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San Diego Marriott Welcomes First Guests After Makeover

After a 14-month, $45 million
reconstruction effort, the much-anticipated San Diego Marriott Gaslamp
Quarter hotel opens its doors today in the heart of downtown. The 306-room
property - - situated at the gateway between the hip East Village and
historic Gaslamp District—is the newest downtown luxury hotel and one
of a dozen residential and mixed-use projects being completed in the
city’s burgeoning redevelopment district. Closed more than a year ago by owners Stanford Hotels Corp., the building
was stripped to its bare bones and completely reconstructed—inside and
out—to create a stylish hotel that offers business and leisure guests
an intimate and untraditional hotel experience.

“This hotel is unlike any other property in downtown San Diego,” said
General Manager Jim Durbin. “From the exceptional attention given to its
distinct architectural design to the incredible in-room amenities, the San
Diego Marriott Gaslamp Quarter offers sophisticated travelers the highest
level of ambiance and style.”

Guest rooms are handsomely appointed and feature plush, down-filled duvets
and pillows, butter soft 300-thread count single-pick bed linens,
pillow-top mattresses, spa-like 17-pound terry towels, Gilchrist & Soames
spa bath amenities, flat screen televisions, two-line telephones with data
ports and voice mail, as well as high-speed and wireless internet access
throughout the hotel. A concierge level with upgraded amenities and a
concierge lounge serving daily continental breakfast and cocktails is
offered on the 21st floor.

The hotel offers 8,000 square feet of intimate meeting space, complete
with detailed craftsmanship. This area is comprised of two ballrooms and
two boardrooms complete with Wi-Fi capabilities and 180-degree wrap-around
balconies conveniently located off of the boardrooms. These distinctive
spaces give guests a unique arena for corporate and social events.

Located next to the new hotel is Soleil @ K, a hot new eatery destined to
be the brightest star on the local dining scene, taking the concept of
contemporary casual dining to a whole new stratosphere. Guests can see
what’s happening in this warm and inviting restaurant before they even
walk in, due to an incredible street scene view. Floor-to-ceiling windows
and glass panel doors disappear into the walls creating a breezy,
fresh-air feel and views of people parading from the energetic East
Village to the gregarious Gaslamp District.

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Designed by cb5 Restaurant Group, the eatery has an exhibition kitchen and
dramatic dining hall, which features cozy corner booths as well as
community- style tables seating up to 20 guests each. This type of seating
creates an instant family experience with plenty of upbeat energy.

The menu focuses on fresh and healthy “foods of the sun” flavors with a
rustic Mediterranean flare and a strong California influence. Fresh
produce and meats are served using simple preparations, and an extensive
wine list is offered with non-traditional wine pairings.

Altitude, a swank, open-air rooftop bar, sits on the 22nd floor. With
panoramic views of San Diego’s harbor and skyline, the overall vibe at
Altitude is intriguing and invigorating. This haven is a dramatic getaway
for downtown visitors and residents alike who are looking for an
exhilarating new downtown destination. Altitude also appeals to visitors
looking for a bird’s eye view of the downtown skyline, San Diego
waterfront and Pacific Ocean.

Additional hotel amenities include a state-of-the-art rooftop fitness
center featuring scenic views of San Diego’s famous harbor, a 24-hour
business concierge to help with any type of business need and a selection
of foam or feather pillows in every guest room. The hotel also provides a
large selection of guest rooms that have incredible views into San Diego
Padre’s Petco Park.

Situated just blocks from the picturesque San Diego Harbor and the
Convention Center, the hotel is approximately three miles from the San
Diego Airport and provides convenient access to many area attractions,
including Sea World, the world-famous San Diego Zoo, Petco Park, Horton
Plaza, the museums of Balboa Park and historic Old Town. Guests can also
take advantage of nearby amenities such as golf, water sports and beaches.

The San Diego Marriott Gaslamp Quarter Hotel is located at 660 K Street in
downtown San Diego. For more information about the hotel, please call
(619) 696-0234 or 1-888-800-8118 for reservations. Visit
http://www.marriott.com/ for a complete listing of Marriott Hotels &
Resorts.
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