Stay Connected with THE US GRANT
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THE US GRANT is celebrating its 100th Anniversary on October 15, 2010. The hotel is a landmark, an icon, a legend and a symbol. Since opening its doors 1910, travelers and adventurers have found excitement, tranquility, romance and opportunity at THE US GRANT. As part of our Centennial Celebration, we invite you to share your experiences - recent and past memories of the hotel. This is "Your Story" and it is part of the many experiences that make THE US GRANT exceptional.
Just as these stories have shaped the hotel for the past 100 years, our future guests will tell the story of the next 100 years. Our guests are the past, present and future of THE US GRANT. We invite new guests to share dreams about how they hope to experience our iconic hotel. Whether it is a romantic weekend getaway or a grand affair, we want to hear from you.
During our anniversary year of 2010, one special story, past or future, will be chosen by key hotel staff members during the months of February through September. For each of these months, the winner will receive a two-night stay at THE US GRANT, and be eligible for the grand prize package drawing - An Epicurean Adventure for Two in San Diego. The drawing will be announced on October 15, 2010 - the official 100th Anniversary of the hotel. The grand prize drawing, An Epicurean Adventure for Two, includes two round-trip airline tickets (up to $1,000.00 total value) to San Diego within the Continental U.S., a three night stay at THE US GRANT in the Presidential Suite, a wine pairing dinner for two at the Grant Grill, and a 2.5 hour sailing adventure aboard Dennis Conner’s America’s Cup, complete with a picnic basket prepared by the hotel’s Executive Chef.
We invite you to please click the "Share Your Story" button. Photos and videos may be incorporated in to your post by attaching them to your submission. The subject of your email will be the title of the submission. Thank you for sharing your story!
Here is our story…My sisters and I found 184 letters written to our mother from our father during World War II. He was in the Navy, and he courted her with his letters. Through these letters, over about a year period, we learned about our Dad and the quite a bit about what life was like for a sailor during WWII. He talked in detail about each port, how long they were there, etc. Near the end of the war, their ship sailed into San Diego and my dad and his buddy stayed at the US Grant Hotel for several days. Our Dad will be celebrating his 85th birthday in September. We are planning a Fall trip by train to San Diego (from Los Angeles) where we plan to rent a car, visit the Maritime Museum and stay, this time all of us, at the US Grant Hotel. We still have the post card from the hotel he sent to her in 1945…the hotel looks the same.
In case you are curious, our parents married in June of 1946 and were married for 56 years. Our mother had always told us to be sure to read every single letter…she saved every single one…and the US Grant stood out at the end of his time in service.
Judy Hamilton-Cantu
I spent my wedding night with my bride in a beautiful room overlooking the city. It was such a luxurious stay and the staff was available to wait on our every wish. We are going to be returning for our 25th wedding anniversary soon and I am going to be sure and book the same room. The hotel and staff made a perfect stay for us and we know they will repeat it for our 25th.
James and Kathryn Bassler San Diego, CA
I recently had the pleasure of spending nine days at the U.S. Grant Hotel. This was my first experience at the U.S. Grant, and although there is much history, I have to believe that the hotel is now at it’s pinnacle. The hotel and the staff far exceeded my every expectation. I was pleasantly surprised by the location - it is actually in the heart of the Gaslamp District. Although the hotel has been around for 100 years, it’s hard to believe that it was ever better than it is now. This is truly a five star hotel, and although it is beautiful throughout, the five star staff make it superior to any hotel that I have ever stayed at before. I had a minor issue that required a change, rather than merely satisfying my request – Harry and Magdalena upgraded my room to a Grand Deluxe. This was the first time that I have been greeted by my first name by members of the staff which was truly impressive. While the turn down service, mints and water are impressive, the quality of service provided by the staff – particularly at the front desk is what sets the U.S. Grant apart from the rest. The U.S. Grant anticipated every need – down to the umbrella in the closet just in case of rain. This experience was so memorable, I will never stay anywhere other than the U.S. Grant during my visits to San Diego.
Congratulations to our July “What’s Your Story” Winner – “Let the Girls In” recalling a momentous phone call June 17, 1969, from former US GRANT owner Vern Ship, regarding the 1969 Grant Grill sit-in by a group of women lawyers. Today, a brass plaque resides in THE US GRANT lobby at The Grant Grill entrance commemorating this day in history and those 6 admirable businesswomen. Thank you, Miles, for sharing your story. We look forward to welcoming you back to THE US GRANT to redeem your two-night stay gift certificate and you are now eligible to win our grand prize package – An Epicurean Adventure for Two.
