Joie de Vivre Unveils Dramatic Facelift to Historic Galleria Park Hotel

Landmark property offers vibrant, boutique alternative in heart of San Francisco's Financial District

San Francisco (January 3, 2007) - San Francisco-based boutique hotelier Joie de Vivre Hospitality is set to reveal the results of a $7.1 million renovation of the 95-year-old landmark Galleria Park Hotel. Showcasing vibrant tones and upscale, eclectic finishings as well as a host of unique business traveler amenities, the “new” contemporary Art Deco Galleria Park will offer guests traveling for business or pleasure one of the only boutique alternatives in the heart of the city’s Financial District.

Previously known as the Sutter Hotel, the property was constructed in 1911 and had not been renovated since the 1980s. Joie de Vivre took over management from the Kimpton Group in June, 2005 and immediately embarked upon a soup-to-nuts upgrade. Amenities tailored to the needs of the sophisticated modern traveler—including flat-screen televisions, alarm clocks with MP3 connectors and 300-thread-count Frette linens and bathrobes—have been introduced to all 177 refurbished guestrooms.

In addition to complimentary wired and wireless Internet access, business travelers will appreciate the hotel’s business honor bar—a version of a typical mini bar, but stocked with office materials instead. Additional unique features include:

• ergonomic desk chairs
• tech tool box
• free BART passes to the airport
• checkout packet complete with hotel receipt and airline boarding passes

Leisure travelers will enjoy the hotel’s proximity to downtown shops, its nightly wine reception and the unique rooftop terrace and walking track, which offers a breath of fresh air in San Francisco’s urban oasis.

Designers Marni Leis and Oren Bronstein were tasked with emphasizing Joie de Vivre’s philosophy of selecting magazines to create the personality of the hotel through its design. The resulting ambiance incorporates a BusinessWeek-meets-Vanity Fair feel, capturing the glamorous, engaging, warm, savvy-sensible and classy characteristics. A unique mixture of elements from different eras—Art Deco, vintage and mid-Century—arranged in an eclectic fashion, uphold the hotel’s historic ambiance while adding a modern feel. Bold gold tones, subdued blues and greens breathe new life into the lobby area, while artwork sourced from San Francisco’s Lost Art Salon adds a sense of place.

Every section of the hotel—from the business and fitness centers to the meeting space and lobby— have been fully remodeled, restoring many of the hotel’s traditional elements while integrating contemporary accents and amenities.

Positioned at the intersection of the eastern portion of Union Square and the beginning of the Financial District, the Galleria Park offers guests the best of all worlds. “Our locale is ideal for both work and play,” said Paul Frentsos, general manager. “We are steps away from the business hub of San Francisco as well as being surrounded by the West Coast’s premiere shopping district all at once.”

Rates begin at $199, based on availability. Reservations can be made by visiting www.galleriapark.com, or by calling (800) 792-9639 or (415) 781-3060.

About Joie de Vivre Hospitality

Based in San Francisco, Joie de Vivre Hospitality (www.jdvhotels.com) is a creative collection of lifestyle businesses. As California’s most prolific hotel operator, the Joie de Vivre portfolio encompasses 40 hospitality businesses throughout California, including 34 boutique hotels. These properties represent more than 3,600 rooms. The company also owns and operates San Francisco’s largest day spa, Kabuki Springs & Spa. Each property celebrates California through a unique visual style, uncompromising design principles, one-of-a-kind amenities and personalized service. "Our goal,” notes Joie de Vivre founder and CEO Chip Conley, “is to create landmark destinations full of soul and personality."