San Diego, CA (June 2012) – Centrally located in San Diego’s historic downtown, The Westin Gaslamp Quarter, San Diego recently completed a multi-phase, property-wide transformation in June with the unveiling of the hotel’s new arrival experience, modern lobby, and new Pinzimini restaurant and bar. Following a complete remodel of all 450 guestrooms, a refresh of 35,000 square feet of meeting and event space and the redesign of their WestinWORKOUT® fitness studio, the Westin Gaslamp Quarter has the contemporary look and feel for Westin hotels of the future.

“We are thrilled to be among the first hotels in the nation to debut the Westin brand’s new, modern look. Extensive design, time and resources were dedicated to each phase of the renovation, and we are extremely proud of the all-new hotel,” said Keri Robinson, General Manager. “Whether guests are here for business or leisure travel, there’s something new and exciting for each of our guests to experience.”

The Westin Gaslamp Quarter hotel’s property-wide transformation began in the spring of 2011 with the first-phase, a complete redesign of all 450 guest rooms and suites.  Staying true to Westin’s commitment to well-being, a neutral color palette, energizing textures, natural wood and stone accents were incorporated into the décor of each room.  The new design represents a commitment to sustainability with eco-friendly materials such as CFL lights and GreenGuard certified solar shades.  Moreover, the new modern look reflects a simple, refined style that provides guests with a sense of balance.  In addition to the signature Heavenly® Bed, guestroom features include custom closets and reading lights, Heavenly® Mirrors, instant plug ‘n play technology, and multi-use custom Westin-designed accent tables that can be used as a working area or an in-room dining table.

The second phase of the property transformation included floor-to-ceiling enhancements to all meeting and event space, including the new 5,940-square-foot San Diego Ballroom and adjoining 5,752-square-foot outdoor Garden Terrace on the hotel’s fourth floor. With decorative finishes and new flex-back banquet chairs, state-of-the-art lighting, sound and rigging capabilities, the San Diego Ballroom and adjoining Garden Terrace elevates the indoor/outdoor event space and provides a contemporary venue option for weddings, meetings, galas and celebrations of all kinds.  In total, the hotel has 35,000 square feet of meeting and event space that spans four floors.

In the spring of 2012, the hotel continued its property-wide transformation with the redesign of the hotel’s arrival experience and public areas including the lobby, lobby lounge, Pinzimini restaurant and bar.  To improve the sense of arrival to the hotel, local artist Michael Stutz created the 40-foot Flame Flower art sculpture, which is the centerpiece of the front drive.  The installation of the iconic Flame Flower sculpture was proclaimed by the City of San Diego on May 15, 2012 as “Westin Gaslamp Quarter Flame Flower Celebration Day.” The sculpture’s asymmetrical design emulates a towering bouquet of oversized leaves made from intricately woven stainless steel pieces to create the ultimate arrival experience for hotel guests.

Incorporating subtle design cues inspired by nature with a hint of modernism, the renovated lobby includes a feature wall and customized check-in pods to make guest interactions more personal.  As the first hotel to feature the Westin brand’s new lobby design, the Westin Gaslamp Quarter, San Diego has added several signature components, among them being the vertical garden, which improves indoor air quality and offers guests a breath of fresh air.

Only the second Westin hotel in the nation to introduce the brand’s new signature restaurant, Pinzimini offers modern Italian cuisine with signature Tuscan-style entrees, salads, panini sandwiches, pastas, thin-crust pizzas and antipasti.  Pinzimini also offers a variety of hand-picked wines and signature cocktails.  Pinzimini is fast becoming a popular destination for power lunches and the hot spot for happy hour in San Diego.
Among other new features and convenient amenities, the hotel introduced a new WestinWORKOUT® experience with the debut of a new fitness studio. Keeping business travelers in mind, the fitness center features all-new Life Fitness cardio and weight equipment with the latest in-video integration, and a New Balance® gear-lending program that provides use of athletic wear and apparel for guests who like to pack light and are committed to staying fit while traveling.  A Business Center as well as iMacs in the lobby help our guests stay connected.  And Ingredients, the grab ‘n go venue, offers a convenient food and beverage option for our guests on the go.

About The Westin Gaslamp Quarter, San Diego
Situated in San Diego’s lively downtown, just steps from shops, restaurants, theatres, art galleries and nightclubs. The hotel offers 450 guestrooms including eight suites, and 35,000 square feet of meeting space including the 9,000-square foot California Ballroom and the 5,900-square-foot San Diego Ballroom with a 5,700-square-foot outdoor terrace event space.  Facilities include a WestinWORKOUT® fitness studio and an outdoor swimming pool, as well as Pinzimini bar and restaurant and Ingredients grab ‘n go.  Nearby attractions include the world famous San Diego Zoo, SeaWorld, the USS Midway Museum and Coronado Island.  Adjacent to the Westfield Horton Plaza Shopping Mall and just three miles from the San Diego International Airport, the hotel is convenient to the San Diego Convention Center and numerous corporate offices and courthouses.  For reservations and additional information, please visit www.westingaslamp.com or call 619.239.2200.

About Westin Hotels & Resorts
Westin Hotels & Resorts makes the healthiest choices irresistibly appealing, so guests leave feeling better than when they arrived.  With more than 186 hotels and resorts in over 36 countries and territories, Westin is owned by Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE:HOT).  Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. is one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with 1,103 properties in nearly 100 countries and 154,000 employees at its owned and managed properties. Starwood is a fully integrated owner, operator and franchisor of hotels, resorts and residences with the following internationally renowned brands: St. Regis®, The Luxury Collection®, W®, Westin®, Le Méridien®, Sheraton®, Four Points® by Sheraton, Aloft®, and ElementSM. The Company boasts one of the industry’s leading loyalty programs, Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG), allowing members to earn and redeem points for room stays, room upgrades and flights, with no blackout dates. Starwood also owns Starwood Vacation Ownership, Inc., a premier provider of world-class vacation experiences through villa-style resorts and privileged access to Starwood brands. For more information, please visit www.starwoodhotels.com.