San Francisco Hotel Updates

Neighborhood: Civic Center

Renoir Hotel, Recently Purchased by The Kor Group

The Kor Group (Kor) has been bringing new life to San Francisco's mid-Market district since June 2012 with A Temporary Offering (ATO), a new pop-up concept that integrates virtually an entire city block and creates an urban destination on the ground floor of Kor's newly acquired Renoir Hotel, 45 McAllister St. ATO consists of three carefully curated venues:

• A restaurant helmed by FoodLab with daily lunch service and a line-up of both A-list and up-and-coming chefs populating the space by night as well as a large, licensed commercial kitchen available for rent.
• Rio Grande, a bar created by renowned cocktail and spirit consulting company The Bon Vivants.
• Trailhead, the Luggage Store Gallery's satellite retail project bringing together locally-roasted coffee, a youth-initiated high-end denim boutique, seedling farm outlet, and local artist-made ephemera— including books, zines, and maps.

Kor purchased the historic Renoir Hotel, located in the heart of mid-Market at Seventh and Market streets, in February 2012. They immediately set out to engage the local community and find ways to creatively activate the hotel's vacant retail spaces. ATO will create both a destination for food, drink and art as well as a place for local entrepreneurs to test new ideas and showcase their skills in a relaxed setting that encourages experimentation and embraces the neighborhood. For information visit www.renoirhotel.com or www.atemporaryoffering.com or call 415-626-5200. Media contacts: Bridget Dixon, bdixon@wagstaffworldwide.com, or Carissa Remitz, carissa@wagstaffworldwide.com , 415-274-2510.

Neighborhood: Financial District

Historic Galleria Park Hotel Completes 18-Month, Multi-Million Dollar Renovation ________, 2013

This summer the Galleria Park Hotel, 191 Sutter St., will complete an 18-month, multi-million dollar renovation to celebrate its rich heritage. The current building built on the site of two historic properties, dates to 1911 and is the most historic property within the Joie de Vivre collection. Key aspects of the renovation include a chic redesign of the hotel's 177 guest rooms and suites; the introduction of Franck Leclerc's Gaspar Brasserie, where guests can savor French fare by celebrated chefs Brigitte Batson and Patrick Kelly; new landscaping and décor on the hotel's outdoor terrace; remodeling and enhanced functionality of 2,000-square-feet of meeting space; Internet hardware upgrade; new art selected by Lost Art Salon, and new Fitness Studio equipment. The Galleria Park Hotel also offers a hosted daily wine hours, complimentary Wi-Fi access and pets-stay-free policy. For information visit www.galleriapark.com or call 1-800-738-7477. Media contact: Samara Diapoulos, 415-385-6507, samara@samara-pr.com.

Mandarin Oriental, San Francisco Unveils New Look for 25th Anniversary
In May 2012 the Mandarin Oriental, San Francisco unveiled luxurious new interiors to celebrate the hotel's 25th anniversary year. The award-winning property located on the top 11 floors of San Francisco's third tallest building, 345 California Center, has been redesigned by San Francisco-based interior designer BAMO with a renewed style and contemporary elegance befitting Mandarin Oriental's first hotel in the United States. With an entirely new Italian travertine marble lobby, completely refurbished guest rooms and suites, Mandarin Oriental, San Francisco also recently opened a new signature restaurant, Brasserie S & P, under the direction of Executive Chef Adam Mali. Each of the 158 guest rooms and suites feature custom-designed furnishings with a hint of French Deco reflected in plush blue couches, large white ash burl wooden desks, and 400-thread count linens. Suites are individually designed, each with a furnished, 800-square-foot landscaped terrace offering spectacular views. The hotel also offers more than 5,000 square feet of elegantly designed, versatile, and technologically-advanced function rooms on the second level with outdoor space for intimate gatherings on the 40th floor. The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, San Francisco will make its debut in the fall offering an urban oasis in the heart of the city. For additional information visit www.mandarinoriental.com/sanfrancisco or call 415-276-9888. Media contact: Edwina A. Kluender, 415-276-9780, ekluender@mohg.com.

