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What's New in Meetings and Conventions: Hotel and Resort News

Downtown San Diego’s Omni San Diego Hotel offers new options for meeting planners who want to plan green meetings with conscience. New initiatives include laptops and recycled Omni notepads for “No Paper” meetings, Omni Nalgene Bottles filled with cold-filtered water, energy- efficient lighting in the meeting rooms, recycling bins readily available in the meeting space and hybrid cars that can be arranged for off-site events and meals. In fall 2008, Omni San Diego Hotel will launch a new "Group Offerings Menu" with three new unique team building activities. The “Switch Your Suits” outing will take groups to the beach for surfing or boogie board lessons; the package will include wetsuits, beach amenities and round-trip transportation. The “Play Ball” outing will take groups to a San Diego Padre’s baseball game at PETCO Park; the package will include baseball tickets to a Padres game of choice, Cracker Jacks, a disposable camera and drink ticket for Omni’s rooftop bar. “A Segway to the City” outing will allow groups to take guided Segway tours of San Diego’s famed Gaslamp Quarter; the package will include a take-home map of San Diego, sunscreen and disposable camera to capture the day.

For more information, visit www.omnisandiegohotel.com, or call 619- 231-6664. For media inquiries, contact Landry Fuller, Public Relations, Murphy O’Brien, 310-586-7174, landry@murphyobrien.com.

The recent opening of the 45,000 sq. ft. Grand Exhibit Hall at Mission Valley’s Town and Country Resort & Convention Center marks a new measure of space, service and success now available to meeting planners and groups looking to add San Diego to their meeting calendar. The Grand Exhibit Hall, contiguous with the existing Town and Country Convention Center, compliments the resort’s 24,000 sq. ft. Atlas Ballroom and 17,000 sq. ft. Grand Ballroom, allowing groups up to 5,000 people to meet in San Diego’s historic and affordable Mission Valley. The resort also restyled and refreshed its guestrooms and suites, added a new entrance to the Royal Palm Tower for improved
curb appeal and made improvements to the pedestrian promenade that connects the resort property to the light-rail San Diego Trolley.

For more information, visit www.towncountry.com, or call 1-800-445-2324. For media inquiries, contact Barbara T. Whitlock, Sales & Marketing Coordinator, Town and Country Resort & Convention Center, 619-291-2232, bwhitlock@towncountry.com.

The Keating Hotel in downtown’s San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter recently unveiled 3,000 sq. ft. of meeting space in the historic Mercantile Building, located adjacent to the hotel. Built in 1892, the Mercantile Building was restored back to its original historic roots with touches of the Keating’s modern, signature red and black design elements. Ascending from the meeting space is a wooden staircase leading to a 1,000 sq. ft atrium-like foyer that serves as an ideal location for business conferences, session refreshment breaks and cocktail parties. Surrounding the foyer are four flexible brick-walled meeting rooms ranging from 185 to 850 sq. ft. Each meeting space is equipped with state-of-the-art technology, interactive audio visual equipment, HD LCD projector and screen and Wi-Fi high speed internet.


For more information, visit www.thekeating.com, or call 619-814-5700. For media inquiries, contact Shanann Klaver, Public Relations and Marketing Coordinator, The Keating Hotel 619-814-5700, sklaver@thekeating.com.

The Hilton San Diego Bayfront is scheduled to open on December 3, 2008. Rising 30 stories above the edge of San Diego Bay, the Hilton is the West Coast’s newest waterfront hotel. Fusing a dynamic waterfront location, sun and sea-inspired design and casually sophisticated vibe, the Hilton San Diego Bayfront will offer an immersion into the essence of San Diego’s unique coastal culture and lifestyle. Also, the Hilton San Diego Bayfront will open a front-door to San Diego’s vibrant waterfront, providing unparalleled views and direct access to San Diego Bay. The hotel is adjacent to the San Diego Convention Center, across the street from PETCO Park and minutes from the San Diego Airport. It is a short walk from downtown San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter and its many entertainment and recreational amenities. The hotel features 1,190 guest rooms, including 356 king rooms, 804 queen/queen rooms and 30 luxury suites; each offer breathtaking views of San Diego Bay, upscale amenities and state-of-the-art technology.

