Originally built in 1983, the hotel underwent a major renovation and remodeling in 1993. At that time, Barry Design Associates created the current stylish and distinctive design, which take inspiration from the Art Moderne designs prevalent in the 1930s in Europe. This year, Barry Design Associates builds on the very best of the original design and make the hotel even more impressive. 

The renovations will contemporize the classic look of the hotel and refresh the property to continue pampering business and leisure travelers in comfort and luxury.  In this first stage, the renovations will address a fresh look to the carpets, paint, curtains, fabrics, artwork and lighting. 

During lobby renovations, Jester�s Lounge and Cafe 53 will be closed for renovation. When reopened, the lounge and restaurant will be introduced as a single unit�Jester�s. All lobby level renovations are scheduled to be completed September 1, 1999. Improvements and enhancements are also planned for the signage and to the porte cochiere at the main entrance to give the Argent a greater street presence.  �These enhancements are a visual expression of our efforts to transform the Argent into a contemporary property ready to serve our guests in the new millennium,� said Managing Director, Don Timbie. �We want all areas of the Argent to reflect our commitment to creating a luxurious and attentive atmosphere designed for the pleasure of our guests.�

In the hotel lobby, all woods will be refinished to revive the rich mahogany. The ornate gold leaf will be restored and brightened. Several custom-designed pieces will enhance the elegance of the lobby area. The entryway will feature a European-made credenza with mother-of-pearl inlay. Draped behind the chest, silken curtains in champagne, ivory and light gold will diffuse additional light from overhead spotlights. A locally designed, wrought iron torchiere lamp will also enhance lighting in the lobby area. An eggplant-colored mohair chaise accented with golden silk pillows will help to increase lobby seating, giving the lobby a more welcoming, relaxed ambiance.

The lounge in Jester�s will feature a new color scheme, and will further enhance the existing original playing card artwork by well-known artist Donald Sultan. New upholstery in a diamond harlequin pattern of luxurious burgundy and black with golden trim invokes the whimsical spirit of the court jester. The complex and playful designs of the new carpeting excite the imagination and invigorate the senses. Sleek gold curtains hanging from ceiling to floor between the columns in the lounge will further brighten and energize the area.  Jester�s foyer will feature an elegant new chandelier in glass and brass. All seating in the restaurant will be reupholstered in plush, black leather with velvety wine-colored trim. The luster of the tables will be restored with a refinishing and carpets will be replaced to reflect the new �Jester� theme. In addition, the original, hand-painted murals inspired by Fornasetti�s �City of Cards� will be retouched. The marble in the restrooms will be refinished, with new wainscoting on the walls.

The second stage of the renovations, set to commence in November will begin with a �soft goods� renovation to the guestrooms and hallways. New wallpaper, paint, carpet, curtains, linens, bedding and artwork will be brought into the guestrooms, which all feature floor-to-ceiling windows offering spectacular panoramic views. The abundant natural light of the guestrooms will be accentuated with more sheer, silken fabrics and brighter colors.  In the guest bathrooms, the marble will be refinished and ivory wallpaper added. Corridors will get new carpets, wallcovers and enhanced lighting. By December 1st, the first set of rooms will be restored to guest use.  Renovation on all guestrooms is scheduled to be completed March 1st. 

From October to December, Barry Design Associates will also turn their attention to the function space, bringing enriched style and grace to the Argent�s unique Metropolitan Ballroom and meeting rooms.  The look of the Ballroom will be modernized with custom designed wallpaper in shades of gold and ivory with brass accents and the luxurious feel of fabric. To further revitalize the room, the wood accents will be refinished and the current lighting enhanced. New seating is designed with a playful golden swirl pattern set in a rich, black background to counterpoint the elegant diamond patterns of the new carpeting.  The meeting and reception areas will be brightened with light gold and sage green colors and playful patterns in the rich, new carpeting, seating and wallpaper. All renovations on these spaces are scheduled for completion by January 2000.

�Our main goal will be to ensure the continuity of the hotel�s timeless qualities and its urban sophistication,� said Timbie. �It�s important that the design does not take itself too seriously... We want the Argent to celebrate its unique personality, be more upbeat than conservative but not �oh so trendy� as some of the younger brand hotels.�

About Barry Design Associates
Award winning Barry Design Associates, Inc. specializes in planning, designing interiors and creating graphic programs for fine hotels, resorts and restaurants in the United States and abroad.  Barry Design Associates� interiors successfully integrate function, sense-of-place and comfort.  The result is an interior that exemplifies the best of the classic ideal: lucid, balanced, timeless and comfortable.

About The Argent
The Argent is located in vibrant new heart of San Francisco, within steps of the Financial District, San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, Sony�s Metreon Entertainment Center, Yerba Buena Gardens, and the City�s best dining, shopping and entertainment.  With breathtaking floor-to-ceiling panoramic views, each of our 667 guestrooms and suites offers a calm respite from a hectic world. Equipped for business, and designed for pleasure, the Argent offers warm, attentive service�all delivered with true San Franciscan flair. 

About Destination Hotels Resorts
The Argent, is the newest addition to a family of properties owned by Destination Hotels  Resorts.  Each distinctive, well-situated Destination Hotels  Resorts property offers exceptional recreational opportunities and conference facilities.  Properties include the Hotel del Coronado near San Diego; the Inverness Hotel  Gold Club near Denver; the Royal Palms Hotel Casitas in Phoenix; Wild Dunes Resort in Charleston, S.C.; Sunriver Resort in Sunriver, Oregon; and Tenaya Lodge in Yosemite, California.