Neighborhood: Fisherman's Wharf

Hyatt at Fisherman's Wharf Unveils Renovated Meeting Space
Inspired by its location in San Francisco's Fisherman's Wharf, Hyatt at Fisherman's Wharf, 555 North Point St., will soon complete a comprehensive $1 million renovation of the hotel's more than 19,000 square feet of function space. The new décor resembles the colors and images of the San Francisco Bay, the community of fishermen based at the wharf and the merchants along Fisherman's Wharf. Designed by Chicago's Simeone Deary Design Group, the renovation includes new fireplaces, custom hand blown glass chandeliers, shimmering fountain and wall sconces, as well as a cozy area that serves as a quiet workplace or convenient, one-on-one networking. Additionally, the lounge provides additional power outlets for mobile devices and lap tops. The Hyatt is also offering special group rates and value-added group concessions through May 31, 2012. For additional information visit www.fishermanswharf.hyatt.com or call 415-563-1234 or 800-233-1234. Media contact: Molly Blaisdell, 925-300-7252, mollyb22@gmail.com.

Radisson Hotel Fisherman's Wharf Multi-Million Dollar Remodeling Includes Tribute to the Golden Gate Bridge
The 75th anniversary of San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge was an integral part of the multi-million dollar remodeling and renovations completed in April 2012 at the 355-room Radisson Hotel Fisherman's Wharf, 250 Beach St. This iconic hotel, which has long been a favorite for leisure and business travelers because of its ideal location at Fisherman's Wharf, is celebrating the 2012 anniversary of the historic Golden Gate Bridge with a photographic mural placed over the bed in each guest room, many of which feature views of San Francisco Bay or the hotel's courtyard. All of the guest rooms have been completely refreshed and feature Sleep Number Beds™ with plush bedding and comforters, contemporary seating and privacy window treatments. New spa style bathrooms feature granite countertops, expanded showers and custom vanities. In addition guests will enjoy 37-inch flat screen TVs, work desks with an ergonomic chair, in-room coffee makers and dry bars (in select rooms). Rooms that feature a terrace have stylish new patio furniture.

Additional amenities include concierge and bell service, complimentary wireless service throughout the hotel, a business center, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and a year-round heated outdoor swimming pool with new resort style lounges.
For additional information visit www.radisson.com or call 415-392-6700. Media contact: Gayle B. MacIntyre, 404-643-8222, gaylemacintyre@bellsouth.net.

Neighborhood: Mission Bay

Mission Bay Block 1
Strada Investment Group has acquired a three-acre site across from AT&T Park in the northeast corner of Mission Bay and plans to develop a $220 million mixed-use project to include a 500 key hotel, 50,000 square feet of retail and a 250-stall parking garage. The project will transform one of the most prominent development sites in the city — a triangular Mission Bay parcel that is on the channel, kitty corner to AT&T Park with frontages on Third Street and Fourth Street. It is the only site in Mission Bay zoned for a hotel. Strada has partnered with an affiliate of Blackrock, Inc. (NYSE: BLK) to secure a re-entitlement of the property to a mixed-use project. Strada will manage all aspects of the development process including processing environmental review and overseeing all regulatory approvals, architecture and engineering, financial underwriting, and market analysis and strategy. For additional information visit http://stradasf.com/contact-us.html.

