Hotel Claremont was striking when this postcard was produced,
as it was when these other old postcards and photos were issued (love the black and white ones) . .
However, its beauty today after major and ongoing renovations makes me sigh ahhhhhhh.
The following is only a portion of the hotel's history available at the website (don't miss the photo gallery) of the current Claremont Resort and Spa:
The Ideal Retreat with Hidden Historic Charms Born of a “golden” era, The Claremont Resort & Spa is perched majestically on a pristine mountainside in the Berkeley Hills, standing watch over the glistening Golden Gates of San Francisco Bay. Whether guests choose to partake in a fine meal and expertly poured cocktail at AAA Four-Diamond Jordan’s or casual Paragon Bar & Café, indulge in a “journey” from around the world in the 20,000 square-foot Claremont Spa -- named one of the nation’s top spas by Elle and Vogue magazines -- or spend the afternoon poolside at Claremont Club bathed in rays that once tanned Barrymore and Garbo, this classic landmark is defined through its culture and distinctive atmosphere. The Claremont is a tradition, an entitlement of generations and America’s quintessential grand resort: its 279 uniquely designed rooms have a AAA Four-Diamond status where guests luxuriate in the famously captivating bay views enticing them to explore San Francisco and California’s wine country.
Large enough to offer every convenience, yet not so large as to be impersonal, with charming, attentive service among its trademarks, this delightful East Bay property is a sanctuary from the chaos of daily life. It’s one of the Bay Area’s most fashionable addresses, and at the same time, is convenient to both the San Francisco financial district and the hub of East Bay business.
Some things you just know. Barring a lottery win, I know I'll probably never luxuriate at this truly beautiful place. Besides, there is a natural hot springs in the Nevada desert near the Nevada-Oregon border called Bog Hot. I soaked alone there one summer day (ahhhhhhh) and I believe I'd rather return to Bog Hot than worry about how I was dressed as a guest at The Claremont Hotel and Spa!
4 comments:
I'm with you, that place is too fancy and hoity toity for me! Bog Hot on the other hand sounds wonderful....it would soothe my aching muscles for sure :)
I love pictures of these huge buildings that seem to be in the middle of nowhere. Nothing else surrounding it, just land. More peaceful that way.
Lisa
Something from my new hometown!
The Claremont is an impressive building (from the outside; I have never been in the building). My husband's coworkers told him about the Hotel's infamous slide-- apparently people used to sneak into the hotel to try it out.
I looked around for verification and found this on Wikipedia: "The hotel had an unusual fire escape, a multi-story spiral slide for guests to make their escape. Many local teenagers were said to have taken the ride but the slide was eventually boarded up, and removed."
Anyway. Another fun fact.
WW,
Yup, Bog Hot would be good for you. Take a look at Jennifer's comment about the former slide at the hotel, an antidote for hoity toityness, most definitely!
Lisa,
Sounds like you're describing some of those lovely old barns you've caught with your camera. :)
Jennifer,
Well, now that is a fun fact indeed! Thanks for verifying and sharing it. You must know that your new hometown is the town of my mother's birth: at home on Henry Street in 1915! Another fun fact.
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