SAN FRANCISCO, CA � June 23, 2009 � The next 100 years have truly begun
at The Westin St. Francis as the hotel celebrates the completion of a two-year,
$40 million transformation. This is the most extensive restoration undertaken
by the property 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. While the classic aesthetic of the hotel�s rich past
is honored, its modern amenities embrace the future, creating a perfect
blend of timelessness.
�For the past century, The Westin St. Francis has been synonymous with
sophistication and luxury,� says General Manager Jon Kimball. �As we look
to the future, this monumental transformation ensures that the hotel will
continue to maintain its standing as a world-class property.�
From a complete redesign of the grand Main Lobby to the addition of
a stylish cocktail lounge and the debut of 614 newly refreshed guestrooms,
The Westin St. Francis continues to maintain its preeminence as a legendary
hotel. Highlights of this $40 million evolution include:
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A Fresh New Look
Approximately $12 million was invested in the complete transformation
of all 614 guestrooms and common areas in the Main Building. 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. 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 Turn Back In Time
Led by the internationally acclaimed architecture and design firm Rockwell
Group, the marble-pillared Main Lobby was transformed to reflect its original
glamorous style, yet refreshed with a more modern appeal. Soothing shades
of chocolate brown and cream permeate the space, complemented by reproductions
of the lobby�s four original beaded globe chandeliers. Plush hexagonal-patterned
carpeting reflects the intricacies of the original wood-carved ceiling.
Completing this signature look is the return of the famous Great Magneta
Clock, which originally made its debut in the hotel lobby in 1907. Just
off of the Main Lobby, the 1906 grand staircase has been restored to showcase
the original pink marble stairs.
Luxurious Elegance
The entire penthouse level, comprised of six signature suites, has
undergone a dramatic transformation by Kevin Joyce Design, in collaboration
with Designer Vera Za�Arour. Located on the 31st floor of the Tower Building,
the Windsor, Bridgeview, Bayview, Union Square, Golden Gate and Pacific
suites were meticulously designed to showcase their breathtaking views
of the San Francisco skyline. Luxurious fabrics, custom-designed furniture
and eye-catching artwork radiate throughout each individually designed
suite. Bathrooms have been completely transformed into an oasis, complete
with marble floors and custom vanities.
Led by New York Design Firm Alexandra Champalimaud & Associates,
approximately $2 million dollars was invested in the complete redesign
of the two Main Building signature suites, State and Chairman�s. The 2500
square feet, 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 gorgeous natural lighting and city views,
and is styled with elegant, contemporary furnishings. The luxurious State
Suite lends a 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 spectacular view of downtown San Francisco.
The Perfect Meeting Spot
Caruso�s, located in the Tower Lobby, has evolved with a fresh and
comfortable design featuring tones of rich brown, cream and pops of bright
red. This casual, lively setting is perfect for relaxing with a glass of
wine or enjoying a quick snack. New furnishings include cream and brown
wingback chairs, tall lamps with dazzling golden shades, red leather lounge
chairs and bronze tables adorned in silver and gold granite. Cascading
from the high ceilings, custom embroidered silk drapes frame the main wall.
A plush, hexagon-patterned carpet completes the look.
Meet Me At CLOCK BAR
The Main Lobby also welcomed the addition of award-winning chef Michael
Mina�s first-ever cocktail lounge, aptly named CLOCK BAR. Since its July
2008 opening, it has quickly become renowned for unique handcrafted cocktails
and creative bar bites. Designed by Rockwell Group, the 1,260 square feet,
55-seat CLOCK BAR features a warm, elegant environment with a dark palette
and luxurious materials including rosewood walls, black burned wood floors,
and rich leather banquettes and lounge chairs in blue and chocolate brown.
The central focus of the space is two columns clad entirely in hand blown
champagne and amber colored glass with ticker clocks showing the time in
cities around the world. Complementing the traditional aesthetic of the
adjacent Main Lobby, the bar is adorned with a reproduction of the original
ceiling molding.
A Trip Through Time
The fascinating history of The Westin St. Francis is now being showcased
in six brand new museum-quality display cases designed by Bill White, curator
for San Francisco�s de Young Museum. On display for public viewing in the
Tower Lobby, each chronological case is filled with historic treasures
such as photos, menus, china, guest ledgers, and much more.
The Perfect Occasion
Ideal for holding a meeting or a hosting glamorous wedding, the Elizabethan,
Georgian, California and Colonial function spaces have undergone more than
$1.5 million in upgrades including new carpet and paint, new lighting,
contemporary artwork and new decorative wall coverings.
Modern Upgrades
Additional hotel upgrades include: wireless Internet access throughout
the hotel; new locks on all guestroom doors; the installation of new digital
reader boards, allowing for easier hotel navigation; the enhancement of
the hotel carriage entrance with new lighting; a newly upgraded $400,000
security system; and a $2 million elevator modernization.
About The Westin St. Francis
Opened more than a century ago on March 21, 1904, The Westin St. Francis
still today maintains its preeminence as San Francisco's center of social,
theatrical and business life. Renowned for luxury accommodations and excellent
service, The Westin St. Francis continues to preserve its rich history
and elegance while enhancing the guest experience with fresh, innovative
concepts. The only hotel located on San Francisco�s famous Union Square,
The Westin St. Francis is just steps from first-class shopping, world-renowned
dining, award-winning theater and a bustling arts district. For guests
who wish to explore the hills of San Francisco, the classic cable cars
stop right in front of the hotel. For reservations and more information,
please call (415) 397-7000, toll free (800) 917-7458 or visit www.westinstfrancis.com.
About Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. is one of the leading
hotel and leisure companies in the world with 960 properties in 97 countries
and 145,000 employees at its owned and managed properties. Starwood Hotels
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, and the recently launched
Aloft®, and Element SM. Starwood Hotels also owns Starwood Vacation
Ownership, Inc., one of the premier developers and operators of high quality
vacation interval ownership resorts. For more information, please visit
www.starwoodhotels.com. |
