HERITAGE

Exclusive Accommodation for Kings & Queens

Presidents, prime ministers and

other important statesmen are
often in need of comfortable
and presentable accommoda-
tion. Visit David Citadel Hotel
in Jerusalem, US Grant Hotel in
San Diego or even the famous
Versailles Palace.
 HERITAGE Exclus i v e A c c o m m o d a t i o n f o r K i n g s & Q u e e n s

US GRANT Hotel:
A Hotel Fit for a President
Few places in America have stood long enough
to celebrate a 100-year anniversary, but this
fall season, the US GRANT Hotel of San Diego
does just that.
Presidential History
In 1910, the son of President Ulysses S. Grant
opened the landmark hotel in the middle of
metro-chic San Diego, and it’s remained a top
destination for America’s bigwigs ever since.
Out of the nation’s 44 presidents, 14 have
stayed in the historic hotel, including John F.
Kennedy and legendary scientist Albert Ein-
stein. Renowned for its unparalleled opulence
and hospitality, the US GRANT Hotel has earned
its ranking as not only a presidential destina-
tion, but also as a corporate and leisure one.

VIPs
More than a dozen commanders in chief have
checked into this hotel, including Wilson, Frank-
lin Roosevelt, John Kennedy, Lyndon Johnson
and both George Bushes. The hotel has also
tucked in Albert Einstein, Charles Lindbergh,
Anthony Hopkins and Christina Aguilera. More
recently, celebrities like Demi Moore, Bruce Wil-
lis and pre-gubernatorial Arnold Schwarzeneg-
ger have stayed at the hotel, all impressed by
its grandeur and unparalleled hospitality.

Januar y, 2011 —5—


Today Still Fit for a King
The foundation and reputation may be 100
years old, but the hotel’s interior has recently
enjoyed a facelift. Following a $58 million reno-
vation in 2006, The US GRANT now boasts 270
classic guestrooms, including 47 suites, each
exquisitely appointed with original artwork,
marble baths and Italian linen bedding.
The hotel's Grand Lobby, adorned with spar-
kling crystal chandeliers, hand-loomed silk
carpets, and artwork gives guests a preview of
modern and elegant guest rooms and 22 dis-
tinctive meeting rooms.
Each of the guest rooms and suites feature
such stunning details as a custom Yves Clem-
ent drip-painting headboard, adding a modern
touch to classic Empire-style furnishings in a
contemporary setting
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Crown Jewel
Still known as “The Crown Jewel of Down-
town San Diego,” the US GRANT Hotel is
an Exxon-Mobil Four Star Hotel, a winner
of HotelWorld’s “Best Luxury Guestroom
Design Award” for 2008, and was named one
of The Robb’s Report’s “Top 100 Hotels in
the World.”
The hotel’s restaurant, The GRANT Grill, fea-
tures California-fresh seasonal cuisine, offered
in conjunction with handcrafted cocktails from
a top-notch artisanal bar. The unmatched
quality of ingredients and precision from the
kitchen earned the hotel a “Best Hotel Dining”
award in 2008 from San Diego Magazine.
http://www.usgrant.net
http://www.wineandfoodtravel.com
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David Citadel Hotel: A Focal Point
for Historical Encounters
With a phalanx of international TV networks
recording her every move, U.S. Secretary of
State Condoleezza Rice whisked Palestinian
President Abu Mazen into an elegantly deco-
rated conference room at the David Citadel
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Hotel in Jerusalem to conduct another round
of Middle East diplomacy in 2008.
At that moment, a smile of satisfaction
creased the faces of both Moshe Sand, the
hotel's venerable General Manager and
—7—
Medina Pearl, the peripatetic Public Relations
Director who not only have tended to the per-
sonal whims and needs of Ms. Rice, but also to
a long and growing list of foreign dignitaries,
celebrities, business moguls and Israeli politi-
cians who are rapidly making the architectur-
ally stunning David Citadel Hotel, their "home
away from home."
When Israeli real estate and hotel mag-
nate, Alfred Akirov built the 384 room David
Citadel Hotel with the help of internationally
renowned architect Moshe Safdie in the mid-
1990's, Mr. Akirov was determined to offer a
new standard of service to guests who wished
to luxuriate in the beauty of Jerusalem.
Located just outside the walls of the Old City,
the glass and stone edifice has become the
focal point between ancient & modern Jerusa-
lem. These elements have also made it a mag-
net for headliners such as President Bill Clin-
ton, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, U.S.
Senator Hillary Clinton, Republican Presidential
Candidate Rudy Giuliani, UN Secretary General
Kofi Annan, Russian President Vladimir Putin,
high-ranking government officials from Asian,
Eastern and European nations, billionaire busi-
ness moguls including Oracle Chairman Larry
Ellison, celebrities like actress Valerie Harper
("Rhoda") and of course leading Israeli politi-
cians such as Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and
Knesset Speaker Dalia Itzik.
 HERITAGE Exclus i v e A c c o m m o d a t i o n f o r K i n g s & Q u e e n s

