SAN DIEGO--June 6, 2012--San Diego-based Bartell Hotels, an independent hotelier, announced today that it has broken ground on the $13 Million expansion of the Holiday Inn San Diego Bayside located at 4875 North Harbor Drive in San Diego. Overlooking San Diego Bay, the expansion consists of a new “grand entrance” featuring a 2,000-square-foot lobby with 18-foot ceilings; 57 oversized guest rooms and suites with bay views; a 3,400-square-foot ballroom; and a boardroom complete with the most modern technology. Following the expansion, the total number of guest rooms will be 291 including 13 suites. Total meeting room capability will be 8,200 square feet. The four-story, 44,000-square-foot expansion is expected to be completed in summer 2013. As a direct result of the expansion, the hotel will employ approximately 50 additional staff members.

According to Bob Hilborn, general manager of the Holiday Inn San Diego Bayside, “We’ve looked forward to this expansion for a long time. The location of the new lobby is uniquely situated to provide a dramatic sense of arrival for our guests, as well as a gateway to historic Point Loma. The vibrant themes of the new building reflect our location on San Diego Bay and America’s Cup Harbor.”

Added Hilborn, “This project represents one of the first hotel expansions in San Diego in the last few years. As conditions slowly get better, we believe that this hotel is well positioned to capitalize on an improving economy.”

Architect for the new project is Joseph Wong Design Associates. The firm has completed a broad range of tourism- and hospitality-related projects and has received more than 60 local and national awards for design excellence.

According to firm Principal, Joseph Wong, FAIA, “The expansion of the Holiday Inn San Diego Bayside incorporates clean, contemporary San Diego architecture, Mediterranean and tropical landscape, and extensive use of stone and metal.”

The interior design firm for the project is Liz Bartell Design. Project designer Asuka Andrews explains: “The interior features high ceilings of crafted bamboo, Spanish fretwork, sculptural, modern light fixtures, exotic granite, Mexican antiques, and comfortable, deep seating with full electronic access. The color palate of cream, aqua and green is relaxing and fresh.”

Additionally, an aesthetic focal point at the hotel’s entrance will be a large metal sculpture entitled “Intersect” created by San Diego artist Matt Devine. The artwork will be complemented with landscaping by Parterre Landscape Architecture.

ABOUT BARTELL HOTELS
The Holiday Inn San Diego Bayside is owned and operated by Bartell Hotels. Founded in 1975, Bartell Hotels is one of San Diego's oldest and largest independent hotel companies with seven hotels, six restaurants, three marinas, and the nationally renowned Humphreys Concerts by the Bay. Other Bartell Hotels include: The Dana on Mission Bay, Pacific Terrace Hotel, Sheraton La Jolla Hotel, Humphreys Half Moon Inn & Suites, Best Western Plus Island Palms Hotel & Marina, and Days Hotel at Hotel Circle by SeaWorld. Marinas include: Shelter Island Marina, Half Moon Marina and Dana Marina.