Joie de Vivre Welcomes Hotel Durant Into Its Collection

Landmark Property's Renovation Celebrates The Spirit of Berkeley and Cal

San Francisco, October 16, 2008 - The Hotel Durant celebrates its re-launch today following a $9 million renovation of the property and its gastropub, Henry's. A Berkeley landmark since 1928, the traditional Spanish-Mediterranean hotel's redesign is cheeky, rebellious and collegiate, reflecting its location one block from the nation's top-ranked public university, the University of California Berkeley, and its strong ties to the community.

From "Do Not Disturb" signs in the shape of a sock, to the Stanford-red "tribute" in the men's bathroom, to the "Protest Hallway" featuring Berkeley protest memorabilia and framed photos, the contemporary boutique hotel mixes quirky humor, history, academics and collegiate charm, resulting in a contemporary stylish design.

The 143-room hotel, which joined Joie de Vivre Hospitality's boutique hotel collection in September 2007, is Berkeley's only green-certified, full-service boutique hotel. It features a classic blue and gold "Cal" color scheme, and many guestrooms feature panoramic views of San Francisco, Berkeley, Oakland and the Bay.

Guestrooms have all the amenities post-college graduates could want, including a 37-inch flat-screen television, iPhone/iPod docking station, honor bar and refrigerator. Added during the renovation was The Graduate executive floor, which has a hospitality lounge offering a library, complimentary newspapers, breakfast and evening wine hours. Guestrooms on this level feature upgraded amenities, including 42" 1080p HDTVs and Sony BluRay DVD players. To honor some of the celebrated alums who have graduated from UC Berkeley, each room on The Graduate floor is named after different Cal Bear alums.

All Joie de Vivre's properties have their own distinctiveness and story, which begins with two magazines and five adjectives that describe the hotel and its prospective guests. For the Hotel Durant, the magazines Sports Illustrated and Economist and the adjectives rebellious, worldly, true-blue, clever, and nostalgic were the touchstones.

Hotel Durant also offers meeting space that accommodates up to 90 people with venues including the Regents Boardroom, California Room and University Room. The Graduate Floor is also available for receptions.

Henry's, Berkeley's only gastropub, was re-launched in August and celebrates gastronomy, mixology and love of true-blue sports. A popular destination for Cal Bears fans, Henry's features cuisine created by world-renown chef, Edward Blyden, an innovative cocktail selection, and flat-screen televisions. The restaurant continues the tradition of hosting pre-game and post-game festivities with popular outdoor beer gardens.

Both Henry's and Hotel Durant have partnered with Sustainable Berkeley, and the Hotel Durant was "green certified" by the Alameda County's Green Business Program this month.

Rates at Hotel Durant start from $169. For reservations and information, visit http://www.jdvhotels.com/hotels/durant or call toll-free 800.738.7477.


About Joie de Vivre Hospitality

Based in San Francisco, Joie de Vivre is a creative collection of lifestyle businesses. As California's largest boutique hotel collection, Joie de Vivre encompasses other hospitality businesses such as restaurants and spas. Celebrating 21 years of creating dreams, Joie de Vivre is expanding its California presence in Sacramento, Huntington Beach, Sunnyvale and Santa Cruz.


MEDIA CONTACTS:

Alexis Evans, Public Relations Manager, Joie de Vivre Hospitality
Tel. 415.248.5951/ Email: aevans@jdvhospitality.com


Lori Lincoln, Director of Public Relations, Joie de Vivre Hospitality
Tel. 415.773.1067/ Email: llincoln@jdvhospitality.com