Neighborhood: The Presidio

Inn at the Presidio
The 22-room Inn at the Presidio, which opened on April 1, 2012, will soon be expanded to include an additional four rooms in a nearby historic house. The guestrooms, a project of the Presidio Trust, will be located in a rehabilitated historic house on Funston Avenue, just down the street from the Inn at the Presidio. Funston Avenue, also known as “Officers' Row,” is lined with wood-frame homes that make up the oldest intact streetscape in San Francisco. The Inn at the Presidio is San Francisco's only new hotel property to open in 2012 and the first hotel to open in the Presidio of San Francisco, a National Historic Landmark and national park site. Located on the Main Post at 42 Moraga Ave., the inn is a member of the Historic Hotels of America. Originally Pershing Hall Bachelor Officers Quarters (BOQ), the building that houses the Inn at the Presidio is a three-story, Classic Revival brick building built in 1903. A grand front porch, entrance hall with a central staircase, outdoor deck with fire pit and views of San Francisco Bay and the Golden Gate Bridge from the top level are complemented by comfortable, contemporary furnishings. Two meeting rooms, accommodating up to 25 individuals, are available. Guests have access to a complimentary continental breakfast buffet as well as an evening wine and cheese reception. For the younger set, there's milk and cookies. Room rates start at $195 per night based on single/double occupancy. The Presidio spans 1,491 acres including more than 1,000 acres of open space that frames the majestic Golden Gate Bridge; it became a national park site in 1994. Bookings for the new guestrooms at the Funston House will begin on April 1, 2013. The suites will rent for $195-$245 per night. For more information visit: www.innatthepresidio.com. Media contact: Paul Burditch, 415-874-9696, paul@burditchmc.com.

Neighborhood: SoMa

W San Francisco
The unique look and feel of the recently redesigned W San Francisco's guestrooms, junior suites, meeting space and public areas was influenced by the culture of the city and a modern idea of East meets West. Located at 181 Third St., redesign highlights include brighter guestrooms with comfy window seating, a fireplace in the lobby/living room, a W Chill Lounge for meeting attendees and a fun and whimsical arcade game on the second floor. The designs mirror the effects of the famous San Francisco fog that covers the city and blurs the distinctions between its various neighborhoods. The Welcome Desk features a three-dimensional map installation so that guests may orient themselves upon check-in while simultaneously becoming immersed in the hotel's concept and design. In addition, the Living Room and Living Room Bar use the diffusion of natural light as a play on the way fog affects the city's lights. The renovation also introduces the W's new signature restaurant, Trace. The restaurant focuses on high-quality and sustainable cuisine meant to encapsulate the local personality of the Bay Area. From Trace, guests can enter Upstairs, a bar and lounge where visitors can relax and enjoy the ambiance of the city. For additional information visit www.whotels.com/sanfrancisco or call 415-777-5300. Media contact: Allison Fox, 415-817-7813, allison.fox@whotels.com

New Hotel Zetta Opens February 2013
Steps away from the San Francisco's fashion, arts, technology and music scenes, new boutique Hotel Zetta is situated at the convergence of Union Square, SoMa and the Financial District. The 116-room property was originally built in 1913 and reopened on its 100th anniversary with 2,760 square feet of meeting and event space, as well as the “ultimate Playroom.” With its decidedly modern SoMa edge, Hotel Zetta expects to be a hub for the surrounding cultural and business communities. Viceroy Hotel Group also announced the next innovative phase of their new boutique hotel—the S+R (Salvage + Rescue) Lounge. From menu items to décor, the lounge which will embrace all things “salvaged and rescued.” Hotel Zetta is located at 55 5th St. in San Francisco, California. For reservations, please call 415-543-8555 or visit the hotel's web site at www.hotelzetta.com. Hotel Zetta media contact: Laura Barnes, laurab@afandco.com.

Neighborhood: Union Square

Grand Hyatt San Francisco
The Grand Hyatt San Francisco, 345 Stockton St., completed a renovation of all 685 guest rooms and suites in August 2011. Project highlights include works by Bay Area-artists showcased in the rooms, flat-screen TVs and wireless or wired high-speed Internet access. The new Grand Club rooms, on floors 30 through 34, feature one-touch controls for lights and shades and hardwood floors made from sustainably harvested, chemical-free wood. For additional information visit www.grandsanfrancisco.hyatt.com or call 415-398-1234. Media contact: Kate Navarrette, 415-848-6071, kate.navarrette@hyatt.com.

