Sandy Bartu

I’ve spent more than thirty years in hospitality — not always behind a desk, but in the daily rhythm of hotels coming to life. I’ve worked across nearly every operating team. From reconciling the last penny in accounting to emergency engineering repairs, shucking oysters, and plating countless dishes—I've done a little of everything. I’ve been the boss, the volunteer, and the double shifter on overnights. Over time, I’ve learned that true hospitality isn’t about perfection — it’s about authenticity, connection, playfulness, and a warm welcome that reflects the spirit of place and the people who make it special.

I grew up in Santa Cruz, California, where life along the coastline taught me to appreciate beauty in both nature and individuality. Santa Cruz celebrates its quirks—a little counterculture, a little wacky, and wonderfully inclusive—and that openness shaped how I see the world. Portland feels like the perfect balance: the creative pulse of a city paired with the heart of a community.

It reminds me a little of Boston, where I studied Hotel and Restaurant Administration at Boston University under Julia Child and Jacques Pépin — who showed me that food and hospitality are rooted in connection, creative expression, and love. It’s a privilege we share in this industry — creating moments of genuine connection. Sometimes they’re brief, sometimes they carry a spark of joy that strengthens our connection to others and our community. It’s in those moments — in being seen and heard — that this work resonates most deeply with me.

Before settling in Portland, I lived in Costa Rica with a local family, studying Spanish and discovering the beauty of Pura Vida — that easy, wholehearted way of living that finds joy in simplicity and connection. Since then, I’ve worked with exceptional teams at Kimpton, Hilton, and now in sales at the Holiday Inn Portland – Columbia Riverfront — my professional home along a beautiful stretch of the Columbia River.

Sandy