Omni San Diego Hotel

Green Meetings Options Available at Omni San Diego Hotel

SAN DIEGO, Calif. (February 10, 2009) - Increasingly, meeting planners are incorporating environmentally friendly travel into their existing corporate travel programs. To assist these meetings planners, Omni San Diego Hotel offers green options that minimize the negative impact an event has on the environment. Upon scheduling a meeting on-property, meeting planners receive a list of green offerings that they can have executed. These items include:
Airport transfers via hybrid cars
Waive valet charge fee for meeting attendees driving hybrid vehicles
An organic menu utilizing seasonal fare sourced from local purveyors including Fresh Origins and Connelly Gardens & Farms created by Omni San Diego Hotel's Executive Chef
Recycle bins for plastic, paper, glass and aluminum materials
Energy efficient lighting for all meetings
Omni San Diego Hotel's green options are a perfect addition to Omni's Sensational Meetings program, which centers on truly customizing the environment surrounding a particular meeting to match its customer goals. Whether an organization is conducting a brainstorming session, a complex negotiation or recognizing excellence in the organization, Omni's Sensational Meetings program is designed to shape the sensory elements to maximize the meeting experience. From the lobbies to the guest rooms and now to the boardroom, breakout or ballroom - Omni's Sensational Meetings customize meeting environments to enhance the attendees' experience through activating the sensory in unique and dynamic ways.
At Omni San Diego Hotel, meeting planners can choose from more than 27,000 square feet of function space including the 9,266-square-foot Grand Ballroom divisible into five smaller ballrooms, thirteen state-of-the-art meeting rooms including art gallery space, two stately boardrooms, and one executive boardroom on the 19th floor. Taking advantage of San Diego's mild year-round climate, the hotel features an outdoor terrace with bay views able to accommodate up to 500 guests. Meeting rooms feature floor to ceiling windows and are equipped with T-1 high-speed Internet access, built-in audio/visual equipment, banquettes and ergonomically correct seating and individual climate and lighting controls. Meeting planners can book accommodations by visiting [url]www.omnihotels.com[/url] or by calling 1-800-THE-OMNI.
About the Omni San Diego Hotel
The Omni San Diego Hotel is one more reason to visit this fabulous seaside city. Nestled in the heart of the historic Gaslamp Quarter, the Omni San Diego Hotel is within walking distance from more than 90 restaurants, 20 nightclubs and 40 boutique shops and close to the city's top sites and attractions including San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park, shopping at Horton Plaza and much more. Since opening in April 2004, the Omni San Diego Hotel offers an ideal destination for leisure travelers in downtown San Diego's historic Gaslamp Quarter. The 32-story luxury hotel features 511 guestrooms and suites with scenic views of San Diego Bay, the ballpark and the San Diego skyline. Omni San Diego Hotel is also distinguished as the first US hotel attached to a ballpark, the San Diego Padre's PETCO Park.

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Contact: Meredith Wright/Maryam Zarkesh
Murphy O'Brien
310-453-2539
[email]mzarkesh@murphyobrien.com[/email]

Patsy Bock
Omni San Diego Hotel
619-231-6664
[email]pbock@omnihotels.com[/email]

http://www.elitemeetings.com/property/omni-san-diego-hotel/

SAN DIEGO, CALIF. (August 2008) - Omni San Diego Hotel announced the appointment of Mauricio Enriquez as the new executive chef for the premier downtown property. Chef Enriquez will oversee the skilled kitchen staff to develop and implement the signature banquet menus for all group meetings and events at Omni San Diego Hotel.

Prior to joining Omni San Diego Hotel, Enriquez cultivated his career at the prestigious Hotel del Coronado, Coronado, Calif, where he served as Executive Sous Chef. Fluent in Spanish, Chef Enriquez believes strongly in using the freshest ingredients and creating menus influenced by South American cuisine. His extensive experience and respect for superior service makes him a clear choice to lead the culinary team.

"We are thrilled to bring Mauricio aboard as executive chef," states General Manager Brian Hughes. "As an industry veteran dedicated to providing a first-class dining experience, Mauricio will be an invaluable asset to our culinary team."

About Omni San Diego Hotel
The four-star Omni San Diego Hotel is one more reason to visit this fabulous seaside city. Nestled in the heart of the historic Gaslamp Quarter, the Omni San Diego Hotel is within walking distance from more than 90 restaurants, 20 nightclubs and 40 boutique shops and close to the city's top sites and attractions including San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park, shopping at Horton Plaza and much more. Since opening in April 2004, the AAA Four-Diamond Omni San Diego Hotel offers an ideal destination for leisure travelers in downtown San Diego's historic Gaslamp Quarter. The $124 million, 32-story luxury hotel features 511 guestrooms and suites with scenic views of San Diego Bay, the ballpark and the San Diego skyline. Omni San Diego Hotel is also distinguished as the first U.S. hotel attached to a ballpark, the new Padre's PETCO Park.


