This same philosophy will be incorporated into The Sea Ranch Lodge's upcoming 100-room expansion.  Public spaces will also be enlarged, including the hotel's restaurant and bar.  Halprin, a key contributor to the initial development, has once again been enlisted to head the project to ensure a continuity in the original vision. Helmut Horn, president of Coastal Hotel Group said, "The Sea Ranch Lodge is deeply cognizant of the natural drama of its oceanside site and has formed an alliance of architecture and nature that has inspired and captivated a generation of guests." 

"I am truly proud to be able to add The Sea Ranch Lodge to our portfolio of hotels.  This retreat, which has become internationally-known for being environmentally sensitive, complements other Coastal Hotel Group properties, such as Cheeca Lodge in the Florida Keys.  Both operate with a top priority of gently existing with their natural surroundings," Horn said. 

According to Mark Power of The Sea Ranch Lodge and Village, LLC, Coastal's marketing savvy to cross-sell properties and ability to attract strategically targeted guests made the company a natural choice. "We selected Coastal Hotel Group to market The Sea Ranch Lodge because of the company's presence in complementary California resort locations. 

Another factor in our decision was Coastal's track record of positioning truly unique properties and promoting their differential advantages in the marketplace," said Power. 

Coastal will leverage The Sea Ranch Lodge's history to enhance the property's guest base during and after the hotel's renovation. "We will make necessary moderated improvements to continue to attract guests well into the next century.  At the same time, we will vigilantly maintain Charles Moore and Lawrence Halprin's original mission and vision for The Sea Ranch Lodge, making it one of the best respites in the U.S." said Power. 

Hotel amenities highlight natural beauty Robert Muir Graves, recognized as one of the foremost golf course architects, designed the Sea Ranch's Scottish Links style, championship length 18-hole course and blended it into the natural landscape.  In 1996, the course was voted into the "top 20 new affordable courses" (out of 430+ courses) and was the top-rated new course in California by Golf Digest.  Guests can also take advantage of a wide array of activities including hiking, both along ocean bluffs and through Redwood forests, beachcombing, tide pool exploration, abalone diving, fishing (ocean and river), kayaking and bicycling on more than 40 miles of private roads and trails. 

The Sea Ranch Lodge's guestrooms are oversized and are designed to reflect the rustic surroundings. They are furnished with plump down comfortors and artwork provided by local artists. All rooms have ocean views except one which has its own private garden with a hot tub.  As part of The Sea Ranch Lodge's "getaway from it all" atmosphere, guestrooms were, until recently, without telephones and, with the exception of two rooms, without televisions. 

"With potential to grow group and corporate business, we feel it is advantageous to add these staples," said Power. 

The resort's food and beverage outlets include an award-winning 75-seat restaurant, featuring California cuisine, and a bar, both with ocean views.  The restaurant, a favorite of local residents as well as hotel guests, was recently cited by Bon Apetit magazine for its innovative culinary approach. 

As with the rest of the hotel, meeting space allows groups to enjoy the natural beauty surrounding The Sea Ranch Lodge.  The Sea Ranch Lodge specializes in custom weddings.  A barn on the property has been reclaimed and converted into a rustic multi-function space that can accommodate up to 150 people banquet-style.  The hotel's restaurant and fireside room are also available for group events. 

An on-site retail outlet provides upscale clothing and comfort items, including aromatherapy products and resort wear. Some of the properties now managed by Coastal include Highlands Inn in Carmel, Calif., Hotel Pacific, Monterey Bay Inn, Victorian Inn and Spindrift Inn, all in Monterey, Calif., the Inn at Laguna Beach, Harvest Inn in St. Helena Calif., The Bishop's Lodge in Santa Fe, N.M., and Westward Look Resort in Tucson, Ariz. Coastal Hotel Group specializes in the operation of upscale resorts, luxury inns and quality business hotels.  For more information about Coastal Hotel Group, write or call Coastal Hotel Group, 211 East Ontario, Suite 400, Chicago, IL  60611, (312) 988-9888 or visit the Website at coastalhotel.com.