"We are hosting world leaders at least once

a month. They tend to come in waves depend-
ing on which way the political winds are blow-
ing in the region. It's also not unusual for us
to host politicians, especially from the USA,
who are looking to spend a few days relaxing
and conducting many off-the-record meetings
with Israeli officials, as well as friends and fam-
ily in our Executive Business Lounge," Mr. Sand
revealed.
Mr. Sand, who has helmed some of Israel's
finest hotels, insists that the David Citadel's
staff tends to every detail, whether it's for a
visiting foreign dignitary or a tourist from the
USA, Europe etc. The "personal touch" is para-
mount. "When a high-ranking politician, busi-
nessman or celebrity visits a particular country
they always seek out the best hotel. The David
Citadel is recognized on an international level
for offering a top facility and premium services.
We take great pride in offering a real personal
touch," he maintained.
When the U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv alerts the
hotel about an impending visit from Secretary
of State Rice (she's stayed at the David Citadel
at least 10 times during the past two years),
Ms. Pearl springs into action. "Prior to her
arrival (Ms. Rice), I have a meeting with U.S. a major role in why these people keep coming of the hotel's boardrooms, Ms. Rice likes to
Embassy staff to find out what's on her sched- back to stay with us. We are trained to pre- return to her suite late in the evening to relax
ule, as far as which meetings will be conducted serve their privacy and dignity." and enjoy a good meal.
in the hotel, what foods she might like to eat Secretary of State Rice has been known to While Ms. Pearl is acutely aware of the fact
and what other amenities she might enjoy hold 'hush-hush' meetings with Abu Mazen that historical decisions are being made in the
in her suite," Ms. Pearl revealed. "The hotel and Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert on the meeting rooms and suites of the David Citadel
could be very busy but Ms. Rice or any other large flower-laden terrace in her hotel suite, Hotel, she particularly enjoys the off-beat and
dignitary would never have to interact with the which boasts a spectacular view of the Old very 'human' encounters she has with impor-
hotel's guests because we protect their privacy City. After headline-making decisions are made tant dignitaries that take place before and after
in many different ways. All of these issues play either in the Prime Minister's office or in one sensitive diplomatic meetings.

Januar y, 2011 —8—


She is particularly fond of one encounter
she had with the Chinese Ambassador to
Israel.
"I escorted him to our outdoor terrace by the
pool that overlooks the ancient walls of the Old
City. As he stared out at the beautiful scenery,
I remarked, 'You have your wall and we have
ours!'"
Mr. Sand's office is adorned with photos and
endearing 'thank you' notes from his grow-
ing number of professional encounters with
world leaders, international business moguls
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and celebrities. He added, "One of our regu-
lar guests is a prominent American business-
man and philanthropist who took the time to
tell me one afternoon, 'Moshe, you should be
very proud of your hotel staff. I regularly stay
at some of the best hotels around the world in
Manhattan, Singapore, Hong Kong and Europe.
And, I want to tell you that the David Citadel
ranks with the best.' This is what we are striv-
ing for every day of the year."
http://www.thedavidcitadel.com
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The Portman Ritz–Carlton:
VIPs Head to Shanghai
Located in the heart of the city’s historical
past and the modern-day buzz is The Portman
Ritz-Carlton, Shanghai – a contemporary world
of personalized luxury built on the foundations
of service excellence. Following an extensive
US$40 million transformation, guests are wel-
comed to 610 spacious rooms and suites with
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a contemporary décor enriched by touches of
Asian influences.
Located on the famous Nanjing Xi Lu, the
hotel offers guests convenient access to the
city’s finest shopping, cultural attractions and
entertainment options. After a day spent sight-
seeing, guests can indulge in a soothing spa
— 10 —
VIPs Staying in The Portman
Ritz-Carlton?
Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada
Madeleine Albright, Former United States Sec-
retary of State
Gavin Newsom, Mayor of San Francisco
Pratibha Devisingh Patil, President of India
Werner Faymann, Austrian Federal Chancellor
Lee Myung Bak, President of the Republic of
Korea
Jawahir Bint Naif Al Saud, Princess of Saudi
Arabia
Nora Mohammed Bin Fahad Al Saud, Princess
of Saudi Arabia
Hillary Rodham Clinton, Secretary of United
States
Barack Hussein Obama, President of The United
States of America
Megawati Soekarnoputri, Former Indonesian
President
Robert J. Hawke, Former President of Australia
Colin Powell, Former Secretary of State The
United States of America
George W. Bush, Former President of The
United States of America
Jimmy Carter, Former President of The United
States of America
Bill Clinton, Former President of The United
States of America