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Media Contacts: Landry Fuller / Maryam Zarkesh / Tara Steele
Murphy O'Brien
310-453-2539
[email]mzarkesh@murphyobrien.com[/email]
[email]tsteele@murphyobrien.com[/email]

SAN DIEGO, CALIF. (May 2008) - Omni San Diego Hotel is pleased to announce the appointment of Brian Hughes as general manager, effective May 19, 2008. In this position, he oversees all operations of the 511-room property, an ideal destination for meeting, business and leisure travelers in the heart of downtown San Diego's Gaslamp Quarter.

With more than 22 years experience in the hospitality industry and a graduate of Cornell University; School of Hotel Administration, Brian brings an impressive combination of talents to the Omni San Diego Hotel. With a strong background in food & beverage and rooms operations, Hughes most recently worked for Destination Hotels & Resorts as general manager at Sunriver Resort in Oregon and prior to that at the Argent Hotel in San Francisco. Earlier in his career, he held food & beverage and rooms titles at the Westin St. Francis Hotel, Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts and Hilton International.

"We are pleased to welcome Brian to the team," says Ed Netzhammer, Regional Vice President. "His background details a successful history in the hospitality profession, deeming him a valuable asset to our property," states Ed.

Brian shares Omni Hotels' passion for service and associates and has taken roles in philanthropic organizations such as Sunriver Music Festival, Central Oregon Economic Development Council, and the United Way. Brian resides in San Diego, with his wife and two children, Jake and Eva.

About Omni Hotels
The brand creates compelling, memorable guest experiences by tempting the senses in innovative ways, surrounding them with a balanced blend of scents, sounds, sights, textures and tastes. Omni Hotels offers luxury accommodations at 40 hotels and resorts in leading business gateways and leisure destinations across North America. From exceptional golf and spa retreats to dynamic business settings, each location features four-diamond services, including award-winning signature restaurants, Wi-Fi connectivity and unique fitness options. Omni's mission for total customer service is further supported by its "Power of One" program that empowers associates to make on-the-spot decisions to meet or exceed guest expectations. Guests can locate hotels and book accommodations by visiting [url]www.omnihotels.com[/url] or by calling 1-800-THE-OMNI.

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PRESS MURPHY O'BRIEN, INC.
INFORMATION Maryam Zarkesh 310.586.7150 [email]mzarkesh@murphyobrien.com[/email]
Tara Steele 310.586.7101 [email]tsteele@murphyobrien.com[/email]

OMNI HOTELS DEVELOPS INNOVATIVE BANQUET MENUS GUIDED BY THE CULINARY INSTITUTE OF AMERICA

Next Phase of Sensational Meetings Adds "Meaning To Menus"

IRVING, Texas (April 10, 2008) - Omni Hotels today announces the next phase of its revolutionary Sensational Meetings program with the introduction of new banquet menu options. Together, The Culinary Institute of America and Omni Hotels researched and evaluated flavors, textures and nutritional fundamentals to further elevate the food & beverage offerings that are part of the customizable Sensational Meetings program.

In January 2007, Omni Hotels unveiled Sensational Meetings as a brand-wide initiative centered on effectively customizing the environment of meetings to directly correlate with a meeting's purpose. Whether an organization is conducting a brainstorming session, strategizing over a complex negotiation or recognizing excellence in the organization, Omni's Sensational Meetings program is designed to shape the elements in order to maximize the meeting experience.

Foods clearly impact energy, mood and focus, which are critical to a successful meeting. By working with the event planner to customize the menu based on the agenda, these new menu offerings can support that intent. The new menu options-based on recommendations from the CIA-pair ingredients to the meeting's optimal atmosphere.

"The way we act and feel during a meeting experience can be dramatically influenced by what we eat," said Stephen Rosenstock, senior vice president of food & beverage for Omni Hotels. "Omni's work with The Culinary Institute of America takes the Sensational Meetings program to a new level by enabling us to maximize meeting success through unique culinary offerings."

Representing the next chapter in Omni's sensory activation mission, Sensational Meetings were crafted specifically for the all-important meetings marketplace. In developing the program, Omni has looked at every element of the meeting to ensure that attendees were in both a comfortable and conducive atmosphere. Refining the menu was the next logical element to further elevate the program's components, and a partnership with the CIA was a natural fit.

