California
- Two new Marriott-branded hotels near San Jose International Airport are expected to open in 2014. A SpringHill Suites and a Residence Inn will share a main entrance and back-of-the-house facilities, but will have two distinct lobbies and add a total of 341 rooms to the South Bay market. For more information, visit www.marriott.com.
- A multimillion-dollar renovation at Hilton Concord, in San Francisco’s East Bay region will focus on creating sustainable systems and is expected to be completed early this year. Projects include increasing lighting efficiency, conserving water, lowering dishwasher temperature, and “pillow renovation” to reduce waste. The property has 19,000 square feet of meeting space with 16 function rooms and can accommodate groups from 10 to 900 people. For more information, call 925.827.2000 or visit www.concord.hilton.com.
- Saltbox opened last year inside San Diego’s new Hotel Palomar in the city’s Gaslamp Quarter. The “gastro-lounge” will be led by Executive Chef Simon Dolinky, who comes from a previous position at the BLVD 16 restaurant at Hotel Palomar Los Angeles. The restaurant features locally-sourced dishes designed to encourage sharing. Saltbox is available for private events, including cocktail receptions and dinners of up to 200. For more information, call 619.515.3003 or visit www.saltboxrestaurant.com.
Mexico
- Villa del Palmar in Cancun completed the third phase of its remodel. This final phase added 137 guest rooms, bringing the total to 415. Also recently added were new dining options and the upgraded, 4,800-square-foot Palmita Market. Outside Cancun’s hotel zone and approximately 35 minutes from the Cancun airport, Villa del Palmar also offers a downtown shuttles for guests. For more information, call 888.844.8160 or visit www.villapalmarcancun.com.
- Associated Luxury Hotels International (ALHI) expanded its portfolio with the addition of two new Paradisus Resorts in the Riviera Maya. The 394-suite Paradisus Playa del Carmen La Perla and the 510-suite Paradisus Playa del Carmen La Esmeralda were designed to meet the needs of groups, featuring 25,000 square feet of flexible meeting space. Both properties opened in November 2011. Additional group offerings include a total of 116 swim-up suites, eight bars, 14 meeting rooms, a ballroom and unique group activites like sushi-making and tango dance classes. For more information, call 866.303.2544 or visit www.alhi.com.