Hard Rock Hotel Offers New Party Venues for ASR
A Nobu restaurant and Rande Gerber–designed bar and lounge will be among the amenities at the new Hard Rock Hotel under development in San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter, said a representative for the hotel’s developer, Tarsadia Hotels of Newport Beach, Calif.
The plans should fit in well with the Action Sports Retailer Trade Expo, which is known for lots of after-show parties and events. The hotel is being built at 5th and L streets, across from ASR’s venue, the San Diego Convention Center.
The 420-room hotel is scheduled to open in spring of 2007. Tarsadia recently unveiled plans for the hotel and resort, which will include for-sale condominiums.
“We’re definitely targeting the convention crowd, Southern California visitors, local San Diegans, all with a rock ’n’ roll attitude and Hard Rock twist,” said Tarsadia spokeswoman Zora Huculak.
Among the features in each room are cantilevered “floating” furniture, liquid-crystal-display television, a martini bar, plush bedding, a roomy workstation, WiFi Internet access and a laptop safe, said a Tarsadia representative.
The Gerber-designed lounge is expected to appeal to ASR visitors—and visitors in general. Gerber’s company, Midnight Oil Co., created the popular Whiskey Bars and has also designed hotel bars for W Hotels and developer Ian Schrager. The company has been tapped by Giorgio Armani to redesign his Armani Cafes. Gerber is married to model Cindy Crawford.
“We have had our eye on the Gaslamp Quarter for some time. San Diego is so hot right now and we are looking forward to delivering something over the top, something very cool and sexy,” said Gerber, partner in Midnight Oil Co. with his brother Scott.
Nobu, owned by actor Robert De Niro and chef Nobuyuki Matsuhisa, has been a hit with New York’s fashion community. The restaurant, which serves nouvelle Japanese cuisine, has expanded west in recent years, with sites in Malibu, Calif., and Las Vegas.
ASR Show Director Kevin Flanagan said the additional lodging space would be welcomed by show planners and the 20,000 visitors who attend ASR every six months.
“We max out on room blocks every show, so a new hotel, especially one like the Hard Rock, which is hip and sexy, is welcomed. We hope that additions like this will add to the pleasant experience we try to provide to show guests.” —Robert McAllister
