The Daily Transcript
Friday, March 20, 2009

By THOR KAMBAN BIBERMAN

Hotel construction in San Diego is “zero” for the next three years, said Robert Rauch, hotel consultant, developer and owner.

He doesn’t expect any full-service hotels more than 200 rooms that aren’t already under way, if there are, to even start construction in the county prior to 2012. “I’m talking zero,” Rauch said.

Not only is there no financing, Rauch said he couldn’t think of a hotel currently under construction in San Diego County.

Rauch, who owns a Hilton Garden Inn and a Homewood Suites in the Sorrento Mesa area, has been a hotel consultant for decades.

The newly completed 1,200-room Hilton next to the Convention Center is the most recent major addition, but nothing of that magnitude is planned until hotels at Lane Field and Pacific Gateway as part of the Broadway Complex come out of the ground in the North Embarcadero area.
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It was fantastic. The wines were excellent, the food was flying off the plates, the guests were enjoying themselves and the smorgasboard of flavors.
Check out these pictures.

Bob Rauch, General Manager of the Hilton Garden Inn and Bistro 39, visits with guests. He also got behind the tables and served the grilled goat cheese pizza.

Drew Dickson, Winemaker and CEO of Andrew Lane Winery, brought five fantastic wines from his vineyard in Napa. The Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon were the favorites.

Kelleigh Canty pours a glass of Andrew Lane Cabernet Franc

By: Lindsey Smith

Whether you’re “tightening your belt,” “doing more with less,” or “cutting out the fat” of your budget during these “tough times” (or getting sick of all the doom and gloom clichés), that doesn’t mean you need to put life on hold, nor does it mean not celebrating the good things in life. Couples are still getting married. Children are still getting older. Companies are still gathering for corporate events. Whether it’s a Bar or Bat Mitzvah, a wedding reception, or a corporate event, you can plan a fun and lavish-looking party without breaking the bank. Small adjustments can lead to major savings as you celebrate life and all the adventures that come along with it.

Top tips from San Diego event planners include creating a budget, and shopping around. “It’s all about shopping around,” said Grace Paterno, Catering Sales Manager at the Hilton Garden Inn, San Diego/ Del Mar. “Do your research. It’s like shopping for a car; you don’t buy at the first dealership you visit.” When planning a party or event, compare services and the prices of a variety of venues, caterers, florists, DJs, bands, photographers and videographers. Companies are competing heavily for your business right now, meaning good deals are waiting to be found.

Here are some additional tips from industry insiders.
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