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
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
February 21 -23, 2010 was my first time visit at the US Grant Hotel. I'd chose to visit San Diego for my birthday and take in some of the museums in Balbo Park as well as Old town and other local sites. Not wanting to stay at one of the generic chain hotels, without a car and traveling on my own. I decided to go on line and check out various web sites and consumer reviews of the top rated San Diego Hotels. Intrigued by what was said about the Grant, plus its' location and proximity to public transportation my selection was made. The reviews were not exaggerated. My arrival was very early morning yet the bell staffs greeting was courteous, welcoming, chipper and helpful without hovering. At the front desk I requested an early check in and water view. Being that the US Grants is a downtown location most of the rooms have a city view however the front desk assured me, every effort would be made to accommodate me. Leaving my cell phone number and checked bags with bell service. I went off for some breakfast and to check out the nearby Gaslamp district. Around 11am a call from the front desk letting me know my room was ready. The room was as requested, great city view with a partial harbor view. The rooms decor had a feeling of old world charm yet contemporary sophistication. Wood floors covered with a deep pile Plush Parisian rug, high ceilings with crown molding a large pen and ink artistic headboard invites you to dive onto the beds soft duvet or just take a minuet to sit back in a high back chair and drink in the room. The bath area is equally inviting, with marble shower floors, curved porcelain sink, granite counters and ambient lighting. This room is on the front corner of the hotel so it gets all the downtown traffic noise, I enjoyed my first night in this room taking in the sunset. Because of the noise and my being a light sleeper a request to move to an interior room was necessary. The hotel was very understanding and found me a great room for my next two nights. My entire experience with the staff and the hotel was wonderful. Dining at the Grill was marvelous, the halibut was scrumptious. I want to particularly applaud the personnel that I found exceptional, Bell Service Sam for the ease of moving my things to the new room and pointing out many of the hotels fixtures such as the crystal chandeliers, second floor art and lower ballroom, Front Desk Maria for making the effort to find the room that suited my request, Concierge Mark for suggestions on thing to do in the area, providing maps and guides to information on access to transit, Engineering Marvine who got my room phone working, Cliff whose official position at the hotel I don't know, gave me a walking historical tour which really pointed out the nuance of the background and inspiration for The US Grant Hotel, former visitors and its place in the history of San Diego as well as its future plans. A special thanks to Marcie at the Grill restaurant from the birthday cake. I truly was treated like a family guest and look forward to my next stay and will definitely recommend the US Grant to family and friends. Sincerely, Francesca Stafford
Recently I was in San Diego for my daughter-in-laws surprise birthday party. Several members of the family came for this wonderful occasion. We all stayed at the US Grant. All of us loved the hotel, but my grandson, granddaughter and niece were really impressed. Now I must mention that my grandson and niece are the same age and go to the same school, but when they are in school or around their friends they do not know each other.
But that weekend they were such a joy to watch. They hung out together investigating and having a wonderful time. I don't know if they realized they were getting a course in history but what a wonderful way for them to learn.
The rest of us enjoyed the grill room and are rooms were great, but those kids made the trip extra special.
Pat (from Los Angeles)
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