Note: Watch for expanded coverage of the Sheraton’s opening from news reporter Jon Lewis in his Monday column.
The new Sheraton Redding Hotel at the Sundial Bridge opened Thursday with a 2 p.m. ribbon-cutting ceremony. It was a rainy day, but the rain stopped before the opening ceremony began. The Sheraton was 10 years in the making with a $20-million dollar cost. And in the process, more than 80 new jobs were created.
The hotel’s interior design echoes the natural beauty of the adjacent Turtle Bay Exploration Park. The hotel is the smallest of Marriott International Inc., and has 130 rooms that feature floor-to-ceiling windows and walk-in showers and tub. There are six suites, including an 1100-square foot Presidential Suite. A 1,200 square-foot fitness center is adjacent to a heated outdoor swimming pool and Jacuzzi. A 4,000 square-foot ballroom can be broken down into smaller breakout rooms.
The Mosaic Restaurant offers Italian cuisine with California wine. Behind the Mosaic a garden provides fresh vegetables that are used for food served in the restaurant. If the garden is a success, the plan is for a larger vegetable garden and fruit orchard in the arboretum. The Mosaic is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
I found the hotel to be quite elegant and refreshing. Staff – from the bellhop to front desk, and even cooks in the kitchen – were quite friendly and eager for the Sheraton to open.
Personally, I’m looking forward to eating at the Mosaic.
