Palihotel

Location:

San Diego, CA, USA

Scope:

The Palihotel San Diego, once the historic Hotel St. James, underwent a renovation completed by our Hospitality team. This project presented unique challenges as it involved balancing restoration and replacement to bring modern features and amenities while preserving the hotel’s cherished heritage. 

While some cabinets were replaced in the lobby, the main façade of the desk was meticulously refinished, enhancing its historical allure. Our efforts extended to the meeting rooms and back-of-house spaces, where we installed custom millwork and guest room closets to update the areas while maintaining their original charm. 

The hotel’s restaurant received the most extensive updates. It features elegantly curved banquettes alongside straight ones and new millwork walls that now gracefully separate the booths. A standout addition is the new bar, crowned with a striking brass gantry.  

In addition, our contribution included chic vanities for the small public restrooms and subtle upgrades to the back bar to revitalize the space. A rooftop bar with panoramic views was also introduced to enhance the guest experience.  

The project, particularly integrating the custom millwork into the existing structures like the front desk and crafting curved banquettes, posed significant challenges but was completed with our expertise and dedicated collaboration across teams. This renovation not only revitalized the Palihotel but also preserved the historical essence of the iconic Hotel St. James. 

*Photos courtesy of Palihotel San Diego