"The Culinary Institute of America's Industry Solutions Group was pleased to assist Omni Hotels in the development of exciting, sensible menu selections in support of the iconic Sensational Meetings platforms," said Dr. Victor Gielisse, certified master chef and associate vice president of The Culinary Institute of America. "In doing so, we combined best practices in culinary menu development techniques, ingredient selection, flavor dynamics and food pairing."

Energetic Meetings
An energetic environment is most commonly used for brainstorming, planning and training, and it calls for foods that motivate and evoke a fun spirit. Energetic meetings include vibrant, high-energy colors, unique lighting and fun, stimulating flavors such as ginger, horseradish, and rosemary. Guests attending an energetic meeting may find themselves sampling items such as strawberry-kiwi skewers, mandarin-orange ginger chews, wasabi salmon cakes or tropical fruit brochettes. Energetic meetings may also feature an energy drink station with unique beverages such as orange-zested cranberry shooters, fruit smoothies and vitamin waters.

Challenging Meetings
Because challenging meetings can involve transition and negotiation and tend to have periods of tension, the meeting space may feature lower lighting and tactile elements to help soothe the spirit. Omni can offer foods that would induce serenity and relaxation, specifically fresh sushi displays, herb-roasted chicken on sauted leeks, chocolate banana spice cake and sun dried mango-papaya biscotti. Beverage selections include aromatic tea stations and cinnamon spiced granny apple shooters.

Recognition Meetings
Recognition meetings can honor accomplishments and build on a vision for the future. The featured food & beverage options were selected to bring a sense of success. The celebratory feeling can be complemented by foods such as baked brie en croute with apricot marmalade, basil and pine nut tortellini salad, ancho sugar-cured beef tenderloin and tri-color roman orzo. Champagnes and sparkling beverages can also serve as a congratulatory element. Desserts are common in moments of celebration, so the new recognition menu will include dark chocolate fountains or warm chocolate fondue with strawberries, pound cake, and giant gourmet marshmallows.

About Omni Hotels
Omni Hotels creates compelling, memorable guest experiences by tempting the senses in innovative ways, surrounding them with a balanced blend of scents, sounds, sights, textures and tastes. Omni Hotels offers luxury accommodations at 45 hotels and resorts in leading business gateways and leisure destinations across North America. From exceptional golf and spa retreats to dynamic business settings, each location features four-diamond services, including award-winning signature restaurants, Wi-Fi connectivity and unique fitness options. Omni's mission for total customer service is further supported by its "Power of One" program that empowers associates to make on-the-spot decisions to meet or exceed guest expectations. Guests can locate hotels and book accommodations by visiting www.omnihotels.com or by calling 1-800-THE-OMNI.


About The Culinary Institute of America
Founded in 1946, The Culinary Institute of America is an independent, not-for-profit college offering bachelor's and associate degrees, as well as certificate programs, in either culinary arts or baking and pastry arts. As the world's premier culinary college, the CIA has a network of more than 37,000 alumni that includes industry leaders such as Grant Achatz, Anthony Bourdain, Cat Cora, Harold Dieterle, Steve Ells, Todd English, Duff Goldman, Sara Moulton, Charlie Palmer, and Roy Yamaguchi. The college has campuses in New York (Hyde Park), California (The CIA at Greystone, St. Helena), and Texas (San Antonio), as well as an additional location in New York City (Astor Center, Manhattan). In addition to its degree programs, the CIA also offers courses for professionals and food enthusiasts, as well as wine education. For more information, and a complete listing of program offerings at each site, visit the CIA online at www.ciachef.edu.

Luxury Hotel Brand is First to Pilot GBCblue's ORION System to Offer Virtual Suite of Services

VANCOUVER, WA and IRVING, TX (January 22, 2008) -- GBCblue, a provider of secure guest technology utilized in public areas, business centers and guest rooms, has partnered with Omni Hotels to be the first to pilot the GBCblue ORION system at the Omni Mandalay Hotel in the D/FW metroplex. The ORION system enables the hotel to provide a variety of online services ranging from room service ordering to valet service, baggage retrieval, housekeeping and virtually any other guest request. Phase I, launched late last year, was the deployment of the online room service ordering system.

"Since we were already working with GBCblue to successfully operate our business centers, it was natural for us to consider the ORION system. The system is the perfect tool to extend Omni's renowned services standards in a virtual environment, enabling guests to custom design their stay to fit their personal needs online," said Lesli Reynolds, vice president of operations for Omni Hotels.

