Report: Sexual harassment charges against GM of Bev Hills Hotel

Five former employees allege that Alberto del Hoyo, who retired as the hotel's general manager last week, engaged in "racist, sexist and illegal conduct" that was tolerated by the hotel's other management, NBC LA is posting on its website. The accusations are contained in a lawsuit filed in Superior Court.

Del Hoyo's alleged misconduct was often directed at hostesses of the Polo Lounge, the hotel's famed watering hole, according to the lawsuit. "He would greet the hostesses in such a way,that he would be able to touch them on the hand and then also be able to touch their breasts," Rob Hennig, an attorney representing the plaintiffs, told NBC4 LA. Two of the plaintiffs, Wendy Giron and Kelley Morales, both former Polo Lounge hostesses, quit more than a year ago because, they assert in the suit, del Hoyo frequently fondled them in plain sight, right at the hostess' podium.

[CUT]

Robert Sulatycky, another plaintiff in the lawsuit, resigned a year ago from his position as regional director of culinary food and beverage operations at the hotel and its local sister establishment, the Hotel Bel-Air. "It was a very sexually charged, racially charged environment," Sulatycky told NBC4 LA. He said he quit his prestigious position because he was "subjected to racist and sexist comments from Mr. Del Hoyo on a...near daily basis."

An attorney for Del Hoyo says the allegations are without merit. The hotel is owned and operated by the Dorchester Collection, which is owned by the Brunei Investment Agency. Dorchester also owns and manages the Hotel Bel-Air, which has been closed for renovations.