For more information, visit www.sandiegobayfront.hilton.com, or call 619-270-2601. For media inquiries, contact Nicole Sharp, Marketing Manager, Hilton Hotels, 619-270-2628, nicole.sharp@hilton.com.

Located on 28 oceanfront acres, and offering 65,000 sq. ft. of event space, the Hotel del Coronado is a premier leisure and meeting resort. The Del offers Victorian elegance; indoor, outdoor and oceanfront meeting facilities; award-winning cuisine, and friendly service. A recent $2 million renovation of the hotel’s interior meeting space refreshed the setting and added new state-of-the-art technology. The Del is a wonderful setting for events of all sizes, and its unique meeting rooms and conference facilities offer spectacular views, as well as entertain, reward and impress corporate associates and clients alike. The Hotel del Coronado is located just across San Diego Bay from downtown San Diego and only seven miles from the San Diego International Airport. This classic Southern California resort features 757 rooms, including the new luxury cottages and villas at Beach Village, a new world-class spa and fitness center, a variety of unique shops and boutiques and a host of restaurants and bars.

For more information, visit www.hoteldel.com, or call 619-435-6611. For media inquiries, contact Lauren Ash Donoho, Public Relations Director, Hotel del Coronado, 619-522-8041, ldonoho@hoteldel.com.

The waterfront Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego is Southern California’s largest hotel offering 1,625 rooms and close proximity to the San Diego Convention Center and downtown San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter. Thinking “green,” the hotel created a “Green Team” to build upon the hotel’s rich legacy of environmentally-aware actions, including its popular “Green Meeting Package.” With the package, the hotel will contribute up to $2,000 to a meeting planner’s favorite environmental cause, or provide a complimentary "green" morning or afternoon coffee break that includes green apples, green tea, green M&M's and more served on organic, recycled and reusable products. More than just a business hotel, guests can unwind at the Hyatt’s new 8,000 sq. ft. Kin Lounge that overlooks San Diego Bay’s nighttime nautical scene and enjoy fine fare at the new steakhouse, Lael’s. Meeting attendees can also select from a menu of custom spa treatments, massages and pedicures at the Hyatt’s new Kin Spa.

For more information, visit www.manchestergrand.hyatt.com, or call 619-232-1234. For media inquiries, contact John Brice, Public Relations, Brice & Associates, 858-456-3855, jbrice@briceandassociates.com.

L’Auberge Del Mar reopened in June 2008 following a $26 million renovation, immediately reclaiming and enhancing its position as an upscale meeting and event destination and premiere boutique hideaway for discerning travelers. Featuring the ambiance of an elegant private coastal estate, the renowned 120-room historic property in Del Mar now boasts 15,500 sq. ft. of beautifully appointed event space containing the latest in technology. Six uniquely designed meeting rooms and abundant outdoor venues overlooking the Pacific Ocean were added, including a new 2,000 sq. ft outdoor terrace and a chic pool deck and bar. Additional hotel amenities include a fashionable new restaurant and wine bar complete with an open demonstration kitchen, private poolside cabanas, white pearl-bottomed pool and 4,500-sq. ft. luxury spa that will open in December 2008.

For information, visit www.laubergedelmar.com, or call 1-800-245-9757. For media inquiries, contact Christopher Scott, Public Relations, Wills Communications, 858-450-1120, cscott@willscom.com.

The stylish Hard Rock Hotel San Diego, located in San Diego’s historic Gaslamp Quarter, recently unveiled design plans for the transformation of nearly 5,000 sq. ft. of meeting space. The development is a direct response to the rapidly growing need for more meeting space within the 420-room hotel and throughout San Diego. With construction underway, the new multi-functional space will include two levels and seven individual breakout rooms featuring modern, non-traditional design and cutting-edge technology. Upon completion, Hard Rock Hotel will feature 40,000 sq. ft. of amped-up meeting and event space capable of accommodating anything from weddings to large and small corporate events. The Hard Rock’s signature “Rock Star” service will continue to feature the Backstage Pass, allowing meeting planners complete access to all the details surrounding their event, and personal, dedicated Roadies that ensure a flawless meeting experience.

