Historic Oceanfront Hotel, The Georgian, Re-Launches in Santa Monica

Hoteliers Jon Blanchard and Nicolo Rusconi of BLVD Hospitality, in partnership with ESI Ventures, announced the re-launch of Santa Monica’s iconic hotel The Georgian. Perched above the Santa Monica waterfront on Ocean Avenue, The Georgian has been a fixture of the Southern California coastline since its debut in 1933 and will re-open to the public on April 3.

Steeped in the history of old Hollywood, the famed Art Deco property has seen several iterations over the years, with regular guests including Charlie Chaplin, Clark Gable, Marilyn Monroe and First Mother Rose Kennedy. The hotel’s opening coincided with the start of the golden age of hospitality and was the dream of renowned Californian hotelier, Mrs. Rosamond Borde, who commissioned celebrated architect Mr. M. Eugene Durfee to design a hotel of grand proportions. Dramatic in appearance but with a cozy, intimate feel, the landmark property has been lovingly restored to its former glory.

A destination where global culture intersects with Californian charm, The Georgian has been carefully restored by Blanchard and Rusconi through the eye of leading interior architecture and design firm, Fettle, with architecture by HLW, alongside branding and experience company Corso Marketing Group. Maintaining the original concept’s striking features and presence throughout, complemented by thoughtful design, the property offers 84 keys – with 56 classic rooms and 28 one bedroom suites – with sweeping ocean views.

Overlooking the California coastline, the building’s unmistakable turquoise façade has pride of place on Ocean Avenue, where the architecturally stunning property’s timeless elegance and historic significance is on full display. Fettle’s design offers a glimpse into the hotel’s 1930’s heyday which underscores its inherent traditional elements.

The Genevieve Opens in Santa Ynez, California

SANTA YNEZ, CALIF. – The Santa Ynez Inn re-opened yesterday as Santa Barbara Wine County’s newest boutique hotel, The Genevieve. Complementing The Genevieve, is The Victor, Santa Ynez’s newest restaurant. The Genevieve provides the perfect enclave to explore an array of Wine Country’s best wineries, local attractions, and the beautiful rolling hills of Santa Ynez. From the ownership team behind The Landsby, Solvang’s destination-defining hotel, The Genevieve brings 20 spacious and luxurious guestrooms, and a refined sense of intimate luxury to Santa Ynez in Santa Barbara wine country.

The Genevieve will continue to offer the same level of hospitality and detail-oriented guest experience as the Santa Ynez Inn, in an intimate setting amidst a lush garden, meandering pathways and well-situated fire pits that provide the perfect setting for enjoying an evening bottle of wine. At The Genevieve, guests also enjoy daily made-to-order breakfast and wine and dessert hour, a whiskey library, onsite Tesla charging stations, a curated Tasting Passport that creates the perfect introduction to wine in the Santa Ynez Valley, and ample intimate event spaces perfect for weddings and milestone events.

“The Genevieve is the perfect setting for rediscovering romance, escaping the mundane, and fully embracing the serenity of the Santa Ynez Valley,” said Janice Leslin, co-owner of The Genevieve and The Victor. “The Genevieve and The Victor are a true escape and the perfect pair—a combination of intimate, detail-oriented hospitality and some of the best food and cocktails in Santa Ynez,” she said.

Historic Columbia Gorge Hotel & Spa in Oregon Unveils Completion of Multi-Million Dollar Renovation

HOOD RIVER, OR – The Columbia Gorge Hotel & Spa located at 4000 Westcliff Drive in Hood River, Oregon is excited to unveil its new look on Tuesday, February 14, after a multi-million dollar transformation to the entire property. The 42-room property is managed by A-1 Hospitality Group of Kennewick, Washington, and the historic renovations were completed by InnSpace of Kalispell, Montana.

Located in the heart of the Columbia Gorge National Scenic Area, atop the majestic cliffs of the Columbia River, the four-story property offers convenient access to Mt. Hood, Columbia Gorge Scenic Highway, Multnomah Falls, Columbia Center for the Arts and the Hood River Wine Country.

“We are thrilled to have completed a full restoration of the Columbia Gorge Hotel & Spa, the hotel was originally built in 1920 and one of our main priorities was finding a way to provide a refresh while preserving the historic integrity of the hotel.” said Taran Patel, Managing Principal of A-1 Hospitality Group. “We look forward to welcoming all of our past and future guests to share the new enhanced experience.”

The hotel offers river-side or garden-side rooms king-sized beds. River-side rooms offer breathtaking views of the Columbia River while garden-side rooms feature vibrant views of the award-winning Pacific Northwest Gardens. All rooms offer limited room service, 55” flat-panel televisions and air-conditioning while the hotel also offers deluxe rooms equipped with fireplaces. Morning coffee is available daily in the lobby and guest services include a full-service spa, four meeting rooms, world renowned wedding venues, the award-winning Simon’s Cliffhouse Restaurant, the Valentino Lounge and an outdoor terrace for dining and drinks. Those looking to book can do so direct at ColumbiaGorgeHotel.com.

“InnSpace is honored to be involved in a project at such an iconic resort in Hood River,” said Russell Markham, Director of Design and Procurement, InnSpace. “The renovation design compliments the history of the building to create a memorable space for guests who desire a cultured experience with a feel of a bygone era, deep in the woods of Oregon.”

