Architectural firm AO has completed the 150-room Element Mission Valley hotel in San Diego for Coral Gables, Fla.-based Driftwood Capital.
The seven-story, 98,000-sq.-foot California hotel—which is situated near downtown San Diego and Mission Bay with access to Interstate 8—marks the first Element by Westin property in San Diego County. The project was designed to establish a distinct identity for the new hotel while maintaining connectivity with the adjacent Marriott Mission Valley property.
Project partners included Irvine, Calif.-based R.D. Olson Construction as general contractor; Ficcadenti Waggoner and Castle as structural engineer; Kimley-Horn as civil engineer; RTM Engineering as MEP engineer; and Linda Snyder Associates as interior designer.
“Through close collaboration with our partners, we created a design that not only integrates effortlessly, but also reflects the authentic character of San Diego and aligns with a global brand,” Bruce Greenfield, partner at Orange, Calif.-based AO, said in a statement. “We’re excited to see that vision come to life in a way that enhances both the guest experience and the overall destination.”
The hotel's design includes a palm-lined entry drive, dedicated drop-off area, lobby plaza, exterior patio adjacent to the lobby bar and a six-story wood gateway at the entrance. Interior finishes incorporate neutral tones and wood materials inspired by the surrounding coastal environment.
The property offers a mix of guest rooms, studios, one-bedroom suites and conference suites designed to accommodate both short- and extended-stay travelers.
Amenities include a fitness center and approximately 5,300 sq.-feet of meeting and ballroom space. The ballroom opens to an outdoor breakout area that connects with the existing Marriott Mission Valley ballroom, creating additional event space between the two properties. The development also includes pedestrian access between the hotels, enabling guests to use shared amenities such as the pool deck and dining outlets.
Other hospitality projects in AO’s portfolio include The Inn at the Mission in San Juan Capistrano, Le Meridien Pasadena and DSRT Surf in Palm Desert.