February 26, 2008

Media Contact:
Kelly Chamberlin
Chamberlin Public Relations
415.336.4332
kelly@chamberlinpr.com

Historical Elegance Meets Modern Style At The New Hotel Union Square
San Francisco's Original Boutique Hotel Reborn

San Francisco, CA – February 26, 2008 San Francisco's first boutique hotel, Hotel Union Square, established in 1982 and a member of the Personality Hotels collection, is currently undergoing an extensive $5 million renovation and will reemerge with a fresh new look this May.

Built in 1913 for the 1915 Pan Pacific Exposition, San Francisco-based Interior Designer Riley Johndonnell faced the unique challenge of modernizing the guestrooms and public spaces while still preserving the historic architectural elements of the original structure. The result is a visually stimulating fusion of contemporary and classic San Francisco - beautiful brick walls, mosaic murals, signature staircases, and opulent moldings are complemented by a rich color palate, sleek furnishings from San Francisco-based furniture company EQ3, completely remodeled bathrooms, and state-of-the-art technology that caters to both leisure and business travelers.

"Hotel Union Square's new design showcases the building's architectural beauty while celebrating San Francisco's eclectic style through texture, pattern and color," says Johndonnell. "The location of the hotel, in the center of Union Square and right on the cable car line, evokes such a sense of the city, and I wanted to make sure to incorporate those elements into the hotel."

Infused with the colors of San Francisco, each of the 131 striking guestrooms feature bursts of crimson (reflective of the Golden Gate Bridge), soothing shades of grey (reminiscent of the native fog) and earthy taupe to incorporate San Francisco's natural setting. Meticulously designed to give the feel of a sophisticated urban apartment, rooms are outfitted with platform beds with custom-made cream tufted leather headboards and luxurious 600-thread count linens, sleek dark wood desks, velvety chaise lounges, flat screen televisions, custom lighting and expansive capsule-shaped mirrors. Many rooms have an open, loft-like layout with exposed brick walls and "floating" white paneled ceiling installations. Sultry hallways are illuminated by mercury-striped lighting that cast linear shadows on the deep grey walls, evocative of the nearby cable car tracks. Two rooftop penthouses are the ultimate in San Francisco chic and boast large living rooms, wet bars and expansive redwood decks with city views.

The edgy, sexy annex rooms are the perfect intimate space for couples. Walls are bathed in deep red; large platform beds, many with oversized cream "rolled" custom leather headboards, and expansive mirrors complete the room. Two specialty "Sleep & Soak" rooms on each of the five floors feature extra large, spa-like bathrooms outfitted with corner soaking tubs with frosted tri- panel glass doors, and a chaise lounge right next to the tub.

Located in the center of San Francisco, Hotel Union Square is renowned for its central location - right on San Francisco's cable car line and surrounded by top restaurants, world-famous shopping, theatres and nightlife. For reservations, call 415.397.3000 or visit www.hotelunionsquare.com.

Established in 1982 as San Francisco's first boutique hotel company, Personality Hotels is now the largest privately-owned boutique hotel operator in The City. From a quaint European-style suite to a zenful night's sleep amid sounds of a tropical rain forest, Personality Hotels can oblige. Celebrating the unique personality in all of us, Personality Hotels consists of an eclectic collection of seven San Francisco boutique properties including the SEXY Hotel Diva, VIVID Hotel Metropolis, AUTHENTIC Hotel Union Square, GRAND Kensington Park Hotel, LEGENDARY York Hotel, DISTINCTIVE Maxwell Hotel and TIMELESS Steinhart Hotel. Located in the center of the action, all Personality Hotels are within walking distance of Union Square shopping, theatres and restaurants. For more information and to book reservations, call 800.553.1900 or visit www.personalityhotels.com.

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High-resolution photography is available for download at www.pictureswithpersonality.com.