Personality Hotels - San Francisco Press Releases:

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

Wed, 27 Feb 2008 11:30:36 -0800

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.

HOTEL DIVA BREAKS THE MOLD WITH A DESIGNER MEETING ROOM AND BUSINESS CENTER

Fri, 1 Feb 2008 10:37:41 -0800

HOTEL DIVA BREAKS THE MOLD WITH A DESIGNER MEETING ROOM AND BUSINESS CENTER San Francisco, CA - January 30, 2008 Abandoning the idea that hotel meeting facilities have to be customary, sleek Hotel Diva, a member of the Personality Hotels collection, unveils a completely renovated meeting room and business center full of inspiration. Custom-designed by Bay Area designers, both rooms reflect Hotel Diva's cutting-edge style and are styled to inspire and ignite creativity.

Designed by renowned Architect/Designer T. Olle Lundberg, CEO and Founder of San Francisco-based Lundberg Design, the Hotel Diva Meeting Room features a black and sepia color scheme and is outfitted with highly textured charcoal grey carpet tiles, a custom-designed golden onyx and steel under-lit buffet by Lundberg Design, Carre modular tables in rich cherry wood and brushed stainless steel, "cornflake" chairs upholstered in felted wool, artwork by Carol LaBarge and lighting by Artimide, EOS and Starship. Two of the walls have been sculpted in a dramatic wave pattern to add texture and drama to the room, while the onyx buffet is lit from below, casting a dramatic golden hue over the entire room. A large flat screen television and projection screen complete the room.

Just off the meeting room, the outside "Breathing Room" has been refinished in a deep espresso color and features a sleek cobalt blue bench, cube seating and a Frank Gehry arm chair, all by Design Within Reach. Adding freshness, green plants are placed throughout the outdoor area in large modern metal planters. An eight-foot white "Vessel" pottery sculpture installation, consisting of five, eight-foot curvilinear ceramic "poles" attached to a base serves as an imaginative focal point.

Designed by Kevin McPhee, the B&N Industries Business Center is styled with modern, custom-made furniture including a long walnut desk (equipped with two computers, a printer and office supplies), a glass conference table with a metal base, and walnut Cherner chairs. Elson bubble lamps are suspended at varying heights from the ceiling, and walnut Iconic wall paneling and palm green Flor carpet tiles complement the room. B&N Industries, located in Burlingame, Calif., is an innovative designer and manufacturer of fresh, fun, and functional products for the retail, architectural, and consumer industries.

Planning a meeting can be very stressful, especially when mini-emergences happen at the last minute. Here to the rescue is Personality Hotels' "Emergency Resources Kit" ("ER Kit" for short), which includes everything a meeting planner could need - from a stapler and staples, to poster adhesive and cough drops. The "ER Kit" is complimentary when the meeting room is reserved at Hotel Diva, The Maxwell Hotel or Kensington Park Hotel. The "ER Kit" is also available for purchase for $100, excluding tax.

Small Hotels. Big Personalities. 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.

FIND SOME REAL R&R THIS VALENTINE'S DAY WITH PERSONALITY HOTELS' "ROMANCE & RAUNCH PACKAGE"

Tue, 15 Jan 2008 18:57:15 -0800

FIND SOME REAL R&R THIS VALENTINE'S DAY WITH PERSONALITY HOTELS' "ROMANCE & RAUNCH PACKAGE"

San Francisco, CA – January 10, 2008 Chocolate and roses…yawn. Why not spice up Valentine's Day this year by sneaking away for some real R&R – Romance and Raunch that is! For a romantic Valentine's Day getaway (with a taste of "wild" thrown in for good measure), escape to San Francisco for Personality Hotels' "Romance & Raunch Package" which includes:

Deluxe overnight accommodations available at any of Personality Hotels' five chic boutique hotels: Hotel Diva, Hotel Metropolis, Hotel Union Square, Kensington Park Hotel and The Maxwell Hotel (aka the love palace)

A bottle of champagne (set the mood) A "Do Not Disturb – We're Busy" door hanger (we'll get the hint) A $50 gift certificate to Victoria's Secret (fantasy = reality) An X-rated in-room movie rental (what happens behind close doors stays behind close doors) "A Package for Your Package" condoms (safe sex is always hot)

The "Romance & Raunch Package" is available at Personality Hotels through May 31, 2008. Rates start at $169, excluding tax and based upon availability. To book reservations, call 800.553.1900 or visit www.personalityhotels.com.

