Miyako Inn Renamed Hotel Tomo

Joie de Vivre Hospitality Chooses Name To Inspire Friendship and Adventure

San Francisco, November 30, 2006 - After a month-long contest and searching through more than 600 resulting words, phrases and namesakes, Joie de Vivre Hospitality has announced that the Miyako Inn will be renamed as Hotel Tomo.

In Japanese, Tomo means 'friend,' but within the family it came from, it also means adventure. Tomo was suggested by Tomo Kakegawa, an individual who was also 'awarded' his name from his great grandfather. "My great grandfather, Tomoyasu, left Japan to become a fisherman in Canada. His adventurous spirit lives on in his name . . . and in me," Kakegawa said. "I believe this will translate well to the hotel - where people will visit on their own adventures. Not only will the name inspire friendliness, I am hoping that like my grandfather, the hotel's visitors will see a different aspect of Japanese culture which is edgy . . . adventurous."

Kakegawa, originally from Kamakura, Japan (about 45 minutes outside Tokyo), came to the United States for his master's degree and to experience the country's diversity. He has been in the U.S. for eight years and will be celebrating his 31st birthday on December 18th. Kakegawa's winning entry-and auspicious name-will be rewarded with his name adorning one of the hotel's parlor suites, a complimentary VIP weekend in that remodeled suite and honoree status at the grand opening of the renovated hotel.

The renovation process for Miyako Inn will begin early 2007 with the re-launch set for the spring of 2007. The hotel's new design takes inspiration from contemporary Japanese culture, featuring the bright colors, modern embellishments and art styling found in Japanese anime, manga and street fashion. An optimistic blend of practical comfort and quirky details, the Inn will attract a diverse spectrum of guests. Acknowledging its location as a cornerstone of Japantown and the Fillmore street shopping corridor, the Miyako Inn will be the ultimate destination for those wanting cutting edge style at a great price.

About Joie de Vivre Hospitality

Based in San Francisco, Joie de Vivre Hospitality (www.jdvhotels.com) is a creative collection of lifestyle businesses. As California's largest independent boutique hotelier, Joie de Vivre encompasses other hospitality businesses such as restaurants and spas. Celebrating 20 years of creating dreams, Joie de Vivre Hospitality is expanding its California presence in Sacramento, Oakland, San Francisco, Santa Cruz, Sunnyvale, Huntington Beach and beyond.