Bahia Resort Hotel Welcomes Babett Hirzel as General Manager

SAN DIEGO, Calif. (April 2026) — Bahia Resort Hotel proudly announces the appointment of Babett Hirzel as General Manager, marking a fresh and inspiring new chapter for one of San Diego’s most beloved beachfront retreats. A globally seasoned hospitality leader with more than 35 years of experience, Hirzel brings a dynamic blend of operational expertise, visionary leadership, and heartfelt service to the role.

Most recently, Hirzel served as General Manager of Carte Hotel San Diego, Curio Collection by Hilton, where she led a transformative brand evolution, elevating guest experiences while integrating wellness, design, and emerging technologies into the modern travel journey. 

“Babett is an extraordinary leader whose passion for people, culture, and service aligns seamlessly with the values of Evans Hotels,” said Robert Gleason, President & CEO of Evans Hotels. “Her global perspective, operational excellence, and commitment to cultivating meaningful guest experiences make her the ideal choice to lead Bahia Resort Hotel into its next chapter.”

Hirzel’s journey in hospitality began in a small town in former East Germany, where she worked alongside her family in her grandparents’ hotel—an experience that sparked a lifelong passion for the industry. From those humble beginnings, she has built an international career spanning luxury resorts and hotels across Europe and the United States. Her path took her from England to Switzerland, Spain, and ultimately the U.S., where she quickly rose through the ranks, holding senior leadership roles at premier properties including Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort, Embassy Suites by Hilton San Diego/La Jolla, Hilton Austin, Hilton St. Louis Downtown and Hilton Atlanta. 

A graduate of the Hotel Management School in Frankfurt with a bachelor’s degree in Hotel Management, Hirzel built her career from the ground up—working across every department to gain a comprehensive understanding of hotel operations that continues to inform her leadership today. She also holds General Manager certifications across multiple Hilton brands, including Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Curio Collection, Embassy Suites, and Hilton Garden Inn. 

In recognition of her impact, Hirzel was honored with the Excellence in Service & Operations Award at the 2025 San Diego Women in Tourism & Hospitality National Conference, celebrating her leadership, resilience, and commitment to elevating both guest and team experiences.

Guided by a servant leadership philosophy, Hirzel is deeply committed to fostering a culture rooted in care, respect, and empowerment—uplifting her team while delivering exceptional, meaningful experiences for every guest. 

“Hospitality has always been deeply personal to me,” said Hirzel. “From my early days in my grandparents’ hotel to leading remarkable teams around the world, I’ve believed that genuine care and connection are at the heart of every unforgettable stay. I am honored to join Bahia Resort Hotel and look forward to building on its legacy while shaping an exciting, guest-focused future.”

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Hirzel’s life is deeply rooted in family, resilience, and living life to the fullest. She and her husband, Andreas—whom she met while attending hotel management school in Germany—have built a life together in the U.S. over the past 26 years, raising two children, Melissa and Jonathan. A proud breast cancer survivor, Hirzel is a dedicated advocate for both the American Cancer Society and Susan G. Komen, using her journey to inspire others and emphasize the importance of health and early detection. In her leisure time, she enjoys outdoor pursuits such as beach outings and hiking, as well as expressing her creative side through painting and an appreciation for live music.

From her beginnings in East Germany to now leading one of San Diego’s premier beachfront resorts, Hirzel’s story is one of passion, perseverance, and purpose. At Bahia Resort Hotel, she brings that spirit to a new coastal setting, guiding the property into a bright, welcoming future defined by culture, innovation, and exceptional service.