Harry Denton's Starlight Room
Harry Denton's Starlight Room, San Francisco's iconic lounge on the 21st floor of Kimpton's Sir Francis Drake Hotel, 450 Powell St., has reopened after a major remodel. The nightclub lounge, located in vibrant Union Square, has long been famed for its lush velvet décor, spectacular panoramic city views and high-spirited host, namesake Harry Denton. The redesign pays homage to the lounge's storied past, while celebrating with a present-day décor.
The Starlight Room's new cocktail menu infuses the best of old and new, under cocktail king Joel Teitelbaum, who has created a cocktail list that takes beverage buffs on a complete chronological tour of the cocktail from the gin, raspberry chamomile liqueur and champagne Starlight Punch from the 1600s to the present day with the High Flyer, which includes absinthe, hibiscus cordial and Bundaberg Peach Soda. For additional information visit www.kimptonrestaurants.com or call 1-800-KIMPTON. Media contact: Nancy Uber-Rose, 415-672-2950, nancy@nupr.com.

Hilton San Francisco Union Square Completes $53 Million Transformation June 2012
The Hilton San Francisco Union Square, 333 O'Farrell St., has completed a $53 million project that transformed 550 guest rooms and function space. The project, completed in June 2012, incorporates 21st century design features to reinforce the hotel's positioning as the city's premier hotel and conference venue. The renovation is part of a three-year, $3 billion plan of significant property renovations currently underway across the global portfolio of Hilton Hotels & Resorts, the flagship brand of Hilton Worldwide. Major improvements designed to enhance the guest experience include the addition of a second window to improve views of the city and sound-proofing. The guest rooms also feature new furniture, soft goods, refrigerators and wired and wireless high-speed Internet service. The hotel's 20,000-square-foot Continental Ballroom and 31 of the additional meeting rooms (ranging in size from 430 to 1,090 square feet) have been expanded and updated with contemporary design features. Those facilities, together with the hotel's new 13,500 square-foot Golden Gate Ballroom, comprise a significant part of the 134,500 square feet of function space in the hotel. For additional information visit www.hiltonsanfranciscohotel.com or call 415-771-1400. Media contact: Scott Baublitz, 415-923-5085, scott.baublitz@hilton.com or visit www.hiltonglobalmediacenter.com/sanfrancisco. 

Hotel Adagio's Multi-Million Dollar Transformation Completed July 2012
A multi-million dollar transformation of the 171-room Hotel Adagio, 550 Geary St. in Union Square, was completed in July 2012. The transformation includes refurbishment of each of the property's 171 guest rooms, penthouse suites and public spaces, expanded meeting and event space, as well as a new concept for the restaurant and lobby-level bar.
While respecting the historic Spanish Revival architecture reflected in the hotel's exterior, interior restyling uses a chic, modern design aesthetic. In addition to guest room and public area redesign, the project includes a complete renovation and re-conception of the hotel's onsite restaurant, and a new bar The Mortimer (replacing Bar Adagio), is being groomed to create a new neighborhood nightlife option catering to visitors and locals, with a revamped cocktail menu, communal seating and entertainment. The meeting space expansion, coupled with a redesign of the hotel's penthouse level suites allows guests to buyout the entire 16th floor which includes three guestrooms, two luxury suites and two meeting rooms with a wrap-around outdoor terrace featuring San Francisco views. The property now features more than 3,000 square feet of meeting space. For information visit
www.hoteladagiosf.com or call 800-228-8830. Media contact: Rana Kay, 619-846-0448, ranak@hoteladagiosf.com.

