Interview: Sal Imposimato of Journal Hotels

Name: Sal Imposimato

Profession: Vice President, Brand Experience, Journal Hotels (The Hollywood Roosevelt, Two Bunch Palms, The Bradbury, The Park Plaza)

Age: 41

Packing Tip?

Make sure everything you pack fits in a bag that fits in the overhead bin, no exceptions,

Favorite travel memory?

Traveling to Paris with my wife, Andrea, when she was seven months pregnant with our soon to be second son, Julian; we were thinking of names at the time, and were really debating on Julien or Julian, because when we were in Paris, we only saw it spelled with the “e” and not the “a.” We really liked it, but when we got to the Charles De Gaulle, there was this bigger-than-life cut-out of Julian Casablancas of the Strokes doing some cheesy men’s cologne advertisement. It was then we knew it had to be Julian with an “a.”

Bucket List Destination?

Sicily

Favorite off-the-beaten-path spot?

Two Bunch Palms in Desert Hot Springs, Calif. It is situated on a mineral spring producing 600 gallons of an endless water supply each minute at a balmy temperature of 107 degrees. There are amazing grottos tucked away throughout the property and even a house said to be owned by Al Capone, designed specifically for life after Alcatraz. It is also the only 100 percent carbon neutral resort in the country — such an amazing and relaxing experience.

What kind of traveler are you?

I have three children, under the age of 7, so wherever I/we go, there must be a dreadful theme park, grilled cheese sandwiches, chicken tenders and/or pizza.

Best meal you’ve had on your travels?

Pizza in Naples

Favorite item collected from your travels?

I found these amazing rocks from deep and wild trails in the Dominican Republic. I brought them back and carried one around with me for the longest time, turned out to be a lucky rock.

Where next?

I want to go to Borneo, where I can lose contact from the world and everyone in it for a short period of time.