(San Diego) - August 14, 2013 - San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter is home to many unique and historic places, and now visitors to this downtown district can add THE LOBBY, a distinct hotel space unlike any other, to their list of discoveries. HHM recently assumed management of the Courtyard San Diego Downtown, which completed a $6.4 million renovation of all public spaces, known as THE LOBBY, meeting rooms and guestrooms in April. THE LOBBY’s concept, which features a restaurant, lounge, Starbucks espresso bar, Billiard room and general seating areas, is designed to cater to the changing tastes of today’s traveler.
THE LOBBY is a must-see - it fully employs its central spot as the social setting demanded by travelers today. As guests now require that hotel restaurants be more than just typical dining rooms and reflect the story of the property and the neighborhood, THE LOBBY attracts both hotel guests and local patrons while embracing the character of the historic property.
The highlighted restaurant and lounge is a standalone destination, featuring locally brewed draft and bottled beer to accompany the dining specials - in a town that was just named one of America’s best beer cities by Travel + Leisure. And, the menu at THE LOBBY offers classic American cuisine, but with a distinct Southern California twist.
“These local touches draw in area residents without dissuading guests at the hotel,” Mike Murray, COO of HHM said. “With the seal of approval from San Diegans, visitors in town for business or leisure are more likely to explore THE LOBBY’s features, such as the billiards room and Starbucks espresso bar in addition to the restaurant and lounge.”
He continues, “As guests become more vocal about their preferences for what they want in a common space, something like THE LOBBY becomes more of a necessity than a perk or trend. They are increasingly learning that they can use the multi-functioning space as a one-stop-shop to host meetings, gather with colleagues or just socialize somewhere that is both convenient and desirable, especially as the lines blur for when standard working hours occur.”
General Manager Jody Blackinton has also noticed increased guest satisfaction from the new concept at the hotel. “We’ve heard great reviews from guests who are taking full advantage of THE LOBBY,” Blackinton said. “The space allows you to choose what you want - where you want, for dining, working or relaxing.”
The recent renovations at Courtyard San Diego downtown also included a revitalization of the meeting spaces, featuring new wall vinyl, carpeting, furniture and technology, and the 245 guestrooms with a vibrant color scheme incorporated throughout the new bedding, furniture, carpeting and wall vinyl. Refrigerators, microwaves and safes were also added so that every room is equipped with those amenities. In addition the hotel now features more than 20 pieces of art from a collection of local artists.
Among the top hotels in San Diego, CA, Courtyard San Diego Downtown certainly stands out. Located in a vibrant district that hosts an array of premier restaurants, shops and galleries, it is also within minutes of numerous San Diego attractions including The San Diego Convention Center, PETCO Park, The Gaslamp Quarter District, Balboa Park and The San Diego Zoo. This historic hotel that was once home to the renowned San Diego Trust & Savings Bank, the property welcomes guests with the sophisticated comfort of modern guest accommodations that are blended seamlessly with history and timeless allure.