Baked with Brews
It's about time someone thought of a way to combine cupcakes with beer. Go to PubCakes (619-741-0530) at 7229 El Cajon Blvd. in San Diego for flavors such as Stone Portzilla and Cup o' Hefen.
San Diego
The 1,625-room Manchester Grand Hyatt, which was purchased by Host Hotels & Resorts in March for $570 million, is planning an extensive renovation. The work, which will cover guest rooms, meeting facilities, lounges, restaurants and public space, begins in spring 2012.
The Westin Gaslamp Quarter, San Diego, recently revamped its 450 guest rooms and suites, part of a $25 million propertywide revamp that includes an upgrade to the ballroom and meeting space. The project incorporates eco-friendly features such as energy-saving light fixtures. Work should wrap up in 2012, after a redesign of the lobby and food and beverage outlets.
The 1,360-room San Diego Marriott Marquis & Marina, formerly known as the San Diego Marriott Hotel & Marina, is one of just four Marquis-designated properties in the country. Next to the San Diego Convention Center, the hotel is undergoing a $195 million renovation that will be completed in stages over the next three years. By 2014, the property will have added $100 million worth of meeting and event space for a new total of 130,000 square feet.
The 75-suite Park Manor Suites in San Diego's Hillcrest neighborhood is now the Inn at the Park Hotel after being acquired by Shell Vacations. The vintage 1926 property features neo-renaissance architecture and European décor and offers approximately 4,000 square feet of meeting space.
The Del Mar Highlands Town Center upscale mall complex celebrated a grand reopening in September after welcoming seven new restaurants. Among them are Davanti Enoteca, the wine and tapas bar from famed Chicago chef Scott Harris, and Burlap, former Top Chef contestant Brian Malarkey's second San Diego eatery featuring "Asian cowboy" cuisine.
Meeting Hotels
Properties in downtown include the 1,625-room Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego; 1,360-room San Diego Marriott Marquis & Marina; 1,190-room Hilton San Diego Bayfront Hotel; 511-room Omni San Diego Hotel; 462-room Paradise Point Resort & Spa; 450-room Westin Gaslamp Quarter, San Diego; 420-room Hard Rock Hotel San Diego; 337-room Embassy Suites Hotel San Diego Bay-Downtown; 306-room San Diego Marriott Gaslamp Quarter; 283-room Hilton San Diego/Gaslamp Quarter; 270-room The US Grant-A Luxury Collection Hotel San Diego; 240-room Residence Inn San Diego Downtown/Gaslamp Quarter; 222-room Best Western Island Palms Hotel & Marina, and 159-room Andaz San Diego.
Convention Center
San Diego Convention Center; exhibit space, 615,701 square feet; number of meeting rooms, 72; (619) 525-5000
Airport Transit
San Diego International Airport, about three miles northwest of San Diego's downtown neighborhood. Transfer cost by taxi, $12.50; via The Flyer metropolitan bus, $2.25
Taxes
Room tax (city of San Diego), 12.5% (10.5%, plus tourism marketing fee of 2%); sales tax, 8.75%; total taxes and fees on hotel rooms, 12.5%
Incentives
Looking to add a little spice to a busy agenda? So Diego Tours is offering a new walking excursion called the Brothels, Bites and Booze Tour. Groups head to the city's historic Gaslamp Quarter, where they sample food, craft beer and signature cocktails at five restaurant stops. Throughout, guides share colorful stories about San Diego during the late 19th century, when the streets were filled with thriving gambling halls and brothels. Private group tours can be arranged. (619) 233-8687
Dining Out
Rei Do Gado in downtown San Diego serves up traditional, delicious Brazilian barbecue, such as linguica (aka Portuguese sausage), filet mignon wrapped in bacon, leg of lamb and more. The venue is available for private events of up to about 300 people. (619) 702-8464
Contact
San Diego Convention & Visitors Bureau, (619) 232-3101
Running Start
Guests at the 195-room
Hotel Palomar
in San Francisco can get their heart rate up Monday through Friday with
a morning run set up and guided by the property's "wellness
ambassador."
Palm Springs
The 530-room Hyatt Grand Champions Resort, Villas and Spa completed a $1 million renovation of its lobby in September. The 6,200-square-foot space features new seating and a dramatic, 20-foot-high glass chandelier. The property includes more than 88,000 square feet of meeting space as well as seven pools and the recently redesigned Lantana Restaurant. In September 2010, the property completed a $2.2 renovation of its 26 penthouse suites and bar.
Meeting Hotels Properties in Palm Springs include the 476-room The Riviera Resort & Spa, 400-room Renaissance Palm Springs Hotel, 262-room Hilton Palm Springs Resort, 255-room Holiday Inn Palm Springs, 230-room Spa Resort Casino, 194-room Hyatt Regency Suites Palm Springs and 163-room Hotel Zoso.
Convention Center
Palm Springs Convention Center; exhibit space, 112,000 square feet; number of meeting rooms, 24; (760) 325-6611
Airport Transit
Palm Springs International Airport, approximately two miles from downtown Palm Springs. Transfer cost by taxi, about $10
Taxes
Palm Springs: room tax, 13.5%; sales tax, 7.75%; total tax on hotel rooms, 21.25%
Palm Desert: room tax, 9%; sales tax, 7.75%; total tax on hotel rooms, 16.75%
Cathedral City: room tax, 12%; sales tax, 8.75%; total tax on hotel rooms, 20.75%
Indian Wells: room tax, 11.25%; sales tax, 7.75%; total tax on hotel rooms, 19%
Dining Out
At one time the guest house of actor Cary Grant, Copley's serves up new American fare with al fresco mountain views. The venue's garden area can accommodate up to 120 people and features fountains and a fire-pit. Menu items include lobster pot pie and basil ice cream. (760) 327-9555
Contact
Palm Springs Desert Resort Communities Convention and Visitors Authority; (760) 770-9000