What service can you provide to groups that they do not normally receive?
This is a great question because I really enjoy the times our guests allow the Concierge Team to provide an 'above and beyond' experience. For example, we are able to plan adventures for our groups the attendees might not know about, such as exclusive back stage tours of Sea World or the famous San Diego Zoo. We have arranged private cooking classes and art lectures. There are very few ideas that we cannot make happen...just open your imagination and leave the rest to us!
What are your bar or nightclub recommendations?
There is so much night-life in San Diego and the activities can be found in many different areas of the city. For Coronado, I enjoy the Piano Bar at Vigilucci's The crowd consists of both our visitors and our local neighbors. It is an easy and comfortable space. You can even bring you dog and sit on the patio. Leroy's is a new watering hole that has given Coronado a special venue for great drinks and conversation. It is a cozy, casual place that is a terrific spot to meet up with friends.
The Air Conditioned Lounge in University Heights also has my vote. You will only see this place by the sign that flashes "air conditioned.” Great dancing and when you "check in" on your phone, you get half off on your first round.
Rich's. This is THE place to go if you want to dance all night. It is the place that the guys who like to dance, really go to dance! The music is loud and pounding. The crowd is an eclectic mixture of men and women.
Sessions Public is in Point Loma. This pubs boast a large and ever changing array of local brews. The bar food is seasonal and really plentiful.
U-31 Cocktail Lounge Good drinks, good service and a really rock bar. U-31 is a local favorite for the 20's crowd.
Can you recommend a good place for a stroll?
Yes, I have three favorites. The lovely Silver Strand Beach in Coronado is magical. It is a nature preserve and is simply one of the most beautiful beaches any time of the year (located adjacent to our resort). I especially like this beach in the fall. I love to stroll near and around the Spruce Street Suspension Bridge in Bankers Hill. Built in 1912. This romantic bridge is located in a beautiful part of San Diego. From the bridge you will see a spectacular view of the harbor, the city and planes arriving and departing. One cannot miss walking through our Balboa Park...anywhere, from the Botanical Gardens to the various hiking trails throughout the park.
Are there any quirky places we should check out?
One must go to the Whaley House in Old Town. It is strange, has a very weird story about this place and its 'living' and" not so living' residents. In La Jolla, I always tell my guests to visit the Children's Pools where the Sea Lions have taken over and made it their home. This was not always the case for the Sea lions, but now is has become theirs some of the most expensive property in the nation. They are wonderful and always a treat to look at.
The Adams Avenue Antique area is really special. One can stroll through the entire area and still not get into each and every antique store front. Talk about quirky...but great fun! I love the Museum of Music Making in Carlsbad. This museum showcase music making product form the 1890's through today. You will see a number of iconic electric guitars also some of the first electric instruments, like banjos violins basses and amplifiers.
What is an unusual request from a group you've had?
There was a group that was desperate for a place to land their helicopter in Coronado.
We are in the process of planning a 'group' tattoos event. There will be four artists tattooing about 40 guests as part of their San Diego experience.
A party of 12 wants to have dinner right away. What restaurant can accommodate last-minute request of this size?
This is easy. Our Mistral and Market Cafe have and will do anything possible to accommodate a party of 12. We have had this happen many times, especially during the summer. Our Concierge team, in all modesty, is quite well respected throughout the City. We are able to make things happen that others cannot. In that regard, I have had Chefs, Maitre d's and Managers of many restaurants adjust their 'seatings' to accommodate our guests at the last minute. This is the result of a mutual respect that we give and receive to many restaurants and venues throughout San Diego. We are most appreciative and grateful for this relationship.
What's a unique event that has taken place at your property?
We have made the entire hotel into a Carnival for a group of guest that had a 'buy out ' of our entire hotel. We have 'Baby Loves Disco' events. This is a great family event, with so many kids and parents and just plenty of healthy activities for children 6 months through 7 years with their friends and family. We created a Cirque du Soleil event that covered all of our tennis courts. That was quite amazing!
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