Marriott International - In celebration of Women's History Month this March, the iconic Palace Hotel honors the trailblazing women who have shaped its legacy, including Angie Clifton, its first female general manager in 150 years. With over 25 years of hospitality experience, Clifton's leadership, rooted in a hands-on approach and a commitment to both staff and guests, has been instrumental in driving success within the industry. Returning to Palace Hotel as general manager in 2023 after a noteworthy tenure elsewhere, Clifton's vision and dedication continue to leave an indelible mark on the hotel's operations and success.
Q: What is it like to be a trailblazer in this historic role, breaking barriers for women in hospitality management?
A: Being the first female General Manager at the Palace Hotel, and previously the first female Hotel Manager in 2017 and 2018, is a profound honor for me. I've had the privilege of working alongside many talented women in hospitality throughout my career, particularly here in San Francisco, so while it's not entirely unprecedented, it's certainly an important milestone. Beginning my journey as a room attendant in housekeeping, I'm thrilled to serve as another example for women in hospitality, showcasing that gender and humble beginnings does not limit one's career trajectory.
Q: As the first woman General Manager in the history of the Palace Hotel, what initiatives or changes do you envision implementing to further enhance guest experiences and drive business success?
A: Embracing the essence of luxury is paramount for us. We aim to position ourselves as the quintessential destination to experience San Francisco at its finest. Weaving in our storied history and rich legacy spanning nearly 150 years, we intend to attract both our guests and the local community to experience the Palace-a must-visit destination in San Francisco, whether as a tourist or a resident.
Additionally, we're excited to introduce customizable packages for our guests, allowing them to tailor their stay to their preferences. From in-room surprises for loved ones to pampering elements and indulgent experiences like afternoon tea or a day at our sunlit indoor pool, we want to offer a luxury of choice and ease of planning, with real-time reservations to enhance their overall experience.
Q: How do you plan to leverage your position to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion within the Palace Hotel?
A: Diversity has long been a cornerstone of our ethos at the Palace Hotel, evident across all departments of our organization. I'm committed to continuing this legacy. As the first woman hotel manager and now general manager, I'm proud to embody the idea that the only glass ceiling at the Palace Hotel is the one over the Garden Court! We'll continue to foster an environment where diversity, equity, and inclusion thrive, ensuring that every member of our team feels valued and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives.
Q: What advice would you offer to other women aspiring to leadership roles in traditionally male-dominated industries like hospitality?
A: My advice is simple: stop doubting yourself. Don't wait until you feel 100 percent ready for the next role; take on the challenge sooner. Have confidence in your knowledge and talent, knowing that you have the capacity to figure out the rest as you go along. Believe in yourself, seize opportunities, and trust in your ability to excel.
About Palace Hotel, A Luxury Collection
Palace Hotel, owned by Kyo-ya Hotels & Resorts, LP, is a member of Marriott International's Luxury Collection, an ensemble of over 100 hotels and resorts offering unique, authentic experiences. Located in the heart of San Francisco, the historic Palace Hotel is not only a landmark itself, but also serves as the perfect starting point for an enchanting and immersive city experience. Welcoming guest accommodations present 556 recently renovated rooms with 11-foot ceilings and expansive windows. Newly renovated meeting and event spaces include three elaborate ballrooms, 45,000 square feet of function space with 23 meeting rooms and four executive boardrooms, a self-contained conference area and a full-service business center. Luxury features include three famed restaurants: The Garden Court, GC Lounge and Pied Piper, 24-hour in room dining, and a renovated Fitness Center and indoor pool. Catering to both business and leisure needs, Palace Hotel provides easy access to Union Square, Chinatown, the Financial District, and the Moscone Convention Center - all within walking distance. For the curious and culturally minded traveler, a world-class city awaits exploration with museums, theaters, cable cars and attractions, including San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, Yerba Buena Gardens, Ferry Building Marketplace, Oracle Park, Chase Center and more. For more information, visit SFPalace.com.
MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL, INC. 