treatment, enjoy an exceptional meal at one
of the six on-site restaurants or simply take in
the skyline views from their luxurious accom-
modations.
Awarded “Best Hotel in Shanghai” by Institu-
tional Investor magazine, the hotel has been
recognized by Conde Nast Traveler as the
"2010 Top 100 Best Hotels In The World” and
the China National Tourism Administration as
Shanghai's only Platinum Five-Star Award win-
ner–the highest hospitality award in China.
The award-winning hotel has accommo-
dated numerous presidents and head of
states, including President Obama, US Secre-
tary of States–Hillary Clinton, President Lee
Myung Bak…During Obama’s Shanghai visit,
the security was understandably tight as it was
his first time state visit in China and the trip
has attracted lots of media reporting in China
and all over the world. Since Obama’s security
contingent and staff comprised a huge num-
ber, a lot of rooms in the hotel were booked.
The National Security Bureau also requested
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an extremely tight X-Ray security check for all
the people who work in the hotel and all other
hotel guests.
The 500 square meters Ritz-Carlton Suite,
where the president stayed, is the largest pres-
idential suite in the city, making it the accom-
modation of choice to host royalty, heads of
state, celebrities, heads of multi-national cor-
porations and their accompanying entourage.
Setting the standard for hotels in Shanghai,
The Portman Ritz-Carlton offers an array of
luxurious amenities to ensure a memorable
stay, not only for VIP and statesmen. The hotel
features 610 well-appointed guest rooms and
suites, 6 restaurants and lounges serving Chi-
nese, Italian, Japanese and Western favorites,
an extensive health club with outdoor and
indoor swimming pool, gym, squash and rac-
quetball courts, convenient access to world-
class shopping, cultural opportunities and
entertainment.
http://www.ritzcarlton.com
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Part of Versailles Palace

to Become Luxury Hotel
Preparations are underway for a Belgian
company to turn part of the Chateau de Ver-
sailles into a luxury hotel. But the handing
over of a chunk of treasured public heritage
to a private operator is an unusual occurrence
in France.
It’s a sumptuous historical monument, a
wildly popular tourist attraction, and a symbol
of French monarchy and decadence. Now the
Palace of Versailles is getting ready to add to its
list of functions: preparations are underway for
a Belgian company to turn The Hotel du Grand
Controle, traditionally home to the palace’s
treasurers, into a luxury hotel.
The initiative is meant to spur a two-pronged
plan to exploit the economic potential of cer-
tain valuable, but expensively maintained and
often damaged buildings while simultaneously
pursuing their renovation. But the handing
over of a chunk of treasured public heritage to
a private operator is an unusual occurrence in
France.

A Pioneering Initiative
The project is expected to transform the
Hotel du Grand Controle into a 23-bedroom
hotel scheduled to open in late 2011. Some of
those rooms will overlook the “Orangerie”, an
elaborate greenhouse featuring lemon trees
and orange trees.
Jean-Jacques Aillagon, president of the Cha-
teau de Versailles, has said that without the
arrangement he would not have the budget
necessary to renovate the building. Speaking
to reporters, Aillagon called the creation of the
hotel “a pioneering initiative”. He added that
his mission was to save the building, which was
“in a very dilapidated state”.
According to the initiative, Belgian company
Ivy International SA will renovate the 1,700

Januar y, 2011 — 12 —

square-metre Hotel du Grand Controle —
which was built in the 1680s by architect Jules
Hardouin-Mansart. Ivy will lease the building
from Versailles over the next 30 years. The
renovation, headed by Frederic Didier, chief
architect for historic monuments, is expected
to cost roughly 5.5 million euros — or 7.3 mil-
lion dollars.
Ivy will then pay back a percentage of the
hotel’s profits as “rent” to the Chateau de Ver-
sailles. The amount will vary in proportion to
how much money the hotel makes.
The construction of the hotel is made pos-
sible by an agreement signed in 2009 between
the French Culture Ministry and the Tourism
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Department that was intended to boost the
economic development of French historical
and cultural landmarks.
To achieve that goal, the Centre for National
Monuments has asked the Atout France agency,
in charge of developing tourism, to consider a
proposal to similarly convert 20 other listed
heritage sites, including French royal palace
Chateau de Fontainebleau.
French Senator Albéric de Montgolfier, of
President Nicolas Sarkozy’s centre-right UMP
party, presented Sarkozy with a favourable
report on the project. He pointed to what he
framed as the economic necessity of the initia-
tive, saying that in this context, plans to con-
vert part of the Palace of Versailles into a hotel
“must be supported”.
tion. “Once again, it’s economic logic that wins
Montgolfier concluded his report by rec- out. In the name of profitability and lack of
ommending the creation in France of hotels finances, they’re gambling with a public pos-
located in converted monuments, inspired by session, which by definition is inalienable and
the luxury “paradors” in Spain that are usually must remain accessible to all citizens”, Revault
set up in monasteries or castles. said.
The Palace of Versailles, once a spectacular
Gambling with a Public
setting for French state affairs, is a particularly
Possession
cherished cultural landmark beloved by visi-
But the financial motivation is not reason tors who flock to its famed Hall of Mirrors and
enough for everyone to justify entrusting one lush gardens; the UNESCO World Heritage Cen-
of France’s most prized cultural possessions tre has named it one of the greatest achieve-
to a company. In an interview with France24. ments of 18th-century French art.
com, Philippe Revault, a professor at the Paris
School of Architecture, expressed his indigna- http://www.france24.com
— 13 —