Veteran Chef Takes Helm Ahead of Brand Transition Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa has appointed Chris O'Connell as Director of Culinary, tasking him with developing the resort's dining program as it undergoes renovation and rebrands to The Ocean Cliffs at Dana Point, a JW Marriott Resort, in April 2027. O'Connell will oversee the development of new dining concepts, including a signature restaurant opening in 2027, while also enhancing the resort's banquet, catering, and events programs. He will join the property's Executive Committee and contribute to strategic planning throughout the brand transition. "Chris brings a valuable combination of culinary leadership and firsthand experience guiding hotels through major brand transformation while retaining their unique sense of place and identity," said Ben Ly, General Manager of Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa. "As we prepare to introduce The Ocean Cliffs at Dana Point, his perspective will help us build a culinary program that reflects our coastal setting, the farm-to-table offerings our guests expect, and JW Marriott's commitment to transformative dining experiences."

Career Background O'Connell joins from The Langham Huntington, Pasadena, where he served as Executive Chef overseeing culinary operations across the property's restaurants, bars, banquets, and private events during a multi-million-dollar property-wide renovation. Previously, he worked as Executive Chef at Regent Santa Monica Beach during its conversion from Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel to the luxury Regent brand. He collaborated with Chef Michael Mina on the launch of Orla, handling menu development and kitchen design. Throughout his career, O'Connell has held culinary roles at The Ritz-Carlton Marina del Rey, Beverly Wilshire, The Beverly Hills Hotel, and The Beverly Hilton. His experience includes culinary execution for high-profile events surrounding the Golden Globes, Academy Awards, and Grammy Awards. He is a member of the Académie Culinaire de France. "As someone who is deeply passionate about telling a hotel's unique story through creative cuisine, I am thrilled to join the resort at this stage and for the opportunity to help shape its next chapter from the kitchen outward," said O'Connell. "I look forward to getting to know the team and the Dana Point community as we develop dining experiences that give guests and local visitors another reason to gather here and experience the best of this charming coastal town."

Why It Matters

The appointment signals Laguna Cliffs' commitment to culinary excellence as part of its JW Marriott debut, positioning the resort to compete in the premium coastal hospitality segment where F&B quality and chef leadership are key differentiators for events, banquets, and destination dining.

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Written by FBM Publications Editors

Frequently Asked Questions

When does The Ocean Cliffs at Dana Point officially open under the JW Marriott brand?

April 2027. The property is currently undergoing a multi-million-dollar renovation and rebranding from Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa. O'Connell's culinary program development runs parallel to this transition timeline.

What's O'Connell's track record with hotel brand conversions?

He's done this twice: he led culinary operations at The Langham Huntington, Pasadena during a property-wide renovation, and previously managed the conversion of Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel to Regent Santa Monica Beach, where he collaborated with Chef Michael Mina on the launch of Orla restaurant. He knows how to maintain identity during major transitions.

What dining concepts is O'Connell developing for the rebranded property?

A signature restaurant launching in 2027 is confirmed. Beyond that, he's building out the entire dining program—which includes enhanced banquet, catering, and events offerings—positioned around farm-to-table concepts that align with JW Marriott's transformative dining experience standard and the property's coastal Dana Point location.

Will O'Connell report directly to hotel leadership?

Yes. He joins the Executive Committee at Laguna Cliffs/The Ocean Cliffs, giving him a seat at the strategic table throughout the brand transition. This is not a siloed culinary role—he's embedded in resort-wide planning and decision-making.

What luxury properties has O'Connell worked at before this appointment?

The Ritz-Carlton Marina del Rey, Beverly Wilshire, The Langham Huntington Pasadena, Regent Santa Monica Beach, and The Beverly Hills Hotel. His portfolio skews high-end coastal and luxury urban properties across Southern California.