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.

Recently, I was sent to San Diego to conduct a gruelling training for Trial Attorneys.  I arrived at the US Grant on April 23 and stayed there for the next seven days.  Whenever I'm away from home for more than three nights I can't wait to flee the hotel and get back to my lovely home.  The US Grant was so darn nice I really regretted leaving.  Moreover, every night I was there I wished my wife had agreed to accompany me to San Diego.  It is perfect for business and certainly a great treat for a couple/family.  I know she would have loved the luxury, the service and the location.

On my first night there I realized, upon unpacking, that I had left my toothbrush at home.  I called down to the front desk and asked if they kept them down at the front desk.  That is usually how it works.  Instead they had someone come running up to my room, within minutes, to deliver one.  Another nice touch was when I arrived in my room they had already done my turndown service and left chocolate on my bed.  The next nights were all the same except they upped the ante and put a soft towel on the floor next to my bed.  At first I didn't know what to make of this towel.  Yet, when you put your feet on the towel in the morning it is a very nice welcome.

The restaurant in the lobby was fantastic for breakfast.  I rarely order my breakfast off the menu.  This was not an issue.  I asked for my breakfast to be prepared in a certain fashion and they did it perfectly.  When you are on the run they are fast and there is also a complimentary coffee bar for java to go.  

I used the gym nightly and it was great.  A little small but a great set of machines.  Free weights, treadmills, etc.  It was stocked with water bottles, towels and complimentary disposal headsets to plug into the machines.  All the machines had built in T.V.'s so that was great.  

The staff always welcomed me coming and going and asked how they could better my stay.  One morning some "bigwig" from management came looking for me at breakfast merely to ask how my stay was coming along.  Wow!

The room was a nice size, very clean, exquisite furnishings and touches.  I loved the fact you could open your windows.  I despise rooms where you have to suffocate on the circulated air.  Here you could open the windows and let the breeze come in.  

The location was in the Gas Light District.  A little "touristry" for my taste but close to great restaurants.  I found a fantastic Sushi Restaurant called Taka.  

Really a great grand hotel.

I really would go back in a snap.

Eric Alexander Vos, Esq.

The US Grant Hotel holds a very special memory for me. With my newly earned degree in Communications from East Carolina University in September 2001, just ten days after September 11th attacks I moved to San Diego chasing a dream of a career in public relations and California sunshine.

I hunted everyday and after four frustrating months of what seemed to be endless interviews I had landed a full time position at one of the city’s top public relations agencies, I was elated! The swanky creative agency was located in downtown San Diego and each person I remember passing in the hall on my way out of my final interview was more fashionable than the last, and the selling point of it all, I was going to be assigned to the Tiffany & Co. account! Could it get any better? With my first day of my first “real” job quickly approaching I was second guessing. What will I wear, will I fit in with the rest of the staff, what will my new clients think of me? I almost felt like it was my first day at a new school, something I was very
familiar with having been raised by a Marine Colonel and over the course of my life living in ten states.

I arrived that first day of my very first full time public relations job, something that had been my passion for so long and immediately knew that I had found my calling. My schedule was on my desk when I arrived, an entire morning of training then off to lunch at a place called the Grant Grill with the entire agency to celebrate my first day! WOW, I was honored. I was one step above the mailroom position and The US Grant was the “Plaza” of San Diego. Not only on my first day in the PR agency did I eat a delicious lunch, the company I was with fills my memory of the Grant Grill most.

Most special in my mind was the lifelong friend I made that day. She was my supervisor and her name was Kim Julin. She sat next to me in the deep cushy booth in the grill. Kim quickly became my confidant, mentor, best friend, maid of honor and after several years of blood, sweat and tears (OK and a lot of white wine after work) she became my business partner in J Public Relations Inc. Who knows what can happen over a chopped salad and some celebratory champagne at the US Grant! It was an experience that helped me reach the goal that I had come to California to achieve.

We are happy to report that Kim and I, almost ten years later, run one of the top hospitality and luxury lifestyle public relations firms in the country. I will NEVER forget that lunch!

Jamie Lynn Sigler
Partner: J Public Relations
www.jpublicrelations.com