For more information, visit www.hardrockhotelsd.com, or call 866-751-7625. For media inquiries, contact Rana Kay, Public Relations Manager, Hard Rock Hotel San Diego, 619-764-6938, ranak@hardrockhotelsd.com.

La Costa Resort and Spa, located 30 minutes north of downtown San Diego in the coastal community of Carlsbad, continues its pursuit of excellence with the introduction of The Garden Pools and Garden Café. Adding to its repertoire of classic Southern California meeting space, this tranquil oasis features two stunning swimming pools, two Jacuzzis, a fire pit and area for croquet or Bocce ball. In addition, the quaint Garden Café brings sophistication to traditional poolside fare with its signature cocktails and cuisine. This garden setting is a favorite for groups in need of outdoor space for afternoon luncheons, receptions or dinners under the stars. In 2008, La Costa also opened the Vista Terrace, a beautiful outdoor venue with panoramic views of the resort’s golf courses and surrounding foothills. Located off the first level of the Conference Center, the 9,500 sq. ft. Vista Terrace accommodates up to 800 people and is the ideal venue for an al fresco reception-style function.

For more information, visit www.lacosta.com, or call 760-438-9111. For media inquiries, contact Cindy Lawrence, Director of Public Relations, La Costa Resort & Spa, 760-929-6394, clawrence@lacosta.com.

Harrah’s Rincon Resort and Casino recently completed a renovation and remodel to its guestrooms, meeting rooms and pool area, adding space and visual appeal for business and leisure guests. A major part of the renovation was the addition of a new, state-of-the-art junior ballroom, the Bordeaux Ballroom, located in the conference center on the resort’s second floor. The 5,000 sq. ft room has an attached 2,200 sq. ft. patio providing versatility for indoor/outdoor events. Additional meeting space throughout the resort was updated with new décor and top-of-the-line lighting and sound systems. Harrah’s Rincon now offers 662 guestrooms and suites complete with new furniture, carpeting, plasma TV’s, private first floor patios and a new pool area with 14 private cabanas, fire pits and lush landscaping.

For more information, visit www.harrahs.com, or call 760-751-3100. For media inquiries, contact John Goldsmith, Director of Sales, Harrah’s Rincon Resort and Casino, 760-651-3049, jgoldsmith@rincon.harrahs.com.

The Four-Diamond Westin San Diego is a landmark hotel known for its eight green-lit towers that stand out amidst the nighttime city skyline. Following a $17million renovation, the hotel offers fresh accommodations, comfort and convenience for leisure and meeting travelers. Located in downtown San Diego, the Westin boasts 436 guestrooms that offer stunning panoramic views of San Diego Bay, the Pacific Ocean and Coronado, and 22,000 sq. ft. of flexible meeting space that can accommodate a variety of meeting and event needs. The hotel is also conveniently located within a walking distance to popular downtown attractions like the historic Gaslamp Quarter, Little Italy, San Diego Harbor, Horton Plaza Mall and Seaport Village. Located one block from a San Diego trolley stop, guests can take a quick trolley ride to Old Town, Fashion Valley Mall or Charger Stadium and experience San Diego’s diverse offerings.

For more information, visit www.westin.com, or call 619-239-4500. For media inquiries, contact Catherine Hughes, Sales Coordinator, Westin San Diego, 619-338-3608, chughes@westin-sd.com.

The a Four-Diamond Pala Casino Spa & Resort, located in North San Diego County, offers Las Vegas-style gaming, service, accommodations, entertainment and dining. Pala currently offers 30,000 sq. ft. of meeting space consisting of executive boardrooms, break-out rooms and outdoor landscaped event space. As part of a $100 million remodel and casino expansion, Pala will open 10 new and improved dining venues including Coffee Amoré, a new Italian coffee house, Mexican restaurant and sushi/sake bar. The resort will also make several upgrades to its existing eateries like The Pala Terrace Buffet which will expand to 20,000 sq. ft and seat 600 guests making it the largest buffet in North San Diego County.

For more information, visit www.palacasino.com, or call 877-946-7252. For media inquiries, contact Liz Newman, Public Relations Senior Account Executive, Bailey Gardiner, 619-295-8232 ext. 107, liz@baileygardiner.com.

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What’s New in San Diego Meeting and Convention News



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