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Saved by the Hilton twice this yearBy Madelyn Miller
If things are going wrong, check into a Hilton and they know how to make everything seem better. What is the worst thing that can happen to a traveler? A cold? Bad weather? Lost luggage? A virus? I have experienced them all. But if I had any ability to plan, I would make sure they always happened when I was staying at a Hilton brand property. I recently arrived at the Hilton San Diego Gaslamp Quarter with a virus. Not a cold, something worse. Actually, it was the slammer worm computer virus that my laptop had picked up from a hotel network at my previous destination. Hilton had nothing to do with causing the problem. But they took complete ownership of the solution. When I had trouble signing on at Hilton, they sent up the most helpful head engineer, Raza. Raza knew immediately that the problem was not in their system and patiently explained that a bad computer virus had hit many California networks. I was almost inconsolable, worrying about lost data. Raza proudly told me his son was a geek and he would find out how to fix it. He offered me cookies (the chocolate kind, not computer kind) and said he would have them sent to my room. I thanked him profusely and said I was trying not to snack. Then he offered to send up dinner, said he would send up whatever I wanted to eat. I had seen this kind of helpful behavior before in other Hilton employees. So later, I asked the Pr person if there was some kind of policy that allowed employees to pamper distressed guests. She said yes, they were empowered to go beyond merely solving the problem, even if the problem was not caused by Hilton. How did I have a feeling that was true? Because I had stayed at Chelsea Hampton Hotel New York during the worst snowstorm had seen in years. Believe me, there is not a better place to be in New York when in snows than the Chelsea Hampton. Even on good days, they offer unlimited Hot Chocolate, breakfast and free internet access. But on snowy days, the staff outdoes themselves offering hot chocolate every time you walk through the lobby. I had to leave Chelsea Hampton at 4am to get to Kennedy Airport enroute to Grenada. Have you ever tried to get a cab in New York at 4am on a snowy morning? Thank goodness for one of the employees who trudged through blocks of snow to find a cab for me. Was I worried about my plane taking off? Not really. I knew I could go back to the Chelsea Hampton and drink hot chocolate all day while I enjoyed the hot chocolate chip cookies and free internet access all day. You never know when you are going to have a travel problem. But it is never a real bad problem if you are staying at Hilton. THE HILTON SAN DIEGO GASLAMP QUARTER
I think it is prophetic that a artist designed bench in front of the hotel reads SIT, STAY, HEAL. Because that is exactly the experience I had.
The sophisticated 282-room, $45 million hotel property blends avant-garde architecture in an intimate atmosphere with personalized service and world-class amenities. Part of a development known as Bridgeworks, the Hilton San Diego Gaslamp Quarter is just one piece of a handsome mixed-use project that includes restaurants, shops, spa, fitness and beauty, and below ground parking. Located directly opposite San Diego's waterfront Convention Center and two blocks from the new Petco Park, the Hilton is less than 10 minutes from San Diego International airport and such attractions as the world famous San Diego Zoo, Sea World, Balboa Park, Mission Bay and Coronado. The warm residential feel of the lobby is the first such touch that a guest experiences. High, wood-beam ceilings accent the rich wood and brick interior that is decorated in a cozy living room style. Guests can relax in the evening with backgammon, chess and other board games by an inviting two-sided fireplace. Both the lobby and the meeting area lounge on the mezzanine level feature distinctive, fashionable furnishings and contemporary artwork that are coordinated to evoke a sense of modern-day elegance. The feeling of home also infuses each spacious guestroom, from the snug pillow top bed with down comforter to the large working desk and complimentary coffee bar. Each room is equipped with high-speed Internet access and a two-line speaker phone. Business travelers have two floors dedicated to them on the Executive Level that offer private concierge service, plush bathrobes, Frette linen (300 thread count), lighted make up mirror, complimentary continental breakfast and a cocktail hour with refreshments and hors d'oeuvres. The hotel was completed in August 2001, with addition of the 30 rooms in the Enclave wing that also offer these services. The rooms feature 9 to 11-foot ceilings and stunning oversize loft-style windows.
