The City of San Diego has ordered the owner of a well-known Mission Valley hotel to crackdown on prostitution activity.
As a result of a legal settlement, the Howard Johnson Hotel located at 1631 Hotel Circle South, must add a 24-hour security guard, install more security cameras and post signs warning of criminal activity.
According to City Attorney Jan Goldsmith’s office, an investigation was launched into the activity at the hotel after San Diego police made 18 prostitution-related arrests in less than one year.
Chhatrala Hospitality Group, LLC, owned by Hemant Chhatrala, owns and runs the franchise hotel.
"A lot of times a pimp or someone else will register for the room and then they're gone for two or three days and the girls in the room, so even the person who is registered for the room is nowhere in site," said Deputy City Attorney Nicole Pedone. "That should not be occurring."
Pedone said they are investigating other hotels in the area as well.
Manager Paresh Patel says they've installed security cameras, improved lighting, require every vehicle to be registered and have a strict no guest policy in their rooms.
As part of the settlement, the company has agreed to $21,000 to the City of San Diego to cover costs of the investigation.
If the hotel owner fails to comply with the changes ordered, a $10,000 penalty may be assessed according to the city attorney's office.
