what can premium travelers expect from a stay? Ever Bar serves as the hotel’s social hub and consistently draws guests together. Its atmosphere transitions naturally from daytime coworking to evening socializing. Guests can work quietly with a laptop during the day, then return for expertly crafted cocktails and conversation at night. Our bar team curates a thoughtful cocktail menu, making Ever Bar a standout experience that premium guests and locals alike appreciate.