MONTEREY, CA—The Portola Hotel & Spa is planning a complete renovation of its tree-lined atrium lobby, together with construction of a new $3.5-million entrance plaza and 40,000-sq.-ft. Monterey Conference Center. The $6-million, newly redesigned lobby will include the use of wood complemented by lighted pendants in ficus trees, as well as a new bar and lobby seating.
San Francisco-based Puccini Group is the interior design partner for the lobby enhancements. Skidmore, Owings & Merrill is the designer for the 35,000-sq.-ft. entrance plaza and the $60-million conference space. Both the plaza and conference center are being constructed by the City of Monterey through a long-standing, private-public partnership with Portola.
"We've taken cues from the modern aesthetic tone set by the adjacent conference center renovation, but have also set the hotel apart by creating a resort-like atmosphere and a strong sense of place consistent with the hotel's setting adjacent to Monterey Bay," said Puccini Chief Creative Officer Rob Polacek. "The coastal Monterey landscape, wildlife and local artist community had a tremendous influence on our design and materials palette."
These improvements include energy and water conservation fixtures. The conference center will also seek LEED Certified Status upon completion. All three projects are scheduled for completion in April 2017. During the renovation process, Portola will remain open for business.