Hotel Diva Completes $2 Million Renovation
The Hotel Diva, 440 Geary St., recently unveiled its 116- room $2 million “reinvention.” Led by Edmonds + Lee Architects, all guest rooms, common areas and the exterior were re-envisioned with the dramatic yet clean, modern style signature of the San Francisco-based designer. Part of Personality Hotels, the Hotel Diva exudes an urbane style all its own; each of the guest rooms is done in three shades of grey with deep plum accents; black and white furnishings, and white bedding. Windows are dressed in custom shades printed with two dramatic images - one of a woman's curvaceous form in a lacy corset and thigh-high fishnet stockings and another of shapely legs in heels. Both designs incorporate hints of the structural elements of the hotel and the Diva logo. For additional information visit www.personalityhotels.com or call 415-885-0200. Media contact: Kelly Chamberlin, 415-336-4332, kelly@chamberlinpr.com.

Kimpton's Hotel Triton Debuts New Look June 2012
Kimpton's 144-room Hotel Triton, 342 Grant Ave., has been given a makeover steeped in San Francisco's literary tradition and Beat era heritage. Quotes from author Jack Kerouac are featured on the wallpaper and guests may also browse through editions of Kerouac's “On the Road” or Allen Ginsberg's “Howl” found on the bedside table. Crimson dragons tattooed on the guest room walls pay homage to the hotel's location just steps from the dragon-adorned gateway to Chinatown. Additional design elements include sage green wainscoting, bright yellow lacquered headboards, sawhorse desks, chalkboard message boards and industrial-style lighting. The hotel offers several celebrity suites as well including one designed by comedian Kathy Griffin, another dedicated to the Grateful Dead's Jerry Garcia and a third stocked with Haagen Dazs products for guests with a sweet tooth. Tapping into San Francisco's local creative community, the Triton will be inviting San Francisco-based poets, musicians, artists and performers to the evening wine hour and the hotel also features a rotating monthly art gallery on the mezzanine level where guests may purchase local artwork. For additional information visit www.hoteltriton.com or call 800-800-1299 or 415-394-0500. Media contacts: Nancy Uber, 415-672-2950, nancy@nupr.com or Stephanie Moustirats, 415-955-5487, stephanie.moustirats@kimptongroup.com.

Mystic Hotel by Charlie Palmer
Renowned chef and hotelier Charlie Palmer has transformed a 79-room boutique hotel (former Crescent Hotel) into a contemporary haven for comfortable luxury. Nestled in the heart of Union Square at 417 Stockton St., the hotel houses The Burritt Room – an intimate film noir-inspired bar devoted to carefully crafted cocktails, and will soon debut Charlie Palmer's newest restaurant concept, Burritt Tavern, offering classic food such as steaks and chops paired with local and seasonal inspirations. Although many of the rooms were recently renovated, Palmer has revitalized the 16 largest rooms facing Stockton Street into junior suites. The new hotel and restaurant concept debuted in April 2012. For additional information visit www.MysticHotel.com or call 415-400-0500. Media contact: Erin Jevis, 212-755-7050, ext. 21 or 315-415-7300, ejevis@charliepalmer.com.

Neighborhood: Oakland

Oakland Marriott City Center Completes Interior Renovations as Part of $17 Million “Reinvention”
The 489-room Oakland Marriott City Center, 1001 Broadway, Oakland, CA, has completed its interior renovations as a part of its $17 million reinvention. Changes include extensive upgrades to the lobby, ballrooms, guest rooms, meeting and event space, Skyline Room, and the new Great Room which includes the Level Two restaurant and Twelve Bar lounge. "All That Jazz" is the underlying theme of the hotel redesign, incorporating Oakland's strong connection to jazz history. The intention for the design was to include sophisticated yet contemporary pieces, using bright and warm colors to accent natural elements such as wood, glass and metal. For additional information visit www.oaklandmarriott.com or call 510-451-4000. Media contact: Alicia Cavallo, 510-466-6465, alicia.cavallo@ihrco.com.

