Longest Serving Certified Hotel Administrator in San Diego

Robert A. Rauch recently reached a milestone that no other in San Diego, and few in the country have reached. The Certification Commission of the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI) recognized Mr. Rauch for achieving 25 years as a Certified Hotel Administrator (CHA). The 25 year certification status marks an unparalleled commitment and dedication to the hospitality industry and to the standards of professional certification.

Maintaining CHA status for the last 25 years means Mr. Rauch has shown continued professional experience, continued education, continued involvement, and educational service in the hospitality industry.  The AHLEI says Mr. Rauch has demonstrated his commitment to staying on the cutting edge of hospitality management.

“Robert A. Rauch is truly an extraordinary example to those who strive for excellence in the hospitality industry. The 25-year pin does not simply reflect longevity, but also a dedication to continued professional education and a willingness to share one’s knowledge with others for the betterment of our industry,” said Barbara Blankenship, AHLEI’s senior director of professional certification.

Though Mr. Rauch started in the hospitality industry as a dishwasher, he has climbed the ranks, and is now the president of R. A. Rauch & Associates, Inc.  He has served as chairman of numerous tourism organizations nationally and in the western U.S., and currently serves on the board of the San Diego Tourism Marketing District.  He has been directly involved in developing several hotels including the Del Mar Marriott, Hilton Hotel Gaslamp Plaza, Hilton Garden Inn Carlsbad, Hilton Hotel Santa Clara and several more.  Mr. Rauch currently operates the Homewood Suites by Hilton and Hilton Garden Inn San Diego/Del Mar as well as the Quality Inn & Suites Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs.

As a Senior Olympian, Mr. Rauch is also dedicated to the health of his hotel guests and local community. He invites his hotel guests to “run or train with the owner,” in which he’ll take guests on scenic runs or provide a personal training session in the hotel gym.  Additionally, he is sure to offer healthy menu items at his hotel restaurant, Bistro 39.

“The most rewarding parts of this industry are seeing guests have a great visit and watching associates grow. This enables me to enjoy every single day of work,” says Rauch.

Active in his community, Mr. Rauch serves as the president of Congregation Beth Am, a conservative synagogue. He has been teaching a class on Hospitality Entrepreneurship at San Diego State University for the past eight years and stays active with basketball, softball, running, and golf.  His wife Linda says, “he is like the Energizer bunny… he never stops.”