Headlines: August 2008
August 2008
Departments
A Return to Shangri-La
The iconic Hotel Shangri-La is slated for an October re-launch as its $30-million upgrade is nearing completion in Santa Monica. An additional 17 guest rooms will bring the property’s total to 71 rooms and suites. Potential event space includes a rooftop bar—with panoramic views of the Pacific and downtown—with two adjoining suites. shangrila-hotel.com
More in Marin Cavallo Point – The Lodge at the Golden Gate has opened its doors as the first national park lodge in the San Francisco Bay Area. The lodge, located near Sausalito at thecavallopoint.com Golden Gate Bridge’s northern end, showcases 68 historic rooms and suites and 74 contemporary guest rooms and suites. There will be about 29,000 sq. ft. of total function space, divided almost equally between indoor and out. cavallopoint.com
Novato’s Inn Marin has finalized its $2-million renovations, which include significant upgrades to all 68 guest rooms. The inn’s event areas have been improved as well, including a makeover of the Garden Room and landscaping enhancements to the property’s spacious gardens. Inn Marin’s event space totals about 6,000 sq. ft., with capacity for groups of up to approximately 400. innmarin.com
Spurring Good Health
Larkspur Hotels & Restaurants has unveiled its first health and wellness spa, at the historic Casa Munras hotel in Monterey, Calif. The SANO Spa will offer four large treatment rooms, “relaxation alcoves” and an intimate outdoor garden with whirlpool and fire pit. Casa Munras features 171 guest rooms and is set on the grounds of a former Spanish-style hacienda. larkspurhotels.com
Now Boarding
Meeting Planners International has announced its new Board of Directors, who will serve in their current positions until June 30, 2009. Serving as the new Board Chair is Larry Luteran, vice president of group sales and industry relations for Hilton Hotels. A complete list of the Board’s executive committee and board members can be found at MPI’s website. mpiweb.org
Great Scottsdale
A $50-million renovation has begun at the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort and Spa at Gainey Ranch. Slated for an October wrap-up, the upgrades will comprise transformed guest rooms, a new state-of-the-art boardroom and full redesign of the ballroom. The property has recently added two new restaurants as well—SWB (a southwest bistro) and Alto ristorante e bar (Italian fare). scottsdale.hyatt.com
New Heights in Hollywood
The former Holiday Inn Hollywood-Walk of Fame recently relaunched as Hollywood Heights Hotel, aiming to become a sophisticated mid-range hotel ideal for smaller groups and meetings. The property will be run by Interstate Hotels & Resorts and will offer 160 refurbished guest rooms with 32-inch TVs and top-notch bedding. Meeting space includes the Director’s Room and the Actor’s Room (each 504 sq. ft.), plus a renovated pool area available for outdoor functions. hollywoodheightshotel.com
Planning on Oregon?
Travel Oregon (aka The Oregon Tourism Commission) has launched a new statewide publication, the Oregon Trip Planner, intended to provide all the necessary info for travelers coming to the state. The comprehensive guide is available at no charge at the commission’s website or by calling 800-547-7842. traveloregon.com
Alaska Puts Freeze on Cash
Alaska Airlines is phasing out cash for its onboard purchases, offering fliers the chance to make their inflight purchases with a major credit or debit card. Beginning August 5, the airline will no longer accept cash onboard. Customers using the Alaska Airlines Visa Card onboard can earn 10 miles for each dollar spent through Oct. 31, 2008. alaskaair.com