About A-1 Hospitality Group

A-1 Hospitality Group is a family owned and operated management company whose corporate headquarters is located in Kennewick, Washington. The company was founded by Vijay and Mita Patel in 1997, and remains family owned and operated. The portfolio consists of ten select-service and extended-stay hotels located in Washington, Oregon, New Mexico, Idaho and Texas. For more information on A-1 Hospitality Group or to inquire about third-party management services please visit their website at www.hotelsA1.com.

Hilton Alexandria Mark Center Completes Multimillion-Dollar Renovation

Alexandria, VA – Hilton Alexandria Mark Center, a warm, inviting upscale hotel with 428 elegant guest rooms has announced the completion of their multi-million dollar renovation. Hilton Alexandria Mark Center’s refresh included the debut of the new Sushi Bar and Marketplace, revitalized lobby and public spaces, guest rooms, and meetings and event rooms.

“We are thrilled to announce the completion of our multimillion-dollar renovation. The effort to blend the historic charm of Old Town Alexandria with the vibrance of the modern day has been something we have felt very passionate about,” said Greg Langweg, General Manager of Hilton Alexandria Mark Center. “The renovation served as a way for Hilton Alexandria Mark Center to provide a tranquil oasis for not only business and leisure travelers visiting America’s Capitol City, but also locals looking for a distinguished place to host all types of meetings and events.”

Host The Event of The Season in The Heart of Old Town

With over 48,000 square feet of refreshed event space, it’s no surprise that Hilton Alexandria Mark Center is the premier spot for hosting and toasting. With 37 meeting rooms, all inspired by Georgian and Victorian architecture and the styles of local artists, the iconic spaces create an unforgettable venue for attendees of conferences, industry events, black-tie galas, and more.

For those looking to tie the knot, there are plenty of options to choose from, including The Plaza Ballroom which serves as the largest event space at 10,200 square feet. Hilton Alexandria Mark Center has a dedicated team of specialists to offer well-rounded support, from overseeing rehearsal dinner festivities to wedding receptions. An on-site audio and visual company is conveniently available to assist with all events, and the airport shuttle can transport out-of-town attendees.

Perfect for relaxing after a day of sightseeing, is the hotel’s public spaces. A relaxing patio, romantic gazebo, and evergreen gardens are there to greet travelers and locals alike. Convenience is one of the many perks of the hotel as guests can easily access the main Washington, DC monuments and attractions, and the quaint waterfront galleries and shops in Old Town Alexandria, VA.

Break Away from the Sights and Retreat to Newly Renovated Guest Rooms

Guests will revel in the all-new renovated, spacious guest rooms and one- or two-bedroom suites. Offering contemporary elegance with modern conveniences, the guest rooms have a refreshed color palate of calming blues and neutrals, complemented with warm wood tones, bringing a harmonious balance to the already beautiful setting. The expansive one-bedroom suites include a living area adorned with the signature rich blue color palette and calming wood tones. The Executive Level rooms are located on the top three floors of the hotel, offering panoramic views of Washington, DC and its monuments, Old Town Alexandria, and the National Harbor.

Sushi Bar Serves Exotic Sushi Creations from Award-Winning Chef Kim

Hilton Alexandria Mark Center’s premier Sushi Bar offers world class sushi in a warm, romantic setting. Previously located in the Finn & Porter Restaurant, the Sushi Bar now sits in the lobby hotel, adjacent to the bar, bringing more visibility to the fine art of sushi. Award-winning Chef Kim showcases his techniques by rolling out sashimi and exotic sushi creations, along with a newly added ramen counter where guests can customize their own ramen dish.

As one of the few sushi restaurants in Alexandria, highlights of the new Sushi Bar menu include Maki Sushi Rolls, Nigiri Sushi Rolls, and Chef’s Specialty Rolls which include: The Rainbow Roll, South Pacific Roll, and Flying Dragon Roll. There will also be a high-end selection of Saké such as the Joto “The Blue One” Junmai Nigori or Fu-ki Junmai, along with Japanese beer options as well. A great addition to Finn & Porter, the hotel’s in-house restaurant, known for its seafood and prime steaks, the Sushi Bar is famous for the freshest sushi with an upscale fusion style ambiance. Open daily.

Discover Old Town’s Hidden Gems at the New Marketplace

Explore the newly opened Marketplace at Hilton Alexandria Mark Center, where guests can buy gifts from Alexandria Virginia’s Old Town Shop, as well as find locally sourced products and treats for all. Travelers can stop by and discover all the Marketplace has to offer, whether it’s Virginia wines, honey, fruit, popcorn, and other savory or sweet treats, all while supporting local businesses.

About Hilton Alexandria Mark Center

Located on the West End of Historic Alexandria, adjacent to the Winkler Botanical Preserve and minutes from Old Town Alexandria, on a serene lake surrounded by landscaped gardens, sits the Hilton Alexandria Mark Center. Owned by a private investment fund advised by Crow Holdings Capital Partners, L.L.C and managed by Davidson Hotels, the recently renovated 35-story hotel is home to 428 guest rooms, a premier sushi bar, the fine-dining Finn and Porter lobby restaurant, the indoor-outdoor pool, a 24-hour fitness center, and the newly opened Marketplace, which features gifts, products and treats from local Alexandria Businesses. In addition, the hotel boasts 37,000 square feet of event space, with the largest room at 10,200 square feet, along with the stylish Plaza Ballroom, a relaxing patio, romantic gazebo, and evergreen gardens, providing the perfect ambiance for business conferences, industry events, black tie galas and intimate weddings.