The Sonoma Plaza landmark El Dorado Hotel and Kitchen has completed the first of a two-part renovation project.
The first phase is a major renovation of the hotel's 27 guest rooms, which was unveiled earlier this month, said Tim Harmon, CEO and founder of Mill Valley-based Palisades Hospitality Group.
“It was far from a cosmetic remodel or cosmetic upgrade,” said Harmon, who bought the property in 1995. “It was actually a complete renovation. We ended up spending about $3 million.” ” he said.
The second phase, scheduled to begin in January, will include renovations to public spaces including the hotel's lobby, pool area, EDK Cantina, and El Dorado Kitchen's main dining room and patio. Harmon said the work is expected to be completed in the second quarter of next year. The project will also cost about $3 million and is expected to be completed in the second quarter of next year, Harmon said.
The building that houses the El Dorado Hotel and Kitchen, located at the corner of First and Spain Streets, was built between 1843 and 1851, according to various historical records. Harmon purchased this property in 1995 when he joined the Palisades Hospitality Group portfolio of more than 20 hotels and restaurants in the Western United States. Palisades also includes a hotel management division, Mosaic Hotel Group..
“I think constantly refining and improving and looking at ways to make the guest experience better is an important part of business success,” Harmon said. “I think this is especially true for Sonoma, but I really believe it's coming into its own. … It continues to develop with more and more great shops, boutiques and other hotels, and that's what the market as a whole is doing. It helps.”
Harmon said he believes the city has evolved into a destination that can compete “on the level of St. Helena and Healdsburg.”
Nadine Curtis, Palisades' vice president of design project management, oversaw the renovation of the hotel rooms.
“This was very special to me in that I led the design,” Curtis said. She described the finished rooms as reflecting the history of the building, with rich natural jewel tones and a bohemian feel. “We worked on this idea for over three years.”
The guest room renovation process is a group effort that includes Mill Valley-based architecture firms Dorman Associates and BIC Construction, Curtis said.
“I think the team works very well together,” said Brian McInerney, partner at BIC Construction and director of the Eldorado Hotel and Kitchen project. “We respect their wishes, but we also let them know of alternatives and small changes that could save them time and money.”
Harmon said the strategic approach to redesigning rooms is to improve the hotel stay, not to attract a different demographic.
“Obviously, we always want to expand our guest reach and guest profile, but we haven't made a conscious effort to appeal to a variety of (guests),” he said. “We truly want to provide a better experience for our current and future guests.”
Palisades has 3 other hotels in North Bay. The Madrona in Healdsburg, The North Block Hotel in Yountville, and Olema House in Point Reyes.
Cheryl Sarfaty covers tourism, hospitality, healthcare and employment.please contact her cheryl.sarfaty@busjrnl.com or 707-521-4259.
