Casa Madrona Hotel & Spa Debuts New Mansion, Hillside Cottages and Event Space

Exemplifying innovation, technology, luxury, service and style, the unveiling will showcase a number of notable highlights including the complete renovation of its historic mansion built in 1885, the restructuring and redesign of the Mansion's 11 rooms including the new, standout 5,000-square-foot Alexandrite Suite and the 1,700 square-foot Junto meeting and event space, plus the renovation of its seven upper hillside cottages.

Built in 1885 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the former mansion was originally designed as a private residence for William Barrett, Secretary-Treasurer for the San Francisco Gas and Electric Company. The Mansion and its new offerings are currently being updated and perfected by a world-renowned design team, and will be seamlessly paired with leading, cutting-edge technology, the finest amenities, and brilliant views of the Richardson Bay and the San Francisco skyline.

“We have assembled the award-winning design teams of Taal Safdie and Ricardo Rabines of Safdie Rabines Architects, Christopher O'Connor Design, and Truex-Cullins Interiors to collaborate on preserving the historic charm of the mansion, while re-imagining the modern and sophisticated interiors and design features,” said Stefan Mühle, Casa Madrona Hotel & Spa General Manager. “With a nod to the bayside location, the spaces will be well-appointed and stylish, yet inviting and comfortable while featuring some of world's most advanced technology systems. Together, these elements will not only elevate the expectations in luxury accommodations on the West Coast but we will provide an inspiring travel experience unlike any other.”



The highly anticipated launch of the Mansion includes the debut of its 5,000-square-foot, two-bedroom Alexandrite suite, named for the rare gemstone that is most commonly known for its miraculous color changing effect, which is said to inspire creativity and relaxation. This effect resembles the color shift that guests can experience from the Suite as brilliant purple sunrises transition into vibrant blue skies and then fade to awe-inspiring reddish sunsets, dramatically changing the magnificent light that pours into the room and enhancing the overall feel.

The Mansion & Alexandrite Suite

The Alexandrite Suite includes 3,500 square feet of indoor living space, and 1,500 square feet of outdoor entertaining and relaxation areas all wired with the latest technology. The space is designed to create a strong connection between the indoor and outdoor spaces with an open kitchen and dining room area that connects with a large 1,500-squre-foot expansive, outdoor patio. The gourmet kitchen, displaying Blue Jean granite countertops, is fit for a chef with exquisite appliances including a top-of-the-line range, convection oven and cappuccino machine. Ideal for entertaining, the dining room table seats 10 and is set against a sparkling backdrop of panoramic bay views.

“This spacious Alexandrite Suite is beautifully furnished to complement its seaside location and impressive views of the harbor,” said Mühle. “Each room is appointed with thoughtful nautical details through the use of materials and colors including wood, zinc, marble, and brick paired with a soothing palette of steel blues, green blues and bright white accents.”
The Suite's expansive, floor-to-ceiling glass patio doors fold away to create a seamless connection between inside and out, encouraging a relaxed and inviting atmosphere on the two-tiered deck. Featuring an outdoor bar, BBQ area and seating for 20, this entrancing outdoor space promotes a lively area for waterfront gatherings. In addition, the lower deck offers a more intimate setting with a fire pit and surrounding lounge seating.

Advanced technology features are one of the major highlights in the Alexandrite Suite and throughout the entire Mansion. Front and center is a nine-panel media wall, ideal for life size HD viewing experiences, multi-point video conferencing, Internet connectivity, and multi-viewing capabilities. Additionally, with portable Control4 touch screens and iPads, guests will be able to control the entire Alexandrite Suite including the media wall, indoor temperatures, lighting, sound, window coverings, televisions, fireplaces and the hot tub in addition to being able to stream their own content from their devices right to the speakers or media wall.

The Alexandrite Suite includes a master bedroom, a guest suite, and 2.5 bathrooms, plus a private office and personal fitness center. A secret door, leading to the second floor of the Mansion, has been designed to appear as a cabinet in the fitness center but is only noticeable and accessible by those staying in this suite. As a result, the two-bedroom suite can be transformed into an 11-room mansion, perfect for corporate retreats, destination weddings, and multi-generational family getaways. Nightly rates for the entire Mansion at Casa Madrona start from $13,000 per night and can sleep up to 26 people. Nightly Alexandrite Suite rates start from $10,000.

Nine additional guestrooms are available on the second and third floors of the Mansion. Separately keyed, the Mansion accommodations, with the interiors designed by Truex Cullins, feature King beds, hardwood floors, bay and city views, and a dash of authentic historic Victorian touches including original crown molding, a grand historic staircase, ceiling accents, window casings and fireplace surrounds.

The hotel's rich history is highlighted in other ways as well. In 1967, a famous image of Pink Floyd, shot by William Baron during their very first visit to the US promoting their debut album The Piper at the Gates of Dawn, was photographed in the Mansion. A highlight of the second floor of the Mansion will be the Piper Room, which has been restored to modern-day luxuries, but pays homage to the band with historic photographs adorning the walls, Pink Floyd playing upon arrival and the legendary band's coffee table book resting bedside. Mansion Guestrooms start from $695 per night.

Junto Event Space

Named Junto after Benjamin Franklin's diverse cooperative for mutual improvement, Casa Madrona's new event space is designed to foster innovation, inspiration and collective efforts towards positive outcomes. The 1,700-square-foot boardroom and event space will be complete this winter and showcases panoramic views of the bay and features advanced Samsung, Apple, and Control4 technology systems and equipment, including the striking 9-panel media wall, and multi-point video conferencing capabilities. The spectacular meeting room easily accommodates 80 seated and 125 guests reception-style. The floor-to-ceiling glass doors encompass 1,100 square feet of interior space, which slide away to reveal a sprawling 600-square-foot deck, ideal for break-out sessions, cocktail mixers and networking.

Upper Hillside Cottages

Located on a pathway near the Mansion are seven upper hillside cottages that have been redesigned with new interiors created by Truex Cullins featuring King beds, spacious rooms, hardwood floors and some with full kitchens and spectacular bay and city views. Similar to the Mansion guestrooms, the decor and color palettes will feature a hybrid of authentic historic touches paired with a clean and contemporary design while using recycled or refurbished existing materials including sustainable bathroom shelves that are handmade of recycled glass. Rates start from $395 per night.

The Mansion at Casa Madrona, Junto event space and the upper hillside cottages will be complete in late 2013. For more information, please call 415.332.0502 or visit www.casamadrona.com.