Almost 100 Years My father drives a silver 2004 Corvette. He recently passed his driving test and was certified by the State of California to drive for another five years. He just celebrated his 90th birthday at the Grant Hotel. Over the last one hundred years a lot has happened to everyone and everything and both have changed . My father is not a hotel but let me try to show you the connections between the life of my father and the best hotel in San Diego. At the start they were separated, one in San Diego and one in Chicago but both were obviously well constructed and are still with us today. Both have received periodic maintenance, upgrades, and improvements which have kept them in front of the crowd and they both show the benefits of experience. Despite their separation early in life, I'm sure the Grant and my father have converged in their opinion that the US Grant Hotel is the finest hotel in San Diego and no one is going to convince them otherwise. Some things it turns out do not change. Consequently Dad chose the Grant for his birthday celebration. In his words " You should see this place, they spent millions, it's just fantastic." I think that impression is common and the whole family shared it when we arrived at the hotel. Dad reserved the private dinning room for his birthday dinner. When we gathered in the Grant Grill lounge for drinks our waiter spent a few moments with my oldest brother discussing the wines. This guy knew everything. We all enjoyed our wine then glided from the lounge to the dinning room. In the process our waiter asked us to leave our drinks, he would move them to the table. Each glass appeared perfectly at each seat, no mistakes, party of ten. Wow I thought, this guy is the best waiter I've ever had. This theme of perfection did not stop. Dinner was excellent. We passed through the evening in a balance of privacy and service. Happy Birthday and other songs were sung, some in chorus, some solo, mostly on key. The party was completed and the parking valet brought the Corvette to my father. As he was getting into the car we explained to the valets about his age. They all applauded, Dad revved the engine and drove away. The story doesn't end here for Dad or the Grant Hotel, after almost 100 years.
Hello to all that read My Story. July 20th 2010 was my first time staying at the US Grant Hotel. The occasion was in part to celebrate my 45 Birthday We were just coming from Laguna Beach where our daughter had just celebrated her wedding.We thought what a nice way to end our blessed event.
From the first time I was contacted from the Hotel, I felt welcomed. I had received emails prior to my arrival. Demi assisted me with all that I had requested.It was more then I had expected in hotel services. Her professionalism was noticed and greatly appreciated. I was pleasantly greeted with a Birthday cake waiting for me in my suite. I had been upgraded with my SPG Platnium status.The room was amazing and beautiful.The bed is the most comfortable bed I have ever slept in. The service from the entire staff was outstanding.They met every request and assistance needed.
The restraunt was perfect As we sat to enjoy appetizers with some cocktails, we were able to relax with a view of the city .The US Grant is a beautiful hotel and also has a wonderful location.We went shopping at Horton Plaza which is 2 or 3 blocks away. Mark at the conceirge's desk made recommendations as well as our reservations at Asti a Italian restraunt. There again perfect.Walking down the Gaslamp district is very enjoyable. Whether you are looking for entertainment ,a cup of coffee, a movie , dancing, a sports event or just plain people watching.I had such a great experience on my birthday that a second opportunity arose while I was there that I decided to plan a second stay at the US Grant the following weekend. I had my same outstanding services and requests met before even departing on the 21st. This is what makes a hotel one that you can call outstanding. You don't get these services by all It sets this hotel apart from some of the rest...
I have just returned from my second stay and have the same comments about my experience.This is not a coinsidence this is the US Grant! It has become my number one choice if given the opportunity in Hotels. Once you have gone and experience the beauty,elegance,class and fabulous accomodations you too may be choosing it as your number one hotel.I highly reccommend it. It will only take one time to fall in love.
Sincerely
Lydia Durazo
Dear US Grant Hotel,
I am a friend of Ulysses Grant Dietz, the Grand-Nephew of Fannie and Ulysses S. Grant, Jr. and the Great-Great Grandson of President Ulysses S. Grant, the namesake of your hotel.
According to your website, Great-Aunt Fannie purchased the hotel in 1895, as a gift for her husband, Great-Uncle Ulysses, Jr. The luxury hotel was subsequently renovated and unveiled on October 15, 1910, 100 years ago. The Hotel was dedicated to the memory of Great-Uncle Ulysses, Jr.'s father, President Ulysses S. Grant, the 18th President of the United States.
Ulysses Grant Dietz is the Senior Curator, Curator of Decorative Arts for the Newark Museum, which is also celebrating it's Centennial Jubilee. Newark, New Jersey is historically an important jewelry manufacturing center, of the United States.Ulysses Grant Dietz is a renowned Jewelry and Decorative Arts Historian, as well as a Gifted Author and Speaker.
On May 14, 2010, The San Diego Natural History Museum unveiled it's two year exhibition"All That Glitters: The Splendor and Science of Gems and Minerals", curated by Elise Misiorowski. We are co-hosting a VIP Museum Tour of the exhibition for "The Fashionable Women of Chapman" a charitable support group that benefits Chapman University, located in Orange, California. The VIP "Fashionable" group tour of the "All That Glitters" exhibition is scheduled for Wednesday, September 22, 2010.
