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B M & T ••• July/August 2014 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 10 In celebration of its 110th Anniversary, the iconic Westin St. Francis, renowned as the "Grand Dame" of San Francisco's Union Square, has complet- ed a $20 million renovation of the Tower Building. This is the largest renova- tion of this soaring building since it opened in 1972 as an addition to the historic 1904 Landmark Building. Comprised of 569 guestrooms on 32 floors, the Tower Building is one of the tallest buildings on Union Square and boasts unparalleled views of the San Francisco skyline. "For 110 years, The Westin St. Francis has been in the hearts and minds of people from around the world," states Jon Kimball, general manager of The Westin St. Francis. "The hotel has truly become a San Francisco landmark, and the renovation of the Tower Building reaffirms our commitment to our guests as we honor the past and create new memories for decades to come." The sensory-rich environment and new design at the hotel offers a respite from the rigors of travel and sets a welcoming tone. Remodeled by the design team at Strategic Hotels & Resorts, owners of The Westin St. Francis, the gue- strooms and corridors exude a gorgeous fusion of contemporary style with the HYATT REGENCY LONG BEACH RECOGNIZED AGAIN WITH THE COVETED AAA FOUR DIAMOND AWARD H O T E L H A P P E N I N G S THE EVOLUTION OF A LEGEND…CLASSIC. MODERN. TIMELESS.THE WESTIN ST. FRANCIS COMPLETES A $20 MILLION RENOVATION OF THE TOWER BUILDING Hyatt Regency Long Beach was recently hon- ored with the distinguished Four Diamond Rating by the Automobile Club of Southern California (AAA). One of only 100 hotels in Southern California recognized, the Hyatt Regency Long Beach has established itself in an elite circle of hotels approved by AAA to make the annual Four-Diamond list. The coveted AAA Four Diamond Award is pre- sented to hotel general managers to recognize award-winning properties, which rank among the top 3.9 percent of 59,000 hotels and restaurants inspected by AAA and the Auto Club, the nation's largest AAA affiliate. In order to achieve four diamonds, the lodging establishments must be "refined, stylish with upscale physical attributes, extensive amenities and a high degree of hospitality, service and attention to detail," accord- ing the Diamond rating guidelines. Lodging inspections include at least one unannounced inspection each year. Inspectors review and rate exterior, grounds and public areas, room décor, ambiance and amenities, guest room, bathrooms, housekeeping and maintenance, management and staff and guest services. Once the inspection process is complete, prop- erties that meet all requirements receive a rating of one to five Diamonds. "It's gratifying to be acknowledged for the second consecutive year by AAA," said Hyatt Regency Long Beach General Manager Stephen D'Agostino. "Our staff is very proud to work at a Four Diamond property and they invest great care into serving each of our guests, day after day, to ensure we maintain this status." "The Hyatt Regency Long Beach and its management team continue to set and achieve new standards of excellence in guest experience and satisfaction." said Long Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau President & CEO, Steve Goodling. "Their unceasing dedication and market outreach elevates our Long Beach experi- ence, impressing guests and convention planners." The Hyatt Regency Long Beach's recognition will be reflected in AAA's digital media and print travel publications, specifically the upcoming edition of the Southern California Tour Book guide.