There’s a vibe to Northern California, particularly the Bay Area, that has long made it one of the most sought-after locales in the country, with its temperate weather, gorgeous scenery, legendary food and wine, ethnic diversity and focus on health, well-being and outdoor adventure.
Few properties wrap the region’s best attributes into one package, but there is a sanctuary in Berkeley, Calif., that has been pulling it off for almost a century: the Claremont Hotel, Club & Spa.
The white, castle-like landmark in the leafy hills has been a head-turner since it opened in 1915, and it has carved a unique niche for itself over the decades. Greta Garbo and John Barrymore were among the first celebrities to sip refreshing drinks by the hotel’s famous pool, it was a social hub for locals that staged jazz greats and important events, and it was even home to AM radio station KRE.
Nowadays, the rich history of the 279-unit hotel is well preserved in black-and-white photographs that line the walls, and following a recent multimillion-dollar renovation, its classically cool ambience is as popular as ever with locals and visitors alike. That includes meeting attendees, who enjoy 30,000 square feet of nicely appointed meeting space and don’t seem to mind the "distracting" views of San Francisco and the Golden Gate Bridge—or the plentiful resort perks.
"There is really no other hotel in the Bay Area that comes close to what we offer," says Adrian Larick, the Claremont’s director of sales and marketing, pointing to the property’s relaxing atmosphere and ideal location just 10 miles from San Francisco yet removed from the bustle. "You can walk outside, play tennis, swim and have all of those resort amenities without leaving, but you can have the amenities of the city as well."
Larick says corporate and association business is on the rise, while the hotel also hopes to boost incentive groups.
"A lot of our corporate groups have an incentive aspect, where they come here to meet and do something extraordinary, whether it’s spa treatments or parties by the pool," she says.
Meanwhile, in a culinary hot spot like the San Francisco Bay Area, hotels have to make a statement when it comes to food and beverage, and the Claremont is no exception.
"Our F&B is one of the finer things about the hotel. We have a soon-to-be-celebrity chef, and because of that our banquet food is top-end," Larick says, referring to Executive Chef Josh Thomsen, who just received Starchefs.com’s "Rising Stars" award in the category of hotel chef.
At the hotel’s striking new Meritage fine dining restaurant, where the concept centers on specific wine and food pairings, Thomsen utilizes local farmers and purveyors to create tasty dishes like Castroville artichoke soup, Sonoma goat cheese and potato terrine with baby beets and balsamic syrup, and Dixon California loin of lamb with chickpea fries and slow-roasted ratatouille.
At the hip Paragon Bar & Cafe, the creations are more casual yet just as enticing, and an outdoor patio with panoramic views is a trendy spot to mingle and dine.
Thomsen is available for hands-on cooking demonstrations, a fun way for groups to bond, followed by a multicourse dinner complemented by local wines.
"For health-conscious groups, we can also design a meeting that’s health-oriented from a menu standpoint and with physical activities, including fitness classes and the spa to invigorate the group," Larick says.
The Claremont Spa draws upon the Bay Area’s vast ethnic ties to create a treatment menu incorporating techniques from around the world, including the Tibetan Stone Massage and signature "journeys" such as Mayan Temple and Brazilian Rainforest. Before and after treatments, the powerful—and addictive—Deluge Shower rounds out the spa experience.
At the Club, the resort’s renowned tennis center is a great way to get the blood pumping. Lessons with Rosie Bareis, the Claremont’s director of tennis, and round- robin tournaments are among the best options for groups.
Customized fitness classes such as yoga and Pilates can also be arranged, and one of the most memorable activities is hiking along the trails that surround the property. One trail leads up to a pretty vista point, where a spiritually uplifting yoga class can end the hike on a high note. A ropes course is also available.
A day in San Francisco is a must for groups meeting at the Claremont, but there are great opportunities right in the hotel’s backyard as well. In North Berkeley, home to Alice Waters’ famous Chez Panisse restaurant and an eclectic artisan food and wine scene, attendees can indulge in walking tours of Gourmet Ghetto with Lisa Rogovin, founder of In the Kitchen with Lisa. The tours feature stops—and tastings—at Peet’s Coffee and Tea, Saul’s Delicatessen, Love at First Bite Cupcakery & Bakery, Alegio Chocolate and Vintage Berkeley.
Meanwhile, one of the hottest trends in the area is urban wineries, several of which fall under the East Bay Vintner’s Alliance. Planners can work with the Claremont to put together tours and tastings at impressive venues such as Oakland’s Dashe Cellars, producing award-winning zinfandel.
For More Info:
Claremont Hotel, Club & Spa
510.843.3000
