La Jolla, CA – July 21, 2025 — The Grande Colonial Hotel, a landmark AAA Four Diamond luxury boutique hotel locatedin the heart of the Village of La Jolla, proudly announces the appointment of Yolanda Silva as Director of Sales. In this role, Silva will lead the hotel’s sales and catering team, overseeing all group and corporate sales efforts, as well as social and corporate catering initiatives. 

Silva brings more than 27 years of hospitality experience and a proven track record in strategic sales planning, client relationship management, and event execution. She will focus on driving revenue growth through proactive sales strategies, strengthening client partnerships, and further enhancing the Grande Colonial’s reputation as one of San Diego’s most distinctive destinations for meetings, weddings, and special events. 

“We are thrilled to welcome Yolanda to the Grande Colonial team,” said Kim Avant, General Manager of the Grande Colonial. “Her leadership style, deep knowledge of the local hospitality market, and passion for delivering exceptional guest experiences align perfectly with our commitment to excellence. We are confident she will play a key role in growing our group and event business.” 

Silva most recently served as Director of Sales and Marketing at the Hilton San Diego Del Mar and has held similar leadership roles at the Embassy Suites San Diego La Jolla, Courtyard and Residence Inn Carlsbad, Handlery Hotel & Resort San Diego, Hilton Garden Inn Carlsbad, Hilton San Diego Gaslamp Quarter, and Radisson Hotel San Diego. 

Her professional accomplishments include being named Top Director of Sales for Interstate Hotels & Resorts/Aimbridge from 2018 to 2023. She is also active in the local community, serving on the board of directors for Casa de Amistad, as a member of the Del Mar Solana Beach Rotary, and as a longtime volunteer with the San Diego Food Bank. 

A La Jolla landmark since 1913, the Grande Colonial Hotel offers 97 European-style guest rooms and suites, 22 of which feature residential-style amenities such as full kitchens and fireplaces. The hotel boasts over 5,000 square feet of ocean-view indoor and outdoor meeting and event space, accommodating up to 120 guests. Also onsite is the MICHELIN-recognized NINE-TEN Restaurant, led by nationally acclaimed chef Jason Knibb. 

Both the hotel and restaurant are located at 910 Prospect Street in La Jolla, California. For more information, please visit www.thegrandecolonial.com.