Press Releases - 2005
Experience the World
Around the World -- In San Francisco: Joie de Vivre Hospitality Invites Travelers to Experience the World in One Great City
San Francisco, CA (September 15, 2005) - San Francisco's premiere collection of boutique hotels, announced today its AROUND THE WORLD IN SAN FRANCISCO package taking place at the historic and recently renovated HOTEL CARLTON. Located in the very center of America's favorite multi-cultural melting pot, the Hotel Carlton has designed a package that will engage a traveler's desire to see the world - but make it possible to do so in just one place. With "culture" defined as ethnicity and lifestyle, unique experiences in some of San Francisco's most exciting neighborhoods will be included in a special package - starting at $109, with a savings of up to 30%, beginning November 1, 2005 through March 31, 2006. From soaking in a traditional communal bath in Japantown, to a rousing pub crawl with Irish music in The Richmond District, to enjoying a film at the historic Castro Theatre, guests will be able to choose from an array of unique cultural experiences - one included with each day's accommodation. The Hotel Carlton will kick off the package with a week of live musical performances inspired from around the world, November 1 – 6, in the hotel's beautiful lobby during their complimentary wine hour.
Of the promotion, Chip Conley, founder and CEO of Joie de Vivre Hospitality says, "Given today's rising travel costs, and concerns regarding international travel, we wanted to provide a fun way for our guests to experience a different taste of the world - within just a few miles and in just a few days." He added, "Travelers may already be somewhat aware of these great neighborhoods…we decided to offer something special in each one that might spark a more meaningful connection to the culture."
"Around the World in San Francisco" Hotel Carlton Package
Booking two to six nights on the hotel's website (http://www.hotelcarltonsf.com) or via their reservation line (1.800.922.7586), guests will be able to choose a unique cultural experience for each day of their stay. A "Local's Tip Sheet" will be provided for each cultural destination, with suggestions of where to go and what to see, along with a gift certificate for two to a special spot in each neighborhood.
Guests will be able to choose from six unique cultural experiences . . .
Japanese Culture
Tranquil Communal Baths at Kabuki Springs & Spa in Japantown
Latin Culture
Peruvian & Latino Nuevo Fusion Cuisine at Limon in The Mission
Irish/World Culture
Live Celtic Music & Libations at the Star & Plough in The Richmond
Chinese Culture
Traditional Tea Service at Chinatown's Imperial Tea Court
Gay Culture
Feature Movie Package at the Historic Castro Theater in The Castro
Italian Culture
Espresso and Delectables at Steps of Rome in North Beach's Little Italy
With this package, guests will also be invited to enjoy a 15% discount at the Carlton's restaurant, Saha, offering a unique blend of traditional Yemenese Arabic specialties and barrier-pushing California cuisine.
What People Are Saying...
"I could not have imagined a more pleasant experience, or a friendlier staff. The hotel is beautiful, and waking up in such a warm, friendly place made all the difference in the world. I will never consider staying anywhere else in San Francisco. I cannot thank you enough." (Guest)
"I currently work and run a Five Star Private Club in Philadelphia that has 70 hotel rooms. I believe that your property has the friendliest and most helpful staff I have ever encountered." (Guest)
"I have found my San Francisco home-away-from home…I absolutely love this place. (Daily Republic)
"The Carlton combines a strong sense of style with exceptionally affordable prices." (Food & Wine)
"Gathered around a lobby fireplace…an afternoon wine reception is held daily in this room, and all you have to do is eavesdrop a bit to realize that the Carlton has already found favor with young adults from Western Europe - it sounds like a United Nations confab in here." (LA Daily News)
Saha . . .
"...a little gastronomic gem...with excellent food, unpretentious service, and reasonable prices." (Foodism)
"...one of the most romantic spots in the city - complete with stellar food." (7x7)
"...an oasis...the completeness and lightness of the cooking dazzles." (SF Examiner)
About The Hotel Carlton
Based in San Francisco, Joie de Vivre Hospitality (www.jdvhotels.com) is a creative collection of lifestyle businesses. As the Bay area's most prolific hotel operator, the Joie de Vivre portfolio encompasses 37 hospitality businesses throughout California, including 30 boutique hotels with more than 2,800 guestrooms. The company also owns and operates San Francisco’s largest day spa, the Kabuki Springs & Spa. Each property celebrates the San Francisco Bay Area through a unique visual style, uncompromising design principles, one-of-a-kind amenities and personalized service. "Our goal", notes Joie de Vivre founder and CEO Chip Conley, "is to create landmark destinations full of soul and personality."
The Hotel Carlton was beautifully renovated in 2004. As in all of Joie de Vivre's properties, the hotel was designed to connect with a particular traveler's style and sensibility. Using popular magazines as atemplate for each hotel, they designed The Hotel Carlton to appeal to the National Geographic Traveler - an adventurous type who still enjoys a rugged outdoor trek, but has learned to appreciate a bit more sophistication in a city experience - comfort, beauty, great service and a great value - all without the "fussy" feeling of a larger chain hotel. The 163-room Hotel Carlton dates back to 1927 and retains the unique architectural details of the period. Best described as "international vintage," it features eclectic and exotic touches from around the world that celebrate the joy of travel. The complimentary wine hour - where guests often share their adventures with each other - takes place in the hotel's cozy lobby, with its luxurious velvet sofas, one-of-a-kind treasures and cross-cultural pieces, all warmed by a majestic fireplace. The guestrooms feature charming '30's & '40's-inspired furnishings with international accents in rich hues of saffron, Oriental red, cashmere crème, breezy blue and persimmon - further conjuring up an international feel. And a private and exclusive collection of travel photographs, courtesy of the archives of the San Francisco-based American Himalayan Foundation, is displayed throughout.
About Joie de Vivre Hospitality
Based in San Francisco, Joie de Vivre Hospitality (www.jdvhotels.com) is a creative collection of lifestyle businesses. As the Bay area's most prolific hotel operator, the Joie de Vivre portfolio encompasses 37 hospitality businesses throughout California, including 30 boutique hotels with more than 2,800 guestrooms. The company also owns and operates San Francisco’s largest day spa, the Kabuki Springs & Spa. Each property celebrates the San Francisco Bay Area through a unique visual style, uncompromising design principles, one-of-a-kind amenities and personalized service. "Our goal", notes Joie de Vivre founder and CEO Chip Conley, "is to create landmark destinations full of soul and personality."
The Hotel Carlton | 1075 Sutter Street, San Francisco, CA 94109 | Reservations 1.800.922.7586.

