DESIGN CHALLENGE
Create an environment for out-of-town guests and local event and wedding planners that immediately says California Wine Country, emulates the Arts & Crafts architectural style of the region, reinforces the Hilton Brand and resonates with fashionable locals.

THE SOLUTION
From the moment guests drive up, there is a feeling of retreat owing to the jewel tones and natural finishes of its Craftsman style architecture blended with beautiful vistas and subtle hues of Northern California’s flora.

Original art - inspired by the vineyards and rolling hills of Santa Rosa without becoming a “Sideways” cliche - was key to the J/Brice design strategy. Jeff Ornstein personally commissioned noted California painter Zenaida Mott to create oil paintings and serigraphs that lend an all-important sense of place and quality to the property.

The $6 million renovation not only encompassed all 246 guestrooms, 8,000 square feet of meeting space and all public areas but the pool & furnishings, landscaping, and parking as well to make a clear statement and create valuable buzz.

NECTAR RESTAURANT & LOUNGE
Nectar, its new restaurant with full bar and lounge, also figured into the extreme makeover. Over the years, the space had been underutilized, the cuisine became ordinary and its California viticulture themes had grown tired. Nectar now takes full advantage of its hillside location, making the décor integral to sweeping views and natural hues of the environment. The menu has also been totally made over by a new executive chef and is now positioned as progressive regional California cuisine to appeal to locals and enhance the wine-country experience.

The property is owned by a partnership comprised of Olympus Real Estate Partners, Rockwood Capital Real Estate Partners and HEI Hospitality. Management is by Merritt Hospitality, an independent hotel management company and wholly owned subsidiary of HEI Hospitality.