Jan 5th, 2007

San Diego, CA
THE US GRANT in downtown San Diego - slated to reopen in October, 2006 after completing a $52 million restoration and renovation as a member of Starwood's Luxury Collection - will be at the forefront of the growing spa trend of offering guests a full menu of spa services in the comfort of their own hotel room. Treatments will be provided by the professional Sensiere of Spa Velia, a successful day spa, located five blocks from the hotel. Spa Velia worked closely with THE GRANT to design a menu that will not only honor the history, legacy and location of the hotel - including the traditions of its present owners, the Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation - but also provide customized and effective treatment options for guests.

"One of the key goals of the hotel's renovation was to create a luxurious residential feel in each guest room," explains Mark Dibella, Director of Sales & Marketing for THE US GRANT. "Working with the seasoned professionals at Spa Velia, we can make our guests feel like they have their very own spa in their home-away-from-home with us. And, since all Luxury Collection hotels celebrate the indigenous features of their location, our new spa menu will also reflect a sense of place."

All spa offerings will by serviced by Spa Velia's team of Sensiere -- seasoned spa professionals dedicated to creating a customized sensory experience for each guest. And to further encourage guests' complete relaxation, many of the spa treatment options are 80 minutes in length. For ease of booking there will also be a Spa Velia Concierge in the lobby seven days a week to schedule and customize spa appointments.

Spa treatments will be available in all guest rooms, but rooms and suites on the top floor of the 11 story Beaux Arts style landmark hotel have been redesigned to be especially suited for spa treatments. Unique features of these top floor rooms include infinity tubs complete with built-in color therapy, oversized marble showers with six or twelve showerheads and sweeping views of the San Diego skyline. For guests who prefer not to have treatments in their rooms or are looking for a special space for couple's treatments, a designated Spa Velia Suite will also be available on the hotel's 8th floor.

A beloved landmark in downtown San Diego, THE US GRANT, built in honor of the eighteenth president and civil war hero Ulysses S. Grant, has played host to 13 U.S. presidents and a number of dignitaries and celebrities, since its opening in 1910. In December 2003, the Native American tribe whose ancestors originally settled on the land that now includes downtown San Diego purchased the hotel. Sycuan's purchase of the hotel represents an ancestral tribute to President Ulysses S. Grant, since he signed the Executive Order in 1875 that set aside 640 acres of land in San Diego County, which remains the homeland of the Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation.

Highlights of THE US GRANT'S in-room spa menu include:

Three custom essential oil blends for use in massages, body wraps and baths:
- The Tribute essential oil blend combines the soothing benefits of Geranium with the natural pain relieving benefits of the Yellow Primrose, a flower native to Southern California. The word Sycuan literally means "yellow primrose" in the language of the Kumeyaay.
- The Indigenous Citrus oil blend uses the uplifting Blood Orange.
- The Native essential oil blends Yucca, Chapparal and Sage from the mountains and deserts of Southern California.

The Presidential Facial uses a series of scrubs, amino acids, herbs and spices combined with a special volcanic clay mask to provide essential skincare for the well-groomed man.

The Coastal Sage Manicure & Pedicure - designed specifically for men to hydrate and invigorate the skin, including a leg & foot massage using coastal stones as well as a an application of eucalyptus and sage aromatherapy lotion.

The Grandeur - 80 minutes. This potent anti-aging facial uses a formula of co-factored proteins and a base solution of key vitamins developed by dermatologists to activate skin cell metabolism and rejuvenation.

White Sage Clay Ritual - 80 minutes. White kaolin clay, magnesium and sage oil are painted on the body to cleanse toxic energy and improve the skins' natural immunity. The guest is then wrapped in a warm cocoon of cloth while enjoying an aromatherapy neck & shoulder massage. The experience ends with a soothing application of an uplifting and hydrating blend of lemongrass and sage body balm.

First Lady Pearl Body Wrap - This 50-minute treatment includes an invigorating, all-over dry brush exfoliation and an application of Marine Collagen and vitamins for skin cell renewal and hydration. Once complete, Mother of Pearl Shimmer is dusted on the skin to capture its newfound moisture and sheen.

Coastal Stone Ritual Massage - An 80-minute massage that taps the power of Hot Sea Stones and Malachite Gel placed on key points to relax your tense muscles and ease the mind.

Harmony Body Ritual - A two-hour experience that begins with a sweet grass smudging for energy balancing, followed by an aromatherapy infused body scrub, a warm shea butter wrap and a deeply relaxing full body massage, all done to the soothing songs of the Kumeyaay.

Beyond the custom furnishings, modern décor and commissioned artwork in each of the hotel's 270 guest rooms, the ability to enjoy customized and sophisticated spa treatments in the comfort of each room underscores the lavish residential feel of the hotel.

Spa Velia, nestled between the Columbia/Little Italy Districts of downtown San Diego, is owned by a team of three entrepreneurs -- with over twenty years of combined experience in spa management from some of the areas top spas -- who shared a vision to create an intimate, old world luxury day spa, unlike any other available in America's Finest City. The Spa's motto is "sensory perfection," and as a team of two women and a man, the owners understand how to cater equally to the needs of both male and female clientele. Spa Velia offers an expertly educated staff and features several one-of-a-kind amenities including the contemplative relaxation lounge, Swiss seven-head showers and the immensely popular Couples Suite. Since their Grand Opening in October, 2005, Spa Velia's business has continued to grow steadily, as city dwellers, business types and downtown hotel guests alike discover this unique, old world escape from the stress of daily life. Spa Velia is located at 401 West A Street, Suite 180 in San Diego (619.235.0000)

THE US GRANT is the world-class embodiment of the history, spirit and singular character of Downtown San Diego. The landmark hotel re-opens in November 2006 as a member of the elite Starwood Luxury Collection after a meticulous $52 million renovation and historic restoration by its owner, the Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation. Located at 326 Broadway, San Diego, Calif., 92101 and originally opened in 1910, the 11-story hotel has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1979. When completed, the historically chic hotel will offer 270 guest rooms, including 47 suites; 33,000 square feet of ballroom and special event space weaving elegance and history with 21stcentury technology, and a contemporary interpretation of the legendary Grant Grill and Lounge. The hotel is steps from the city's fashionable Gaslamp Quarter, theater and financial districts and minutes from San Diego Bay, Balboa Park and the area's famed visitor attractions. With entirely new furnishings, décor and original works of art in both public spaces and guest rooms, THE US GRANT is an urban sanctuary in the heart of one of America's most dynamic cities. www.luxurycollection.com/usgrant