San Diego, Cali. (April 16, 2013) – The Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Downtown hotel, located in the heart of the Gaslamp Quarter, recently completed a $5.8 million renovation of all public spaces, meeting rooms and guest rooms.  As part of this comprehensive revitalization, the hotel is unveiling THE LOBBY, a vibrant and refreshing new space for dining, working and relaxing.  The hotel is owned by affiliates of Wheelock Street Capital, LLC, and managed by Sage Hospitality.

Located in downtown San Diego, the hotel is within walking distance of the central business district and many of the city’s premier leisure attractions.  Housed in the historic San Diego Trust and Savings Bank building, this boutique hotel is an iconic San Diego landmark.  The changes to the lobby and public spaces incorporate unique, locally relevant design components which respect the heritage of the building while remaining consistent with Courtyard by Marriott’s brand wide design standards. These changes, which include a new business center, media pods, a GoBoard and an expanded “The Market”, meet modern travelers’ needs while creating a relaxing urban ambience.

The new theme of the boutique Courtyard hotel is “What You Want, Where You Want”. “We call our team ‘cultural instigators’,” said Jody Blackinton, General Manager of the Courtyard San Diego Downtown.  “They are ready and excited to offer guests an authentic San Diego experience while responding promptly to guest needs. This revitalization has underscored the hotel’s local energy and allowed us to further elevate the guest experience.  We’re excited to see more San Diego locals in THE LOBBY alongside our hotel guests. It’s the perfect place for a beer before a Padres game or a delicious dinner date.”

THE LOBBY adds a new flair to the hotel restaurant, taking color hints from the historic hand-painted ceiling and the California sunset.  Separated from the lobby by decorative wood screens, the restaurant has a space of its own while seamlessly connecting to the rest of the hotels public space.

THE LOBBY serves breakfast, lunch and dinner and the redesigned bar features local draft and bottled beers. Dishes offer classic American flavors with a dash of southern California flair.  Coffee service has also been upgraded to a Starbucks Espresso Bar.

Guest rooms have a vibrant color scheme incorporated throughout the new bedding, furniture, carpeting and wall vinyl. Green upgrades include environmentally friendly lights and air conditioning.  Executive king rooms feature a wet bar and sofa bed, while every room now includes refrigerators, microwaves and safes.

Meeting space features new wall vinyl, carpeting, furniture and technology, and also includes the hotel’s new art program.  Following an initiative driven by the Sage Hospitality, more than 300 pieces of local San Diego artwork are featured throughout the hotel.  These include two special commissions—an eight foot by eight foot oil painting of a pool scene by emerging San Diego artist Sarah Stieber, and a contemporary, colorful portrait of San Diego Trust and Savings Bank founder J.W. Sefton, Sr. by Los Angeles artist Leia Steingart.

Key historical elements of the San Diego Trust and Savings Bank, built in 1928, were preserved during the renovation. “We wanted to create an interior that celebrates the nostalgia yet has a fresh and contemporary overlay of design elements that honor the historical details,” said Brandon Asbury of SERA Architects, who oversaw the renovation design.  “The overall goal was to create a space that welcomes both hotel guests and locals alike, allowing everyone to experience the architectural heritage of the building.”

To learn more about the exciting changes made to the Gaslamp Quarter hotel and to make a reservation visit www.sandiegocy.com.

About the Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Downtown:
The newly revitalized Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Downtown hotel is located directly in the popular Gaslamp Quarter in the heart of San Diego, California.  The former San Diego Trust and Savings Bank building, built in 1928, features recent refreshments to the historical space including THE LOBBY restaurant, which serves American food with southern California accents for breakfast, lunch and dinner.  The hotel is within walking distance to the San Diego Convention Center, Balboa Park and the Coronado Ferry, and only a short ride away from the San Diego airport, San Diego Zoo and SeaWorld.  The 230 rooms and 15 suites feature artwork collected by local San Diego artists and offer wireless internet and new bedding.  Other features include 4,500 sq. ft. of meeting space, media pods, business center and a 24-hour fitness center.  To learn more about the Courtyard San Diego Downtown, visit www.sandiegocy.com.