Sofitel Washington DC Lafayette Square adds Karla Erales as GM

Karla Erales has been appointed GM of the Sofitel Washington DC Lafayette Square, one of AccorHotels luxury brand properties in the nation’s capital. The announcement was made by Mark Huntley, regional VP and GM of the Fairmont Washington, D.C., Georgetown. Erales is responsible for the overall operations, performance and strategic direction of the 237-room hotel.

Karla Erales. Photo credit: AccorHotels

“I’m thrilled to be granted the opportunity to work in one of the most visited cities in the world and manage one of DC’s notable historical hotels. Together with a very passionate team, we aim to achieve the highest levels of hospitality that Sofitel is known for, delivering superior guest experience and memorable stays in the nation’s capital," Erales said in a statement.

Erales previously was the director of operations and then hotel manager for Swissôtel Chicago from 2016 until May of 2018. Before that, she held roles at Fairmont Mayakoba beginning in 2005 from front office manager to executive housekeeper and director, rooms division, including acting interim director of operations for Fairmont Royal Pavilion, Fairmont Southampton, Bermuda and Fairmont Mayakoba, Mexico.

Erales began her hospitality career in 1995 at The Ritz-Carlton, Cancun, where she held several positions including concierge guest recognition, The Club Floor manager/chief concierge and assistant director of housekeeping. During her time at The Ritz-Carlton, Cancun, Karla was awarded the Les Clefs D’or certification and appointed VP of her local chapter.

Erales holds a public relations certificate from McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, as well as a Diploma in Tourism Management from LaSalle College, Montreal, Quebec.

Sofitel Washington DC is situated at the corner of Lafayette Square bordering the White House with 237 guestrooms, including 17 suites, six meeting spaces that can accommodate small-to-mid-sized events and Opaline, DC’s newest French bar and brasserie.