Iconic Del Mar hotel interior remodel under way

May 24, 2011 - PRLog -- A redesign and remodel by Design Line Interiors is now under way at the iconic Stratford Inn hotel along Pacific Coast Highway in Del Mar.

According to Dawn Davidson, president of Del Mar-based Design Line, the 95-room Best Western Stratford Inn is being transformed into the Hotel Indigo, a hip, upscale property that reflects the casual elegance of Del Mar, incorporates the unique charm of the nearby village into its design themes and interior features, and pays homage to the historic thoroughbred racing facility located just a few furlongs up the road. Design Line is working on behalf of owner Pacifica Host Hotels.

“In keeping with the philosophy of the upscale boutique brand, we designed Del Mar’s Hotel Indigo in the spirit of this beloved, charming and eclectic seaside village,” explained Davidson. “Like Del Mar itself, the Hotel Indigo will generate buzz. It is a bit on the cutting edge, yet perched in tradition. Everyone who has ever set eyes on Del Mar has understood it for its history and its hip personality. Like the Stratford Inn that preceded it, Hotel Indigo will be a booming resort, always traditional but equally cool, hip and fresh.”

Among the new features planned at the Hotel Indigo are an ocean view terrace and spacious 5,000-square-foot, two-story lobby, bistro, bar and restaurant. The project also includes updated pool areas and complete upgrades and renovations to all of the hotel’s guest rooms and suites.

Accentuated by vibrant colors and earthy, natural textures, Davidson said the Hotel Indigo will have a resort ambiance and several specific design characteristics unique to Del Mar. According to its website, the Hotel Indigo brand is all about delivering a vibrant, engaging and genuine boutique experience that gives guests the confidence to step out and explore the local neighborhood. Each Hotel Indigo property is designed to reflect the local culture, character and geography of the surrounding area while brand hallmarks ensure consistent and reliable service from location to location.

“The colorful history of Del Mar and the nearby racetrack will be part of the design at Hotel Indigo,” Davidson said.  “There will be murals and mosaic tiles honoring the history of the town and the track. The bar will even serve signature drinks in tribute to some of the track’s most famous horses.”

One of the drinks planned for the menu is The Green Monkey. Among the most infamous horses ever to run at Del Mar, The Green Monkey was a thoroughbred that sold for $16 million, even though he never won a race. The horse’s name alone generated buzz in the racing community, which created excitement in media reports and the exaggerated price tag.

Another drink planned at the Hotel Indigo’s new bar will be named for Lady’s Secret, a Hall of Fame horse listed in the Top 100 U.S. Racehorses of the 20th century and owned by Rancho Santa Fe resident and former San Diego Chargers owner Eugene Klein. Bartenders expect locals and out-of-town guests alike to ask for “Lady’s Secret” after they have strolled the property and ascended the new staircase from the hotel’s pool area.  The mosaic design on each step includes a horse’s name – some famous and others infamous.

“The secret of the words on the stairs will be a great topic of conversation among guests at the Hotel Indigo bar,” Davidson said. “Del Mar is rich with horseracing lore and the design of the Hotel Indigo pays homage to that.”

Inspired as well by its coastal location, the Hotel Indigo’s renovated guest rooms have a tropical resort feeling, with many rooms offering views of the beautiful blue Pacific Ocean. Suites offer private balconies, and every guest room has a refrigerator and a microwave.

Once completed, the Hotel Indigo’s new ocean view terrace will be available to rent for special events, receptions and parties for up to 30 people.

“We think the terrace will be an appealing new spot for locals and hotel guests to watch the sunset,” Davidson said.

Ongoing renovations to the Stratford are thoughtfully planned so the property remains open during construction. Construction of the ocean view terrace and the restaurant/lounge is planned to start in September and be completed before the year ends. Project architect is Delawie Wilkes Rodrigues Barker.
Already completed is a 3,000-square-foot spa and state of the art fitness center at the property. The boutique spa, called Spa Namara, which is an ancient Irish word meaning “path to the beach,” is a full-service spa on site, offering a wide array of treatments including European massages, relaxing facials, waxing, manicures, pedicures and aromatherapy body wraps. Each of the spa’s five tranquil treatment rooms includes a private relaxation garden.

In addition to its interior design work for the hotel, Design Line was retained by Pacifica Host Hotels to design the interiors for 10 new homes being built adjacent to the hotel site.  Many of these homes are already sold, reaffirming people’s love for and interest in Del Mar, Davidson said.

About Design Line Interiors

Since 1985, Design Line Interiors has created memorable interiors for custom residences as well as model homes, sales centers and clubhouses in hundreds of new home communities.  From Carlsbad to China and Florida to Dubai, Design Line Interiors has launched its local operation into a growing global enterprise. In addition to its new home expertise, the 26-year-old company has a growing reputation in the hospitality industry for designing innovative spaces for restaurants, resort hotels and spas.

More information about Design Line Interiors is available at www.designlineinteriors.com or by calling 858-309-6100.

About Pacifica Host Hotels

Pacifica Host Hotels boasts a nationally recognized collection of hotel brands, including Marriott, Hilton, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Express, Wyndham and Best Western, as well as some great independent properties at the Grand Canyon, on Catalina Island, in San Diego and Florida.

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