New Kid on the Block

One of the things that excites me most as a planner is discovering fantastic locations for my clients to hold their weddings at. Needless to say, I was ecstatic when I found out that a new resort will be opening up in Menlo Park this April!

Rosewood Sand Hill is going to be the newest luxury resort in Silicon Valley, debuting on April 2, 2009! With 16 acres of immaculate land surrounded by views of the Santa Cruz mountains, this beautiful resort will offer 132 urban cottages, a spa boutique, infinity pool, and an extraordinary restaurant featuring california cuisine.

Last week, my good friend Jean Marks and I were invited to take a hard hat tour of the resort with Todd Outhouse, the Director of Catering there. Todd brings to this resort many years of experience at luxury properties, such as the Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay and the St. Regis in San Francisco. With him behind the reins for weddings and special events, and a highly competent staff, there is no doubt that Rosewood will become a much sought after venue for brides and grooms. It was fun to see the resort in this final stage, where furniture and artwork were being placed and final details were being perfected.

When we first arrived, I was quite surprised. I guess I may have expected to see at least one very tall building...after all this is a hotel, right? But instead, I felt like I had escaped to the wine country!

This photo on the left shows you the entrance to the hotel lobby, anchored by two lovely palm trees and centered with a quaint fountain. Seeing 'orange cones' is a part of the fun in a hard hat tour, but it promises to vanish by April 2nd!

The interior decor is what Todd calls 'California Casual', with cedar wood, walnut, and slate floors. It's very understated, and extremely charming--certainly a 'home away from home'.

The restaurant, Madera, offers not only excellent culinary creations from their open kitchen, but a panoramic view of the mountains for your visual enjoyment. On those comfortable, breezy nights, you can choose to dine on their outdoor balcony but when it's rainy and cold like today, you may want to be closer to the fireplace inside the restaurant.

The incredible open kitchen inside Madera

A view of the infinity pool surrounded by the cottages

This will become the 'library', for guests to enjoy some quiet time with a nice book and view

Here is their main ballroom, with luxurious, custom made satin panels

One of their 'standard' guest cottages

Each room has its own walk-in closet, with enough storage space for even the extended stay guests

The living room side of one of their many suites

One of the couple's massage room at their spa

I thought this was a beautiful view of the main building--it almost reminds me of the comfort of Lake Tahoe luxury lodges

I always think that the size of the Concierge desk reveals the importance of customer service to the hotel!

Lastly, here is a photo of Todd and I taken by Jean Marks

Rosewood Sand Hill really offers a one-of-a-kind experience for its guests, and any couple that is lucky enough to get married there will surely get the royal treatment. Even though their grand opening is not until April 2, 2009, they already have weddings booked for this year! 'New' is definitely not a bad thing when it comes to the wedding world, and it appears that being the new kid on the block has a lot more positive connotation to it today!