When a guest enters the system, it will create a virtual services environment where guests have instant access to online room service, fill out electronic comment cards, electronically chat with associates throughout the hotel, have their room cleaned, request changes and much more.

"We are excited to pilot the ORION system with Omni given their progressive use of technology to truly enhance the guest experience," stated Victor Alikin, CEO of GBCblue. Omni's guests will now have the choice of accessing the ORION system via their personal laptop, the GBCblue business centers and soon, the guest's in-room television."

"The majority of our guests travel with laptops, so it was natural to offer the services through this technology," said Kerry Kennedy, director of e-commerce for Omni Hotels. "The ORION system not only gives our guests instant access to hotel associates and numerous services, but the platform offers a web-based content management system. This enables us to modify the information instantly to ensure the most up to date information for guests. Our associates can add or remove daily room service specials or we can extend seasonal offers."

By piloting this program, Omni Hotels reaffirms its commitment to improving the guest experience through technological enhancements. Omni was an industry leader last June with the brand-wide launch of an innovative online check-in program which enables guests to complete the check-in process up to 48 hours prior to arrival. With the recent introduction of Omni Hotel's new mobile website, time-conscious travelers can now check-in from any web-enabled device.

About GBCblue
GBCblue, based in Vancouver, WA offers the most comprehensive PC amenity solution on the market, featuring fully managed software, hardware and revenue solutions designed with both the hotel and the hotel's guests in mind. GBCblue understands the importance of being a leader in quality assurance and customer satisfaction in the hospitality industry. To this end, the company has established strong business relationships with other industry-defining companies such as DELL, MPC, Canon, Lexmark and Microsoft, which consistently deliver the highest quality products and services to their end users. For more information, visit the company's Web site, www.gbcblue.com, or call 1-888 GBC-BLUE

About Omni Hotels
Omni Hotels creates compelling, memorable guest experiences by tempting the senses in innovative ways, surrounding them with a balanced blend of scents, sounds, sights, textures and tastes. Omni Hotels offers luxury accommodations at 45 hotels and resorts in leading business gateways and leisure destinations across North America. From exceptional golf and spa retreats to dynamic business settings, each location features four-diamond services, including award-winning signature restaurants, Wi-Fi connectivity and unique fitness options. Omni's mission for total customer service is further supported by its "Power of One" program that empowers associates to make on-the-spot decisions to meet or exceed guest expectations. Guests can locate hotels and book accommodations by visiting www.omnihotels.com or by calling 1-800-THE-OMNI.

IRVING, Texas (June 13, 2007) - Omni Hotels announces the brandwide launch of a new, innovative online check-in process, similar to offerings of the airline industry. The new process begins with an email sent to guests who have opted in and made a reservation through Omni's proprietary systems. Any guest can also access the intuitive online check-in process from the "Existing Reservations" page on omnihotels.com anytime and anywhere up to 48-hours and within at least two hours of their arrival. Guests simply use Omni's Select Guest loyalty program number or their last name and confirmation number to access their reservation.

"With the hectic schedules of business executives, the wear and tear of travel and today's high occupancy levels in key business travel markets, Omni decided to provide guests with the ease, control and reassurance that their room will be ready in advance," said Mike Deitemeyer, president of Omni Hotels. "We now offer guests another high-tech and high-touch experience that truly fits their needs."

Advance check-in is a simple four-step process:

1. Guests begin the check-in process via the email they receive 48-hours in advance of their stay or can also go to Omni Hotels' website.
2. They then confirm their preferred room type and provide an estimated time of arrival.
3. By confirming the credit card, the guest also authorizes their charges.
4. Then the guest simply clicks the "Check-in" button.

After completing the process, the guest will receive a screen confirming that they are checked-in along with a confirmation number, and finally they will receive a check-in receipt. Upon arrival, guests exchange the receipt for their prepared room key and welcome packet waiting for them at the front desk.

According to a study by Compete, Inc., hotel guests want and expect branded websites to provide a better "total travel experience." Further, one-third said online check-in was significant. Omni Hotels, which already leads the upscale category for guest satisfaction according to J.D. Power and Associates for the past two years, continues to respond to the vital wants and needs of travelers with this new online check-in initiative.

"Service enhancements that are geared to making the pre-arrival experience easier for business guests, such as online check-in, continue to be important guest satisfaction factors," said Linda Hirneise, hotel practice partner for J.D. Power and Associates. "Omni Hotels continues to drive for leadership in guest satisfaction by launching these types of initiatives."