Small Hotels. Big Personalities. Established in 1982, family-owned Personality Hotels is San Francisco's original boutique hotel company. 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.

PERSONALITY HOTELS PARTNERS WITH RENOWNED CHEF TYLER FLORENCE TO OPEN SIGNATURE RESTAURANT IN HOTEL VERTIGO

Tue, 15 Jan 2008 18:56:57 -0800

PERSONALITY HOTELS PARTNERS WITH RENOWNED CHEF TYLER FLORENCE TO OPEN SIGNATURE RESTAURANT IN HOTEL VERTIGO

San Francisco, CA – January 11, 2008 San Francisco eat your heart out! Cutting-edge San Francisco boutique hotel company Personality Hotels announced today that it has signed a deal to partner with one of America's hottest culinary stars – Tyler Florence – to open a restaurant in Hotel Vertigo (currently the York Hotel). This will be Florence's first restaurant, and it is highly anticipated to shake up the San Francisco gastronomic scene.

Located in San Francisco's Nob Hill District, the 97-room York Hotel is currently undergoing a $5 million renovation spearheaded by award-winning, LA-based Thomas Schoos Design, Inc., renowned for the interior design of Huntley Hotel and O-Bar, Koi, Table 8 and Tao restaurants. Upon completion in Summer 2008, York Hotel will be renamed Hotel Vertigo after Alfred Hitchcock's 1958 classic thriller staring James Stewart and Kim Novak (Novak's character lived in the York Hotel during the last half of the film). Florence's restaurant will be located in the hotel's former Empire Plush Room space, and is scheduled to open in Summer 2008.

"Tyler is one of the world's most popular chefs, and we are very energized and honored to bring such a talented, creative and fun personality to the San Francisco culinary scene," says Personality Hotels' President and CEO Yvonne Lembi-Detert. "The City is truly gaining a shining star sure to ignite our taste buds and spice up our imagination!"

"I am thrilled to be working with Personality Hotels to bring my first signature restaurant to San Francisco," says Florence. "Having recently moved to the Bay Area from New York City, I wake up every day in awe of this true culinary utopia. I look forward to being a part of it, and bringing something very special to the City of San Francisco."

A recent transplant to the San Francisco Bay Area, Florence's culinary expertise, complemented by his personable style and charisma, has lead to an extremely successful career for more than a decade. Named the "Sexiest Chef Alive" by People magazine, prominent chef, television celebrity and acclaimed author Florence is the star of three Food Network television programs including How to Boil Water, a cooking show for novices, Food 911, his hugely popular "recipe rescue" show and Tyler's Ultimate, showcasing crowd-pleasing classic comfort food. In addition, Florence is the author of three cookbooks - Tyler Florence's Real Kitchen, Eat This Book: Cooking with Global Fresh Flavors and Tyler's Ultimate.

Small Hotels. Big Personalities. Established in 1982 as San Francisco's first boutique hotel company, Personality Hotels is now the largest individually-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.

[Nec. 3, 2007] Transform From Average Girl By Day To Famous Pop Singer By Night With Personality Hotels Hannah Montana Package

Sun, 4 Nov 2007 13:54:43 -0800

Transform From Average Girl By Day To Famous Pop Singer By Night
With Personality Hotels Hannah Montana Package

San Francisco, CA Personality Hotels President and CEO Yvonne Lembi-Detert (and mother of two girls) knows how challenging it can be to bond with your daughter, especially during the fun tween years. So, whats a mom to do? First of all, quit the matching-outfit routine (its never a good idea to look 40 going on 12) and show her that youre actually cool by booking the Hannah Montana Package for a special mother/daughter getaway in San Francisco.

The Hannah Montana Package includes:

A one-night stay in any of Personality Hotels three Kids suites: The Little Divas Suite at Hotel Diva; Ring In The Kids Suite at Hotel Union Square; or the Urban Explorers Kids Suite at Hotel Metropolis

A Hannah Montana wig

A Hannah Montana poster

A notebook + Hannah Montana stickers to create a personalized diary

A $10 gift card to Claires, an official retailer of Hannah Montana products

A Hannah Montana board game (in-room use only)

The Hannah Montana Package is available at Personality Hotels through May 31, 2008. Rates start at $229, excluding tax and based upon availability. The package is based on one Hannah Montana fan; for each additional fan add $35. For reservations call 800.553.1900 or visit www.personalityhotels.com.

