Stanford Court, a Highgate Hotels property, is located atop San Francisco’s Nob Hill. The property, which is located steps away from the city’s dining, shopping, entertainment, and cultural attractions, recently hired Ruben Barahona as director of sales and marketing. Barahona, who has over 20 years of experience working in the Bay Area, is focusing on increasing the modern lifestyle position of the hotel, as well as implementing new programs. Recommend caught up with Barahona to get the scoop on what these new programs will be and what role agents play for the property.
Michelle Marie Arean (MMA): Are there any changes you plan to implement at Stanford Court?
Ruben Barahona (RB): We are in the planning stages for a fabulous renovation in 2016, which will give Stanford Court a major uplift in room product, public areas, and cool new amenities for travelers; all of which are aimed at the renewal of Stanford Court’s iconic position as the hippest hotel on the Hill.
MMA: What new programs or strategies will be implemented to promote new business?
RB: Corporate rates offered include our grab and go daily breakfast. With our impending room product upgrade coming in 2016, we will be rolling out new programs that cater and promote the hotel’s swagger without losing the iconic feel of Nob Hill.
MMA: What role do travel agents play for bookings to Stanford Court?
RB: We are very active in the GDS platform under the XT chain code. Our competitive rates and offers speak to the corporate, as well as the leisure traveler who visits San Francisco, so the travel agent becomes an extension of our sales team on a daily basis.
MMA: What programs or incentives do you currently have for travel agents?
RB: We are running specials on the Sabre and Amadeus, under our XT (8254) chain code system now for 10 percent off the “Best Available Rate” and 15 off of the “Advance Purchase Rates” through June 2016 and August 2016.
MMA: Why should agents recommend Stanford Court to their clients?
RB: Stanford Court is a modern 393-room hotel perched atop San Francisco’s iconic Nob Hill. The hotel showcases a San Francisco-centric approach to the art of hospitality and features high-tech amenities, gourmet food and drink in a lively lounge setting, contemporary art and design, sweeping city views, luxurious yet comfortable accommodations and unparalleled access to the city’s best attractions, shopping and dining.
MMA: What unique offerings does Stanford Court offer its guests?
RB: Stanford Court offers guests unique access to high-tech amenities including Apple computers and iPads in the public lobby; complimentary high-speed WiFi throughout the entire property; electric car-charging stations; and an 80-inch flat-screen lobby TV featuring live-streaming from the hotel’s rooftop camera.
Stanford Court is currently offering guests the opportunity to book the Take Me Out to the Ball Game package for baseball-lovers. This package includes two single trip clipper cards for the cable car, a transparent stadium bag including an acrylic beverage cup, a local San Francisco Anchor Steam beer, Thatcher’s San Francisco carmel popcorn, and a baseball stress ball. This offer is valid during the 2015 Major League Baseball season; blackout dates apply.
For more information, call (415) 989-3500 or visit stanfordcourt.com.