Now that I have serendipitously become acquainted with The US Grant Hotel, I have scheduled for Ulysses, and friends, to stay the night before our "All That Glitters" festivities, at The US Grant Hotel. This will be Ulysses first visit to the hotel.
Bejeweled treasures, on loan, from The Newark Museum are featured throughout the San Diego Natural History Museum exhibition "All That Glitters". Ulysses Grant Dietz has graciously agreed to be our "Celebrity" Museum Curator Docent for our VIP Tour of the collection.
The tour finale will be a memorable and delicious lunch with Ulysses, as our guest of honor. A few lucky guests, will win an autographed copy of Ulysses Grant Dietz's book, "Dream House: The White House As an American Home". I am "Wishing" that we can host our Grand Finale luncheon at your hotel.
It must be Serendipity, Synchronicity, Divine Providence, Celestial Inspiration, Great-Aunt Fannie and Great-Uncle Ulysses, Jr., and Great-Great Grandfather President Ulysses S. Grant's "Bejeweled Wish" that we host "The All That Glitters" Fashionable Women of Chapman's luncheon, at The US Grant Hotel.
We look forward to celebrating, with Ulysses Grant Dietz, the heritage and history of the The US Grant Hotel, during its Centennial Jubilee.
Bejeweled Wishes,
Mona Lee Nesseth
In August 2007 I embarked on a trip Southern California that was to be filled with new and exciting adventures. Being from the Midwest (specifically Ohio), I was so excited for all that this trip would hold, having never been to San Diego or California! So I packed my bags, headed west and arrived in Los Angeles. The first adventure was to see a theatre performance where one of my childhood friends had garnered a lead role. From there, I would drive with another friend to San Diego to spend the weekend and take in all that the city had to offer.
Still being a college student of meager means, my trip had been frugally planned out in advance and every detail looked after – so I thought. Keep in mind that I’m very tired after a cross country plane ride, sitting through a theatre performance and car trip from Los Angeles to San Diego with a few minor delays; a soft, clean bed was much needed! That was not what was waiting. Much to my surprise, the hotel that I had booked was under remodel and the room that I was provided was unkempt to put it mildly. Although I desperately needed sleep – I couldn’t subject myself or my friend to those conditions.
Frantically (and with much agitation I must admit) I called information and requested the names of hotels within a reasonable distance. I was provided with 5 or 6 suggestions, all of which I called and was advised that all had no availability, except the last one. I decided, it is harder to say no face to face, so I’ll go in and speak with someone! At the counter the young lady was extremely apologetic and advised that she had no available rooms. Me being the frustrated and burdened traveler asked “Fine, how much will you charge my friend and I to sleep on the couches in your lobby?” The young lady saw that I was clearly distraught and went to work. She took my name ,then provided me with a street map, said you have a reservation here and sent me on my way.
Imagine my shock and surprise when we arrived at the US Grant Hotel! I was awe struck! Upon entering the hotel at 3am in the morning, we were greeted by the most courteous and helpful staff, that to this day I have ever encountered. Since graduating college and obtaining my most recent position I travel often and still have not received the caliber of service that I received at the US Grant. The young lady at the counter made sure that our every need was attended to and no request was to great!
The rooms were phenomenal! Any feelings of exhaustion were overtaken by our excitement to be in such an incredibly beautiful & historic place and to have been treated with such kindness! It was truly a wonderful ending to what can only be described as a fateful beginning! We look forward to future trips and want to extend a GRATEFUL & SINCERE THANK YOU!
Congratulations on 100 Years!!!
Brandon Moore
Congratulations to our June “What’s Your Story” Winner – “My First Earthquake” by Alison Lands, recalling her first stay at THE US GRANT which also marked her first experience in an earthquake. We are happy you enjoyed both firsts, Alison, and thank you for sharing your story! We look forward to welcoming you back to THE US GRANT to redeem your two-night stay gift certificate, and you are now eligible to win our grand prize package – An Epicurean Adventure for Two.
As a practicing attorney I spent many, many lunches and dinners in the Grant Grill. On June 17, 1969 I received a call from Vern Shipp, the then owner of the U.S. grant Hotel. He reminded me of the policy that women were not admitted to the Grant Grill until after 3 p.m. and then stated that he had heard that a group of women lawyers were going to show up at noon and seek admittance. He had heard that they were to be accompanied by a television crew and asked what he should do. My legal advice was to save a booth and when they came welcome them and act as if the rule didn’t exist (which by then, by law, was illegal). The women and TV crew showed up at noon were promptly and politely served and a confrontation avoided. From that time on women were welcome whenever the Grant Grill was open. Today a plaque memorizing the event hangs over the reception podium.
Miles Harvey, who retired from Luce Forward Hamilton & Scripps in 1990 after completing 30 years with the firm.
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