Dream Inn, Santa Cruz
Darren Pound is an accomplished hospitality executive with extensive experience in the food and beverage sector and hotel management. Since November 2016, Darren has served as Vice President & General Manager at Dream Inn in Santa Cruz. Prior roles include Director of Hotel Operations at Destination Hotels and Hotel Manager at Loews Hotels, showcasing a strong focus on operational excellence. Darren's career also features significant positions as Corporate Food and Beverage Director at JC Resorts and Vice President of Food and Beverage at Santa Catalina Island Company, where responsibilities included managing multi-million dollar budgets and implementing innovative strategies for customer growth and operational efficiency. Previous experience spans leadership roles at Rockwater Resorts and The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, demonstrating expertise in financial management, team development, and enhancing guest satisfaction. Educational credentials include a degree in Hotel Management from Red Deer Polytechnic.
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Dream Inn, Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz is a lively town tucked between majestic redwood forests and a stunning piece of the Pacific, brimming with oceanic wildlife. A favorite for surfing, sunsets, and seafood, the Dream Inn is a beloved local landmark on celebrated Cowell Beach. Captivating longtime guests with its consistent charm while delighting newcomers who appreciate modern amenities, the Dream Inn is a full-service, beachfront hotel featuring 165 guest rooms, Aquarius Restaurant, Jack O’Neill Lounge, and state-of-the-art event space for up to 250 guests. The hotel is only a hop, skip, and a jump away from Santa Cruz’s adored wharf, historic Boardwalk, and picturesque West Cliff Drive. A few more skips away, Pacific Avenue, simply known as “downtown” to the locals, boasts an eclectic array of stores & eateries, from quirky gift shops to trendy coffee stops. While the Santa Cruz of the past appealed mostly towards outdoor enthusiasts or those on their path to enlightenment, the Santa Cruz of today also encompasses a vibrant movement of emerging entrepreneurs, undoubtedly elevating the town’s culinary scene and artistic community, officially putting Santa Cruz on the map as one of California most alluring destinations. While its guests appreciate the unbeatable location, stunning views, and locally-inspired amenities, the Dream Inn’s real value that keeps its patrons returning year after year is in the genuine and gracious service. The Dream Inn’s personnel, appropriately known as The Dream Team, exude a refreshingly real, welcoming spirit while approaching their daily operations. Warm and respectful with an open-hearted attitude, the team cultivates memorable, enriching experiences in every interaction, whether with a guest or co-worker. These authentic, uplifting connections formed between team members, visitors, and the surrounding community is the heart and soul of the Dream Inn, Santa Cruz’s most treasured hotel and event venue.