La Jolla Hotel Spruces Up With Renovations
And New Executive Chef
“San Diego Art + Sol,” a campaign to promote San Diego to tourists as a cultural destination, has picked up national recognition and opportunities for more local exposure.
The campaign, which was launched in May by local museums, theatres and cultural organizations and the San Diego Convention & Visitors Bureau, won a “Market for Success” award from the National Trust for Historic Preservation. It was selected from 130 potential “Best Practices” in heritage tourism.
Art + Sol released its second seasonal brochure last month, and the new winter/spring edition was sponsored in part by San Diego Magazine. The magazine made the brochure a supplement to its December issue, which boosted the brochure distribution to 215,000.
Another way the campaign is taking a local approach is through a media partnership with local NBC affiliate KNSD, which is airing promotional spots encouraging viewers to visit local museums, theatres and cultural events.
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Restaurant Rebirth: Further details are not yet available on plans for the soon-to-be remodeled Putnam’s Grill at The Grande Colonial. A new name and style of cuisine are reportedly being finalized.
Last month, the La Jolla hotel hired executive chef Michael Stebner away from Loews Coronado Bay Resort’s Azzura Point. Stebner will oversee the hotel’s food and beverage operations, including catering.
Early last year, the 75-room Colonial underwent a $3 million renovation that included guest rooms, lobby, meeting rooms, front entrance and exterior. Now, Putnam’s kitchen and restaurant interior will be remodeled, closing in February and re-opening April 1.
Checking In: Identifying client bases and positioning to hear him tell it, Steve Pelzer’s new position as executive vice president of sales and marketing with Evans Hotels is a familiar one. Before leaving for a locally based investment group involved in real estate acquisitions and development, he had a similar position with the San Diego Convention & Visitors Bureau. Pelzer will be overseeing sales and marketing for locally based Evans’ properties, which include the Bahia Hotel at Mission Bay, the Catamaran Resort Hotel in Pacific Beach and The Lodge at Torrey Pines. Marketing the latter, in the midst of a $50 million renovation that involves tearing down most of the structures and adding a spa, is also a similar project to what Pelzer undertook in 1989 when he opened the Hyatt Regency La Jolla at Aventine. As the hotel’s general manager, he oversaw the launch’s marketing. Improving Lindbergh Field’s ambiance was a goal for the San Diego Unified Port District last year. Through its performing arts program, 50 performances ranging from brass bands to Celtic dancers were given at the airport throughout 2000. Call this one “What’s old is new:” Loews Coronado Bay Resort’s newest offering is in fact ages old , Feng Shui. The hotel recently incorporated the ancient Chinese system of creating environmental balance into its meeting services department. For additional charges, staff will integrate techniques into the events. Some examples are finding the speakers’ ideal line of sight, adjusting sound systems and setting the room’s overall mood and ambiance.
The hotel will also set up Feng Shui breaks during events, which include soothing music, waterfalls, almond cookies and tea. Other Feng Shui options are workshops and getaway packages.
