My First Earthquake
I have wanted to stay at the US Grant since the first time I spied that gorgeous lobby back in January 2008. The historic-yet-modern décor and amazing food and wine caught my attention my first night in San Diego, and I swore that I would return to the city someday and stay there as a guest. I checked in on Monday, June 14th, to an amazing suite on the 8th Floor overlooking the Gaslamp. No sooner had I finished marveling at my amazing room, I heard the windows start to rattle in their casings. At first I thought the streetcar nearby was just making the old building quiver, but upon walking back into the living area, I noticed the entire room was moving – my first earthquake! Looking out into the 8th Floor hallway, I could see the chandelier crystals knocking together – the whole building swayed gently back and forth. But I was not worried, because I knew the US Grant was built to last and had probably withstood much worse – so I stood in the doorway and Facebooked to my family and friends about my first earthquake experience. In the distance, I could hear the crowd at Petco Park cheering the rumbling of the earth…I love it when people collectively bond over natural events. Although the quake lasted only about five minutes, the porter arrived shortly after with some strawberries and chocolate truffles to “soothe my nerves.” What a night – I live in hotel rooms 50 weeks a year, and yet I’m hard-pressed to say which experience was cooler – the earthquake or my stay at the US Grant!
Sincere Thanks,
Alison Lands
