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News for the Hospitality Executive |
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The Westin St. Francis Undergoing a $40 million Restoration
Project,
the Largest Renovation Since the Reconstruction after
The Great 1906 San Francisco Earthquake
.
| SAN FRANCISCO, CA � May 30, 2008 - The Westin St. Francis
has launched a $40 million restoration project that celebrates the hotel�s
rich past complemented by modern luxury, innovation and design. Anticipated
for completion in Spring 2009, this is the largest renovation the hotel
has undertaken since the reconstruction after The Great 1906 San Francisco
Earthquake. Known as the �Grand Dame� of Union Square, The Westin
St. Francis opened in 1904, and has been a symbol of elegance for San Francisco
for more than a century.
�For more than one hundred years, The Westin St. Francis has been in the hearts and minds of people from around the world,� states Jon Kimball, General Manager of The Westin St. Francis. �The hotel has truly become a San Francisco icon, and this restoration reaffirms our commitment to our guests as we honor the past and create new memories for decades to come.� Highlights of The Westin St. Francis� $40 million restoration project include the following: A Turn Back In Time The days of old-world glamour will return to the opulent, marble-pillared Main Building Lobby when the Great Magneta Clock makes its grand homecoming in the newly renovated lobby, to be completed this summer. Led by internationally acclaimed architecture and design firm Rockwell Group, the lobby will be restored back to its original setting, yet with more modern furnishings, lighting fixtures and cutting-edge technology, including iPod docks. Soothing shades of blue and brown will permeate the space, complemented by glass and metal reproductions of the lobby�s original globe chandeliers and plush carpeting that reflects the hexagonal pattern of the beautiful wood carved ceiling. Meet Me At CLOCK BAR The Main Building Lobby will also welcome the addition of award-winning chef Michael Mina�s first-ever cocktail lounge, aptly named CLOCK BAR, set to debut this summer. Also designed by Rockwell Group, the 1,260 square feet, 55-seat CLOCK BAR will feature a warm and elegant environment with a dark palette and luxurious materials including rosewood walls, black burned wood floors, and rich leather banquettes and lounge chairs in midnight blue and chocolate brown. The central focus of the space is two columns clad entirely in hand blown champagne and amber colored glass. At the top of both columns will be ticker clocks showing the time in New York, Rome, Tokyo, San Francisco, Paris and Chicago. Loosely woven screens of copper and bronze threads will provide elegant window sheaths and a stitched gold wall covering will adorn a portion of the walls. To complement the traditional aesthetic of the adjacent Main Building Lobby, the bar will be adorned with a reproduction of the original ceiling molding. CLOCK BAR will offer handcrafted cocktails with fresh hand-squeezed
juices, housemade tonic and ginger beer, the finest spirits and hand-cut
ice chiseled from a block behind the bar. A modern-day twist on classic
bar food will be reflected in delicious small plates and flavorful finger
foods. Cocktail and food pairings will be offered regularly, highlighting
seasonal ingredients and trends, as well as featured cocktails and spirits.
Westin St. Francis 335 Powell Street San Francisco, California A Fresh New Look All 614 guestrooms and common areas in the Main Building are currently undergoing a $9 million transformation to be completed in Spring 2009. Led by San Francisco-based Kevin Joyce Design, guestrooms bridge the world between the old and new with a fresh sophistication that perfectly showcases the classically beautiful 1906 architecture. Subtle textures and a neutral color palette of ecru, bronze and dark brown tones complement the traditional curved high ceilings, ornate moldings and crystal chandeliers. Radiating elegance and luxury, guestrooms boast custom-designed classic dark wood furniture topped with gold and silver granite, luxurious bronze-patterned carpeting, light-colored wall coverings with a unique �hammered� appearance, velvety chaise lounges, contemporary abstract artwork, signature Westin Heavenly Beds�, 37� flat screen televisions and ergonomic desk chairs. Hallways and common areas have been refreshed with a fusion of present-day and classic San Francisco - contemporary furniture and plush carpeting are juxtaposed with time-honored black and white historical photography of the hotel and San Francisco. A New Level of Opulence Led by New York Design Firm Alexandra Champalimaud & Associates, approximately two million dollars was invested in the complete redesign of the two Main Building signature suites, State and Chairman�s, completed in Fall 2007. The 2500 square foot, two-level Chairman�s Suite features three bedrooms, a large living room, a spacious entrance hall and a dining room with a full kitchen. The completed look celebrates the room�s gorgeous natural lighting and city views, and is styled with elegant, contemporary furnishings. The luxurious State Suite gives the feel of a sophisticated urban apartment and boasts a sauna, Jacuzzi, grand piano and formal dining area. Overlooking Union Square, the State Suite has a wonderful view of the San Francisco skyline. Also being redone by Kevin Joyce Design are six luxurious Specialty Suites located on the 31st floor of the Tower Building that include: Windsor, Shangri-La, Bayview, Union Square, Golden Gate and Pacific. The suites will be completed in Spring 2009. Special Improvements Additional hotel upgrades include: wireless Internet access throughout the hotel; the installation of self check-in �pods� and the addition of bathrooms in the Tower Lobby; a complete renovation of the Californian and Elizabethan function space; a refresh of Caruso�s; the installation of new digital reader boards, allowing for easier hotel navigation; a newly upgraded $400,000 security system; and elevator modernization. About The Westin St. Francis
About Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.
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| Contact:
Gena Egelston
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