If you've stayed at the Steinhart Hotel then you know how charming and timeless it is. And if you've stayed at our long-term property recently, then you might have noticed some beautiful new changes. 15 one bedroom apartments were recently refreshed in a sophisticated Parisian style by Jonathan Rachman Design and they look absolutely gorgeous, don't you think?

"I brought in designer Jonathan Rachman to transform the space because he's simply the best visual storyteller I know. His first career was in the hospitality industry in Switzerland, so he understands what is necessary to make a winning first impression on guests--and what it takes to give them an experience as unforgettable as the decor. Jonathan also appreciates the history of buildings and designed our spaces with complete respect to the building's stunning architecture. When I saw the renderings for the first time, I thought he'd had a peek inside my head and stolen my best ideas before I could articulate them: rich and elegant without being the least bit fussy." -- Yvonne Detert, Personality Hotels CEO & Founder

We caught up with Jonathan Rachman to get the inside scoop on his vision and the inspiration behind his design. Here's what he had to say:

PH: What was the inspiration behind the renovation?

JR: Our inspiration was 'old world' European - classic, yet current. Respecting the history of the Steinhart was crucial because there are so many rich elements of the property that I hope to showcase - from the elevator and the old school front desk, to the tile in the lobby and the coffered ceiling and wall paper in the hallway. San Francisco is an intimate global city and the Steinhart carries the old charm of San Francisco so well.

PH: Where did you pull inspiration from? 

JR: I lived and studied in Europe and have traveled extensively, but Hotel Costes in Paris truly inspired my design for the Steinhart - to continue its rich history AND texture in the current time in San Francisco. I love the rich colors and textures without being pretentious and impractical.

PH: What is your favorite thing about the Steinhart?

JR: Hands down - the history, but as far as interiors - the architectural elements like the elevator and the tiles in the lobby! 

PH: What is the most important thing you consider when designing a home away from home?

JR: The feeling of TRULY being at home, which means being cozy, not stuffy. It's all in the details  - to make the space warm, chic and personalized - not feeling commercial and generic. We put a touch of whimsies in the accessories and art elements at the Steinhart.

Personality Hotels is excited to be the first on the West Coast to offer guests of Hotel Diva and Hotel Union Square the opportunity to use their smartphone to open their hotel room door. CNET TV recently interviewed our CEO Yvonne Detert about our new technology and before we knew it, our feature was live on CBS News! Check out our video clip below!

[Excerpt from CBS News]

 If you've ever lost your hotel key card or had it accidentally demagnetized, some hotels may have a high-tech solution. At the Personality Hotels chain, in the San Francisco area, guests can now use their smartphones to unlock their hotel room doors. 

Last week, our very own President and CEO Yvonne Lembi-Detert, our Director of Revenue and Reservations Stuart Harless, and our Guest Services Manager Domitille Montoro, engaged in a "60 Minute" style interview with ATRIO™ ( a Guest Experience Management platform) at the Hotel Diva in San Francisco,California. Tick, Tick, Tick

We recently partnered up with PAR Springer-Miller to integrate ATRIO, a new and intuitive, guest-centric technology...Well they wanted to get to know their client a little more and asked some great questions to our CEO and founder Yvonne Detert. The answers were hilarious so we had to share!

Name: Yvonne Lembi-Detert
Position: President & CEO

1.What is the best thing about working at Personality Hotels?

Arriving at work and planning on doing something planned, and then doing something that is completely different! Coming into the office and welcoming the many different personalities & seeing all the smiles is the best! It changes your day.

2.Tell us a crazy story from working at Personality Hotels.

OMG the list never ends. I personally loved rolling in Mel Gibson’s dirty sheets after he checked out, and convincing my COO to talk to Vanilla Ice! Or how about having the challenge of turning an unhappy guest into a very satisfied guest who becomes your best friend? Gina Lollobrigida ordering Rice Krispies in Italian & calling them “A Snap, Crackle & Poppa!” Having a lady call me up & scream at me that the package I created called: “Fatal Attraction” was so wrong  because I was encouraging extra marital affairs. HELLO!  

3.What is last great movie, good book, CD, or TV show that you’ve watched/listed to?

Films: Crazy Stupid LOVE, 4 Christmas’s, & Elf. TV: The Dick Van Dyke Show, Bitchin Kitchen, I Love Lucy, Dancing with The Stars 

4. How long have you worked at the hotel?

1980 OMG!!!!! Forever!

5.Where is your “Must See” attraction in San Francisco (or the area)?

North Beach, Fillmore St ,Coit Tower, Fort Funston, Stow Lake, The Blue Angels air show in Oct.,the GG Bridge, the rose garden @ GG Park, & so much more. I especially like the view of the ceiling at any Personality Hotel guest room!

6.What are you most excited about seeing in ATRIO?

Change!  An improved change to improve our arrival & operations of the mechanics of a hotel reservation that makes our guests recognize the difference, & enjoy the arrival & departure experience of their stay.