The hotel has seen to guests’ fitness needs with a host of recreational amenities. The complimentary fitness center is open 24 hours as is a heated outdoor swimming pool with whirlpool. The adjoining sundeck is positioned for maximum exposure to the San Diego sun, and the park and promenade adjacent to the property provide a pleasant jogging venue. In summer of 2001, the Bridgeworks complex welcomed the Artesia Day Spa and Salon, which offers a variety of treatments and relaxation therapies. KNOW BEFORE YOU GO TO SAN DIEGO Secret San Diego Access San Diego MOON HANDBOOKS Gayot The best of Los Angeles and Southern California DON’T MISS
For more info call the Gaslamp Quarter Association 619-233-5227 WHERE TO EAT
Chive Helpful resources Discount Theatre Tickets
Most colorful sight Best way to start your day CHELSEA HAMPTON
EVERYONE LOVES A DEAL The prices for this hotel are surprisingly reasonable. Rooms are about $160 to $220 a night. And when you add in a free breakfast, unlimited fresh cookies and free high speed internet access, it is a deal that is hard to beat. I stayed there during a snow storm, and every time I returned to the hotel, the front desk man asked me if I wanted some hot chocolate. Better, friendlier service and greeting that I received at a ritzy addressed hotel on the same trip. Housed in a newly constructed twenty-story high-rise boasting signature architectural style, contemporary décor and hi-tech amenities, the hotel combines the quality features of the nationally recognized Hampton Inn brand with the design elements of a classic New York-style hotel. The 20-story, 144-room Hampton Inn is approximately 51,104 square feet and feature gracious outdoor spaces, state-of-the-art guest room furnishings and refined common areas. NO EXTRA CHARGE FOR ANY OF THIS
Hilton Hotels Corporation and Hilton International offer more than 2,500 hotels in over 70 countries worldwide. The portfolio includes many of the world’s best known and most highly regarded hotel brands, including Hilton®, Conrad®, Doubletree®, Embassy Suites Hotels®, Hampton Inn®, Hampton Inn & Suites®, Hilton Garden Inn®, Hilton Grand Vacations Club® and Homewood Suites by Hilton®.
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The
Hilton San Diego Gaslamp Quarter is defined by its remarkable setting and
creative design elements. Located at the foot of Fifth Avenue and nestled
between San Diego's liveliest entertainment district and King Promenade
Park, the property is a fusion of experiences. Bay breezes converge with
urban energy, as history meets contemporary elegance.
Upon
opening, the hotel was the first recently constructed hotel in the Gaslamp
Quarter in almost a century and serves as a welcoming gateway to this
booming corner of San Diego.
The
hotel has a lively fireside bar and two restaurants. The New Leaf Restaurant
serves California cuisine throughout the day and evening in an appealing,
casual setting. Guests can choose indoor or outdoor seating along the Park
Terrace. The hotel also offers room service 24-hours a day. Breakfast is a
full buffet, and single travelers will enjoy the breakfast bar seating.
Lunch and dinner offer a wide selection of menu items including
heart-healthy alternatives. Guests can also enjoy dinner at Lou & Mickey’s
serving an appealing choice of seafood and prime beef in a relaxed, inviting
environment.
Exploring
downtown. The Gaslamp Quarter encompasses more than 16 blocks, stretching
from the Convention Center at Harbor Drive to Broadway, with Fourth, Fifth
and Sixth Avenues as its main drags. The northern end of the district is
anchored by Horton Plaza. This small square with its beautiful fountain acts
as the front yard for Westfield Shoppingtown Horton Plaza, an outdoor mall
with a kaleidoscopic design in a striking blend of colors and styles,
featuring some 140 shops, theatres and restaurants.
New
Leaf @ the Hilton Gaslamp Quarter Hotel
San
Diego This Week Magazine has lots of discount coupons in center
Hampton
Inn Manhattan/Chelsea is located in Midtown Manhattan’s vibrant Chelsea
neighborhood, on 24th Street between Sixth and Seventh Avenue. Surrounded
by the city’s premier cultural, retail and tourist attractions, the hotel is
minutes away from Midtown Manhattan and the Financial District. But they
could really appeal to the shopaholic market.