Small Hotels. Big Personalities.
Established in 1982, family-owned Personality Hotels is San Franciscos original boutique hotel company. 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.

[Nov. 4, 2007] Sacramento Magazine "Get Me To the Show on Time"

Sun, 4 Nov 2007 13:54:43 -0800

For location, it's hard to beat the Hotel Diva, a sleek and sexy space across the street from both the Curran and A.C.T. theaters at 440 Geary St. (800-553-1900; hoteldiva.com). But then there's also the lovely Kensington Park Hotel at 450 Post St. (800-553-1900; personalityhotels.com) that houses its own theater, the Post Street, plus the world-class restaurant Farallon. And these two charmers are only the beginning.

Hotel Union Square-This boutique hotel, with connections to celebrated detective novelist Dashiell Hammett and the city's colorful speak-easy days, provides an authentic San Francisco experience: Guests wake up to the sounds of clanging cable cars. 114 Powell St. (800-553-1900; personalityhotels.com).

[Sep 29, 2007] FALL INTO FUN AT PERSONALITY HOTELS

Tue, 26 Jun 2007 12:26:12 -0800

That slight chill in the air confirms it - summer is officially over. But fear not dear families - the fun doesn't have to stop there. So put the homework away, pack up the suitcases and head to San Francisco for Personality Hotels' "Fall Family Fun Package"

Rates for the "Fall Family Fun Package" start at just $139, excluding tax and based upon availability. When booking the package, parents may want to opt for one of Personality Hotels' three designer kids' suites, filled with enough games, toys, books, a computer, and more to entertain them for hours. Kids' suites are available at Hotel Diva (sleeps up to four, package rates start at $259), Hotel Union Square (sleeps up to six, package rates start at $239) and Hotel Metropolis (sleeps up to nine, package rates start at $339).
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[Jun 26, 2007] HOTEL DIVA OPENS CHIC ARTIST INTERNET LOUNGES

Tue, 26 Jun 2007 12:26:12 -0800

Hotel Diva, a member of the San Francisco boutique hotel company Personality Hotels, is now home to four cutting-edge Diva Lounges, styled by San Francisco's hottest artists and designers. From skateboards hung on the walls to a couture dress suspended from the ceiling, each lounge has its own unique style and personality. All of the lounges are open 24-hours a day for guests and offer complimentary use of an iMac computer. These are the perfect little spots to catch up on email, meet with a friend or colleague, or simply just relax amongst inspirational design.
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[Apr. 3, 2007] San Francisco-Based Boutique Hotel Company Grows to Include Seven Hotel Properties

Tue, 3 Apr 2007 12:22:29 -0800

Personality Hotels, San Francisco's original boutique hotel company, announced today its acquisition of two additional hotel properties in San Francisco - York Hotel, located in Nob Hill, and The Maxwell Hotel in Union Square. The York and Maxwell hotels join Personality Hotels' existing collection of five San Francisco boutique properties that include Hotel Diva, Kensington Park Hotel, Hotel Metropolis, Hotel Union Square and Steinhart Hotel.

"We are extremely excited to add the York and Maxwell hotels to our portfolio of family-owned boutique hotel properties," says Personality Hotels' President and CEO Yvonne Lembi-Detert. "This is an electrifying year for Personality Hotels as we increase our presence in the hospitality industry and showcase the innovative thinking and fresh design concepts for which we have come to be known."
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[Jul. 25, 2006] Dogs Are Divas at Personality Hotels

Tue, 25 Jul 2006 12:22:29 -0800

Personality Hotels, San Francisco's original boutique hotel company, is currently featuring the "Every Doggie is a Diva Package," available at four Personality Hotel properties - Hotel Diva, Hotel Metropolis, Hotel Union Square and Kensington Park Hotel.

