Downtown San Diego’s Crown Jewel is turning a whopping 100 years old Friday and you’re invited to the weeklong birthday celebration. The iconic US Grant Hotel, named in memory of President Ulysses S. Grant, has been a host to celebrities and U.S. Presidents, alike. (Albert Einstein, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Bruce Willis, just to name a few)
As many San Diegans recall, all 270 room and 47 suites were reopened in October 2006 after being sold to its original ancestors, the Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation. The hotel is now graced with uncovered memorabilia of President Grant and a stunning bronze centerpiece in the Grand Lobby.
In honor of the hotel’s 100 vivacious years, an Evening of Elegance and Living Art, benefiting the San Diego Center for Children, will kick off the Centennial Celebration Friday night. The goal for the evening is to be transformed into a time when people from all over the nation came to marvel at the brand new hotel that cost a staggering $1.9 million to build. Snag a schedule of the night's events from the “newsies” outside and sip on 100-day barrel aged cocktails.
A $6.5 million artwork display will be showcased from world-renowned artists, highlighting the hotel’s heritage over the past ten decades. The “Living Art” highlights a photograph of John F. Kennedy campaigning for U.S. President outside the Grant and a 1900 restored portrait of President Grant created by Urban Lawrence Gray.
Even the cuisine will compliment the night’s historical theme with three different Grant-“era” foods to choose from. Dine on Seafood Martinis in the “Twenties,” enjoy a sophisticated rendition of the Tuna Noodle Casserole and Lobster Mac n’ Cheese in the 40’s/50’s, and savor prime roasted meats in "Pop Culture". The night will end with, what else, a celebratory birthday cake.
Want to take part in the birthday festivities? Join the Centennial Cocktail Reception Saturday, October 16 from 7:10 p.m. to close. Precisely 7:10 because in military time, it translates to "19:10", the hotel's opening year. Select specialty cocktails are only $1.91. Preview the cocktail menu (inspired by some famous guests) here.