Neighborhood: Sausalito

Casa Madrona Hotel & Spa Completes Multi-Million Dollar Renovation
Casa Madrona Hotel & Spa in Sausalito, CA brings the past and present together following a multi-million dollar renovation, completed on June 15, 2011. Set on a lush hillside in the heart of Sausalito's village center, Casa Madrona first welcomed guests in 1885. Now listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the property offers 63 guest accommodations including 22 hillside cottages (15 completely renovated), many with private decks, fireplaces and water views; 10 Victorian rooms located atop the property, within the historic William Barrett Mansion, and 31 contemporary rooms in a newly renovated wing designed with contemporary bayside décor. The hotel's new 3,000 square-foot Spa at Casa Madrona focuses on the restorative and life-giving power of water therapy through an extensive treatment menu and nourishing products from the bay. Casa Madrona also offers 5,000 square feet of flexible event space. For reservations or additional information visit www.casamadrona.com or call 800-288-0502. Media contact: Julie Shamrock, 212- 255-6541, julie@hawkpr.com.

Neighborhood: SFO

Aloft Hotels, New High-Tech, High-Design, Low-Cost Hotel Brand.
With more than 60 hotels now open around the globe, Aloft Hotels has added an additional location to its portfolio, the Aloft San Francisco Airport, 401 East Millbrae Ave., Millbrae. The Aloft San Francisco Airport is the Aloft brand's first conversion of an existing hotel and launches a brand-new phase of growth for one of the world's most talked-about hotel brands. Opening September 13, the hotel received a significant renovation and will offer 252 guest rooms adjacent to one of the busiest travel hubs in the world, San Francisco International Airport. Aloft Hotels' high-tech, high-design, low-cost concept debuted in 2008 and is considered one of the fastest and most successful hotel launches in industry history. For information visit www.aloftsanfranciscoairport.com or call 650-443-5500. Media contact: Carissa Remitz, 415-274-2510, carissa@wagstaffworldwide.com 

Hotel News

Joie de Vivre Hospitality to Be Renamed JdV Collection
Joie de Vivre's parent company, Commune Hotels & Resorts, has announced that the eclectic collection of 31 independently branded boutique hotels founded by Chip Conley in 1987 in San Francisco, will be renamed JdV Collection. The new name will be introduced along with a redesigned jdvhotels.com website. Joie de Vivre properties in San Francisco currently include Galleria Park, Hotel Carlton, Hotel Del Sol, Hotel Kabuki, Hotel Rex, Hotel Tomo, Hotel Vitale, Laurel Inn, Petite Auberge, Phoenix Hotel (the first JDV property) and White Swan Inn. Commune Hotels & Resorts, which was formed in October 2011, owns the Joie de Vivre and luxury lifestyle Thompson Hotels brands and manages 46 hotels. The company is focused on global expansion, targeting locations in Asia, South America, Mexico, Europe and the United States. Currently under development are Thompson properties in New York, Chicago, Miami and Cabo San Lucas, Mexico along with Joie de Vivre hotels in Honolulu and Palo Alto, California. In addition, a design-driven, value-oriented brand combining elements of Thompson Hotels and Joie de Vivre will be introduced later in 2012.
For additional information visit www.jdvhotels.com or call 800-738-7477. Media contact: Lori Lincoln, 415-773-1067, llincoln@jdvhotels.com.

Treasure Island Redevelopment Plans Include Hotels, Residential Units
Development plans for Treasure Island, a manmade island located just west of the mid-point of the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge, include approximately 500 hotel rooms, up to 8,000 new residential units, a 400-slip marina, restaurants, retail and entertainment venues — plus nearly 300 acres of parks and public open space, including shoreline access and culture uses such as a museum. The development, slated to begin in 2013, will be clustered around a new ferry terminal and is designed to prioritize walking, biking and public transit. Already projected to be the most environmentally-sustainable large development project in U.S. history, the project was recently announced as one of 16 founding projects of the Clinton Climate Initiative's Climate Positive Development Program. For information visit www.sftreasureisland.org or call 415-274-0660.

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