The Hotel Hanford Appoints New Management Team

    COSTA MESA, CA, May 19, 2010 /24-7PressRelease/ -- The Hotel Hanford, an independent hotel in Orange County, Calif., has hired a management and restaurant team to lead operations of the new hotel that will debut in fall 2010. The Hotel Hanford began its transformation in December 2009 when its owners, Newport Beach-based Hanford Hotels, Inc., decided to leave the Holiday Inn franchise system and invest $7 million to convert the Southern California property into an independent, boutique-style hotel.

"From the new design to the level of service, The Hotel Hanford provides a higher standard guest experience," said Donald Sodaro, president and CEO of Hanford Hotels, Inc. "We've thoughtfully designed the hotel to meet our guests' needs, and have assembled a team to create the latest boutique hotel in the South Coast Plaza area for Orange County business and leisure travelers."

Edward Moses-Granger is serving as General Manager at The Hotel Hanford, overseeing the daily operations of the hotel including guest services, food and beverage, sales and marketing. Moses-Granger has played a key role in the design direction of the hotel's renovation and development of its new food and beverage service. Previously, Moses-Granger served as Clubhouse Director at The Santaluz Club in San Diego, and has held executive management positions at Sherwood Country Club, Shutters on the Beach / Hotel Casa Del Mar, Portofino Hotel & Yacht Club and L'Ermitage Hotel.

Jo Casper, Director of Sales and Marketing, oversees The Hotel Hanford's sales team and hotel marketing. Casper is responsible for attracting new business and leisure guests, as well as meetings and events to the hotel. Most recently, Casper served as Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Gemstone Hotels & Resorts in Park City, Utah, and has held director level positions at Noble House Hotel & Resorts, Portofino Hotel & Yacht Club, ITT Sheraton and The Ritz Carlton Hotel Company.

Michael Carpenter will serve as Executive Chef of the hotel's new restaurant, Savoy Restaurant and Lounge, which will feature a tour of European cuisine. Carpenter has held positions at The Santaluz Club and the Hotel Del Coronado, and is a graduate of the San Diego Culinary Institute.

As Restaurant Manager, Adam Weisblatt will manage the Savoy Restaurant and Lounge, and the hotel's food service operations including events and catering. Weisblatt has held positions at The Santaluz Club and the Seafood Shanty in Martha's Vineyard, and is a graduate of the Isenberg School of Business at the University of Massachusetts with a concentration in Hospitality Management.

"We all have a passion for creating memorable guest experiences," said Edward Moses-Granger, General Manager at The Hotel Hanford. "Our collective experience in luxury and boutique hotels will allow us to provide a tailored and relaxing refuge for our guests."

The Hotel Hanford is currently renovating its 225 rooms and all public spaces, including the lobby, meeting rooms, restaurant and bar, transforming it into an elegant and contemporary hotel. More than half of the renovated rooms will be complete and ready for guests in June and the remainder of the rooms will be completed in summer 2010. The Orange County boutique hotel remains open during construction, which is expected to be ready for debut in fall 2010.

About Hanford Hotels, Inc.
Hanford Hotels, Inc. is a Newport Beach-based owner, operator and manager of hotel properties. In addition to its independently-owned Orange County hotel, The Hotel Hanford, the company owns and manages hotel properties through franchise affiliations with leading hotel brands including Fairfield Inn by Marriot and La Quinta Inns and Suites.

The company's experienced management team offers a comprehensive package of services within the hospitality industry including innovative commercial building and insightful third-party consulting.

Incorporated in 1970, the company has a rich history in the hotel industry. In 1972 its co-founders started Sixpence Inns of America, an independent chain of 54 hotels over six states. The successful hotel chain was later purchased by Motel 6. For more information, visit www.hanfordhotels.com or www.thehotelhanford.com.

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