introducing Babett Hirzel

about Babett Hirzel

Babett Hirzel serves as General Manager of Carté Hotel San Diego Downtown, Curio Collection by Hilton, where she leads all aspects of hotel operations, from strategic planning to guest experience and team development. With over 35 years of experience in the hospitality industry, including more than two decades with Hilton, Hirzel brings a wealth of leadership expertise spanning five Hilton brands and a diverse range of international properties. 

Before joining Carté Hotel San Diego, Hirzel served as General Manager at the Four Diamond AAA Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort and previously led the team at Embassy Suites San Diego La Jolla. Her career also includes key leadership roles at properties such as the Hilton Atlanta, Hilton Austin, and Hilton St. Louis. 

Originally from East Germany, following the fall of the Berlin Wall, she made it a point to follow her dream to live life large and explore the opportunities she wouldn’t have had before. 

Hirzel began her hospitality profession in 1991 as an apprentice at the five-star luxury Grand Hotel Hessischer Hof in Frankfurt. She pursued her passion for travel and hospitality, eventually earning a bachelor’s degree in Hotel Management in Frankfurt in 1994. Her global career path took her to Switzerland and England before settling in the United States, where she quickly rose through the ranks in hotel leadership. 

A committed industry leader and advocate, Hirzel has served on the boards of the North San Diego Business Chamber and the St. Louis Hotel & Lodging Association, and has been actively involved with Women in Lodging and Leadership in Georgia, Missouri, and Texas.