The "Every Doggie is a Diva Package" includes: deluxe overnight accommodations; a super-soft sheep skin throw rug for a luxurious nights sleep; a personalized "Sexy Diva" dog tag; a Petco amenity box filled with a red paw print bandana, dog biscuits and treats and two flavors of dog food; a complimentary one-hour VIP dog walking tour highlighting the city's best parks and hippest fire hydrants (available Monday - Friday 12 p.m. -1 p.m.); and VOSS water and a designer dog bowl (only the best for our doggie divas!).
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[Apr. 5, 2006] Hotel Diva, Hotel Union Square and Hotel Metropolis Get a Fresh New Look

Wed, 5 Apr 2006 12:21:09 -0800

Personality Hotels, San Franciscos original boutique hotel company, is currently renovating three of their five boutique hotel properties - Hotel Union Square, Hotel Diva and Hotel Metropolis.

Hotel Union Square
Hotel Union Square, San Franciscos original boutique hotel, is being restored back to its original glory, outfitted in 1930s art deco style. The renovation honors famous scribe Dashiell Hammett, who loved the hotel so much he booked his bride-to-be Josephine Dolan in a suite on the night before their 1921 wedding.

The first chapter of the renovation to be completed this March is the hotel lobby, designed by Personality Hotels President and CEO Yvonne Lembi-Detert and Lisa Sayed, interior designer and partner of their new interior design company Sisterhood of the Traveling Hotels.
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[Mar. 15, 2006] First-Ever Dashiell Hammett Suite Opens

Tue, 15 Mar 2005 12:19:15 -0800

Hotel Union Square, San Francisco's original boutique hotel, just completed the world's only Dashiell Hammett Suite, dedicated to the celebrated author best known for his novel "The Maltese Falcon" (1930). The famous scribe loved the hotel so much that he booked his bride-to-be Josephine Dolan in a suite on the night before their 1921 wedding.

San Francisco-based artist and interior designer Lisa Compagno meticulously created the "Dashiell Hammett Suite," treating guests to a history lesson in the life of the famed scribe. From the two stainless steel eyes hanging in the entrance (a reference to Hammett's short story "The Girl with the Silver Eyes") to the hand towels adorned with Hammett's image in the bathroom, no detail has been overlooked in this large corner suite. Special touches include: an antique suitcase filled with Hammett books; an old fashioned typewriter; a collage dedicated to Hammett books and movies; black and white photos of Hammett's wife and daughters; a vintage-style radio; and a mural of the shadow of "The Thin Man."
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[Oct. 19, 2005] Personality Hotels Creates Hotel Industry Blog

Wed, 19 Oct 2005 12:18:08 -0800

Blogging is very hot these days. So hot in fact, that people are spending hours a day reading and writing these online forums just to stay current. Always on the cutting-edge, Yvonne Lembi-Detert, president and CEO of Personality Hotels, has started a blog for the hotel industry.

Lembi-Detert uses her weblog to discuss innovative trends and developments in the boutique hotel industry such as progressive styles in hotel design and whether free wireless Internet access should be standard for guests. She also gives the public an inside peek into her daily life as a hotel owner, from personally redecorating three of her hotels at once to dealing with pesky computer problems.
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[Jul. 8, 2005] Personality Hotels' Offers Affordable Chic Meetings

Fri, 8 Jul 2005 12:16:59 -0800

As the economy still slowly recovers, experienced meeting planners are following in the footsteps of many savvy consumers who are foregoing expensive, traditional products and services in lieu of the innovative "affordable chic" approach - spending smart and living rich by combining style with budget-conscious prices. Personality Hotels, San Francisco's original boutique hotel company, is capitalizing on this by making it affordable to host a first-class meeting on a small budget at two of their top properties, Hotel Diva and Kensington Park.

"We wanted to show meeting planners that even with corporate budget cuts, that they can still afford to host a first rate meeting in San Francisco at a top quality hotel," says Personality Hotels' President and CEO Yvonne Lembi-Detert.
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[Jun. 15, 2005] Personality Perks Program

Wed, 15 Jun 2005 12:14:01 -0800

Visiting the City by the Bay and forgot your toothbrush? Have a run in your nylons before a big night on the town? Need to escape to a luxurious day spa? Not to worry, Personality Hotels will take care of all the details. Frequent Personality Hotel guests now get the VIP treatment with the new Personality Perks Program, allowing repeat visitors to earn points toward complimentary overnight stays and gain access to pampering perks.
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