The Sofia Hotel Makes Its San Diego Debut

The Sofia Hotel, once known as The Pickwick Hotel, has made its debut as a stylish new boutique hotel in the heart of downtown San Diego after a $16-million renovation.

Built in 1926 as one of the most luxurious accommodations in San Diego, the historic structure reopened as The Sofia Hotel after being transformed into a modern, stylish boutique property.

The hotel's 212 rooms boast fine linens, furnishings and modern amenities for a sense of urban retreat within the city.

Situated at the corner of Front Street and Broadway near the historic, trendy Gaslamp Quarter, The Sofia Hotel is close to Horton Plaza and only minutes from the San Diego Convention Center, Petco Park, Balboa Park, The San Diego Zoo, Seaport Village, San Diego's cruise line terminal and international airport, the Embarcadero, Old Town and Sea World.

Stylish Interior Renovations

The interior renovations include a stylish makeover of the hotel's 212 rooms and suites to reflect a comfortable, chic design with a color palette inspired by nature and intended to invoke a sense of harmony and balance.

(A venerable view of San Diego when The Sofia Hotel was known as the Pickwick)

Throughout the hotel, unique fossil sculptures and natural art pieces are illuminated. The foyer has metal-beaded shimmer screen partitions that drape from the hotel's exquisite high ceilings; the distinct open staircases leading to the elevator incorporate unique translucent capiz shell window panels that allow outside light to fill the area.

All rooms, suites and public spaces at The Sofia Hotel are non-smoking and will feature the following amenities: work stations with ergonomic chairs; relaxing armchairs and ottomans; flat screen televisions; illuminating, adjustable bed lamps for in-bed aficionados; fine linens; white down comforters and plush pillows; sparkling, contemporary bath and vanity fixtures; Gilchrist & Soames spa products and amenities; mini-fridges; irons with boards; and in-room laptop safes. Guests may also choose to indulge in a variety of rejuvenating in-room spa services.

Top-of-the-Line Technology

The Sofia also offers top-of-the-line technology, including broadband Internet accessibility and video conferencing; a variety of conference room configurations to accommodate a combined capacity of 88 individuals in conference, lecture or training sessions; a 24-hour fitness center with the latest cardio equipment; a serene yoga studio available 24 hours every day featuring a variety of programming for guest selection; and at a future date an upscale, full-service restaurant and bar.

For more information on the hotel, call (619) 234-9200 or visit www.thesofiahotel.com.

And Dine at "Currant"

The Sofia Hotel's restaurant partner is"Currant," a chic American bistro and full-service bar located on the ground floor of the hotel.

Chef Jonathan Pflueger will be taking the reins of this unique eatery, scheduled to open its doors in the spring of 2007. According to Ken Winslow, president of Pickwick Partners, Inc. which owns The Sofia Hotel, Currant's seasonal cuisine in a brasserie setting will deliver a delightfully elegant yet approachable culinary experience sure to surpass all expectations.

(The Sofia's restaurant delivers local, organic and seasonal ingredients in an American, checkerboard setting).

Seating for 85 Guests

The restaurant will seat 85 guests inside, offer festive patio dining outside for 20 to 30 patrons, and house a lively, full-service bar. For locals looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the Gaslamp, Currant's bar will offer a relaxing yet vibrant atmosphere with a progressive wine and cocktail list and full access to the restaurant's menu.

As founder and former owner of the Vertical Restaurant and Wine Bar in Laguna Beach, Pflueger brings an impressive resume to The Sofia Hotel. A chef at several three-star Michelin restaurants in France - the highest designation a restaurant can achieve - Pflueger has also served as chef de cuisine in New York's venerable Russian Tea Room and as head chef at Montage Resort and Spa in Laguna Beach.

Prior to this, Pflueger served as executive chef of the former Anthony's Star of the Sea Room in San Diego, and worked alongside world famous chef Charlie Trotter at The Monastery in Madison, Wis.

In 1998, San Diego Magazine designated Anthony's Star of the Sea Room, then under the helm of Pflueger, as Critic's Choice "Best Restaurant" in San Diego. The following year, Pflueger was voted People's Choice "Chef of the Year" in the magazine.