US GRANT Announces $13 Million Refresh

  • December 1, 2016
US GRANT Announces $13 Million Refresh
With concept curation by Rodrigo Vargas Design, the refresh highlights the hotel's multifaceted heritage through functional, modern design, fusing the link between San Diego, the tribal history of the hotel's ownership - the Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation, and Presidential namesake. The comprehensive restyling includes the grand lobby, meeting and wedding venues, expanded fitness center and all 270 guestrooms and suites.

Built by the son of 18th U.S. President Ulysses S. Grant in his father's honor, THE US GRANT borders the lively Gaslamp Quarter in the cultural and historic hub of Downtown San Diego. The hotel refresh is significant not only for the continued preservation of the treasured landmark, which underwent a $56 million renovation completed in 2006, but also in modernizing the hotel's classic sophistication and regal character.

Design updates feature a “Presidential” color scheme – navy blues and golds mixed with earthy neutrals – expressed with bold patterns, custom furnishings, and thoughtfully curated design details honoring both past and present American and Native American cultures.

Upon arrival, guests are greeted by a restored oil portrait of President Ulysses S. Grant, welcoming them into the lobby where the Grant family story and Sycuan Tribal heritage converge in a meaningful and elegant design narrative.

Standout design elements include:

  • Lobby – A new white Carrara marble promenade leads guests to distinctive Front Desk and Concierge spaces that include mirrored feature walls. Custom area rugs define lobby seating arrangements with a design inspired by the $50 bill and the hotel crest to underscore a Presidential ambiance. Collector tables display Kumeyaay artifacts. Unique lobby activations include a tableside Vieux Carre cocktail cart experience - not only a classic cocktail that rivals the complexity and beauty of the history of THE US GRANT, but also an ode to all “old quarters” and central districts of major cities around the world.

  • Guest Rooms – A hint of red adds to the Presidential decor in the guest floor landings, balanced by black and white Palm tree wall coverings offering a nod to the city of San Diego as well as the hotel's 1910 Palm Terrace. In the guestrooms, rich tones of blue, white and gold carry through furnishings and décor, set atop glen plaid patterned carpets.

  • Presidential Suites – The hotel's two Bi-Level Presidential Suites parade different design variations, “Presidential Glamour” and “Presidential Leisure,” through fabrics, furniture and features; and the Penthouse Presidential Suite – once the location of an operational radio station in the 1930's – will be complete with art deco elements and geometric shapes reflective of the time period.

  • Bivouac Ballroom and Foyer – Most recently known as the Celestial Ballroom, the space returns to its 1910 origin as the Bivouac. With a storied history that includes operating as a speakeasy during Prohibition, the Bivouac Ballroom refresh adds hanging pendants reminiscent of the 1920's to the distinctive vaulted ceiling. New banquet event menus complement the Bivouac's revival including a classic steakhouse dinner experience and Prohibition dessert station with liquor infused waffle-tinis.

  • Presidential Ballroom and Foyer – The design refresh brings a stately and elegant air to the grand ballroom, arriving into the new elevator landing complete with white Carrara marble and pendant lights, with the foyer prominently featuring portraits of the 15 U.S. Presidents and 5 First Ladies who have visited the hotel. Entering the ballroom, hounds tooth patterned carpet carries on the Presidential dressing of the space.


For more information, to reserve accommodations or book an event at THE US GRANT, please call 619-232-3121 or visit www.theusgrantsandiego.com.