Stanford Court, located on San Francisco?s iconic Nob Hill and recently under new, independent management, is pleased to announce the appointments of Michael Baier as the hotel?s new general manager and Austin Philips as director of sales and marketing. Seasoned hospitality veterans and Bay Area natives, Baier and Phillips collectively bring nearly four decades of experience at distinguished properties across the country. In their new roles, Baier and Phillips are tasked with overseeing a cultural transformation for the 393-room hotel, which will roll out over the course of 2014 and includes a revamped website, www.stanfordcourt.com, which launched today and reflects the hotel?s new vision.
Baier?s credentials cover 25 years in the hospitality industry including posts as director of operations at Wyndham Parc 55 San Francisco-Union Square, hotel manager at the W San Francisco and director of operations at the W Dallas-Victory. A Bay Area native, Baier began his hotel career with the opening of the San Francisco Marriott in 1989. Over the next 16 years, Baier rose through the ranks at Marriott, including tenures at properties in Vail, Philadelphia and Austin.
?I am thrilled to start this new journey at Stanford Court, and look forward to spearheading the exciting hotel enhancements over the next year and beyond,? said Baier. ?I am also delighted to be a part of the incredible richness and history of our cherished Nob Hill neighborhood; it?s a true gem in the city of San Francisco and the community is one-of-a-kind.?
Phillips joins Stanford Court from Boston Park Plaza Hotel, where he served as associate director of sales. Previously, he was director of business travel and leisure sales at Wyndham Parc 55 San Francisco-Union Square. Phillips? experience includes director of sales and marketing of Greystone Hotels, where he was responsible for the overall productivity for Hotel Griffon, King George Hotel and The Inn at Union Square, and sales team roles at Joie de Vivre Hotels and Hotel Adagio.
?It is truly an honor to join the Stanford Court team and collaborate with this talented group on a fresh lifestyle-oriented direction for the hotel,? said Phillips. ?Between our new locally-sourced beverage program, modern lobby decor, high-tech amenities and unique partnerships, we?re ensuring Stanford Court offers guests a unique San Francisco-centric approach to the art of hospitality.?
With its cultural transformation well underway, Stanford Court is committed to catering to today?s on-the-go business traveler as well as savvy visitors to San Francisco. Last month the hotel debuted a live-feed video installation in the lobby, displaying real-time views from the hotel?s rooftop camera, as well as a new beverage program in the lively Aurea Lounge, where guests can sample a variety of local beers, wines, and spirits on tap. Complimentary super-fast WiFi is available property-wide, which can be accessed via the lobby?s courtesy iMac and iPad kiosks, and Zipcars are accessible in the front courtyard. Forthcoming, Stanford Court will display a curated selection of artworks by emerging Bay Area artists, install electric car charging stations, and develop a state-of-the-art Tech Bar, enabling guests to experience the latest gadgets to hit the ever-evolving digital marketplace.
Stanford Court will remain open during its cultural transformation with ongoing enhancements unveiled throughout 2014. Stanford Court is located at 905 California Street in San Francisco.