HOLIDAY INN PALM SPRINGS CITY CENTER OPENS WITH COMPLETE RE-DESIGN

Public Record, The, Jan 8, 2008

The Holiday Inn Palm Springs City Center opened last week with a complete and total renovation from the ground up. Formerly the Ramada and originally built as the International Hotel in 1969, this new Holiday Inn flagship resort will be the only full service Holiday Inn product between San Diego and Palm Springs.

Located in the heart of the south Palm Springs corridor, the property sits across from the newly remodeled Ralph's Fresh Foods at Smoke Tree Center which houses a wide array of services for the traveler and just steps away from the early 2008 opening of Smoke Tree Commons development which will include Jensen's Fine Foods, World Market and Linen's & Things along with a variety of other specialty stores.

"We are proud of the total renovation of this historic property in the heart of Palm Springs. Our brilliant team at the Palm Springs based James Cioffi Architect firm in conjunction with the superb interior re-design by the Level 3 Design Group has made this a showplace for both F.I.T and group business," said John Yzaguirre, General Manager, Holiday Inn Palm Springs City Center.

A leader in the modern movement for over 30 years bringing new ideas of form and function throughout the Coachella Valley, James Cioffi Architect has incorporated magnificent lines and curves into the structure to give it a dramatic look set against the sweeping views of the San Jacinto Mountain range.

Taking a cue from the exterior mid-century modern styling, Los Angeles based firm Level 3 Design Group used bold complementing colors while incorporating accents like rock imbedded floors in the lavish hotel lobby, sophisticated stylish rooms featuring all of the amenities today's travelers demand; luxurious bed linens, high-speed internet access, two-line telephones with voicemail and data port, flat screen TV's together with refrigerators in every room.

From the exterior grounds to the interior atrium desertscape, TDK Landscape Architects have a refined flair of tying the foliage together with the design and decor of the building. With a backdrop of stunning mountain views, the lush gardens of the atrium surround and complement the heated, outdoor Olympic-size swimming pool, two heated whirlpool spas, massive fire pit, Moroccan style fountain along with the majestic tented cabana bar complete with air misters for pool side comfort.

Billie D's Restaurant, a modern American bistro concept, is located within the new property and now open for business. Executive Chef, Thomas Fields has created an inspired dinner menu where fresh food, dynamite drinks and fabulous friends come together. Dinner specialties will include fresh catch of the day (Ahi, Salmon, and Halibut) and Chef Thomas' signature Arrabbiata Del Mar Spaghetti. Filet Mignon, Rack of Lamb, Bone-in Rib Eye and Double Thick Pork Chops will be hand selected and accompany only the freshest produce available from local and California growers.

The adjacent Bar Billie Ds is a lively spot where guests and visitors meet for small plates, the best of California wines by the glass, bottle beer and signature drinks while watching the game or latest show on individual table-side plasma screens.

Guest rooms throughout the resort are non-smoking with 229 guest rooms and 20 suites complete with extra living room. The centrally located property is ready and fully capable of accommodating independent travelers, conventions and small group business.

For the business traveler, the new Holiday Inn Palm Springs City Center offers over 8,000 square feet of flexible meeting space complete with formal reception area and includes banquet, patio and an additional five rooms poolside that can be used for meetings of up to 400 guests. The audio/visual capability of the hotel and fully equipped business center are all state-of-the art.

Facilities and services for the resort include passenger vans for downtown and airport drop offs, free parking, multi-lingual staff, coin operated laundry facilities, full room service and they even have a pet friendly and accessible policy for dogs up to twenty pounds for a nominal $20 fee. The balanced and nutritious "People Food for Dogs" menu has taste tempting choices comprising of Chick-n-Paw Pie, Tuna Mutt Casserole and 5-Star Mutt Buffet.