Laguna Beach, CA -- (SBWIRE) -- 09/09/2011 -- Andersen Hotels Inc. is proud to announce that the Hotel Laguna, located in Laguna Beach, is a participating Hospitality Recycling Partner with Clean the World Global LLC, a charitable organization that focuses its efforts on both reducing landfill waste and preventing hygiene-related illness and death worldwide in impoverished communities in over 45 countries.

Hotel Laguna will be aiding in their cause by collecting gently-used hotel soaps, shampoos, conditioners and lotions and shipping them to the Orlando, FL.-based social enterprise for recycling and distribution to children and families in greatest need throughout the United States and the globe.

"Upon learning of the amazing work this organization is doing, I knew this was something the Hotel Laguna had to join immediately," says the Laguna Beach Hotel's newly-appointed COO, Heinz U. Hofmann. "It brings me extreme joy to be aiding in the cause of not only saving the lives of children throughout the globe, but also increasing our efforts of reducing our landfill waste and continuing our ongoing legacy to philanthropic causes. This partnership is effective in combining both the recycling efforts of the Hotel Laguna and assisting children all over the world in hygiene practices to prevent death and illness. And, by simply sending our discarded amenities to Clean the World Foundation, we accomplish both."

Clean the World's undertaking is simple but has a massive international impact: Recycling Soap. Saving Lives. As the largest global recycler of hotel amenities, Clean the World has over 1,100 hotel property partners which represent 260,000 hotel rooms. In its two short years of operation alone, the charitable and philanthropic foundation has distributed more than 8.5 million bars of soap and has diverted 600 tons (1.2 million lbs.) of discarded hotel waste from local landfills. Each day, 9,000 children around the world die from diseases such as acute respiratory illness and diarrheal diseases that can be prevented by washing with bar soap. Clean the World has a mission to put soap in the hands of people who need it most to improve hygiene and sanitation conditions.

About Hotel Laguna
Prominently located in the heart of downtown Laguna Beach, Hotel Laguna is a historic 65-room boutique hotel with a European flair sitting on an exclusive stretch of the Southern California coast. Hotel Laguna was the very first hotel in Laguna Beach, established in 1888 and the first substantial business building as well. Being the most recognizable structure in Laguna Beach, this building of Spanish-style architecture was built in the 1930s and has given almost 125 years of continuous service. Picturesque, romantic and harboring an intriguing past, the Hotel Laguna was purchased by the Andersen Family in 1985. Soon after, the interior and exterior were refurbished and the 'Grand Old Lady' quickly became an award winning establishment with multiple outlets, including The OceanView Bar & Grill, Private Banquet Rooms and the newly-introduced CLAES Ovation!

About Clean the World
Clean the World Global LLC is a social enterprise committed to saving lives and protecting our planet. It offers sustainable, socially responsible, and charitable programs and services to the international hospitality community. Clean the World Foundation Inc. is the 501 (c) (3) charitable arm of Clean the World. Clean the World executes its mission of saving millions of lives around the globe by leading a global hygiene revolution to distribute recycled soap and hygiene products to children and families suffering from high death rates due to the top two killers of children worldwide – acute respiratory infection (pneumonia) and diarrheal diseases (cholera). For more information visit: www.cleantheworld.org. Text 'CLEAN' to 20222 to donate $10 to help Clean the World.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

CLAES Ovation at Hotel Laguna is excited to announce, with the help of its faithful diners and OpenTable.com, CLAES Ovation at Hotel Laguna has been named as one of the Top Scenic View Restaurants in the Nation by OpenTable Diners. This honor will be inclusive along with our award winning wine list (Wine Spectator Award, Best Award for Excellence for 9 Years - Gold Bacchus Winner, 1998) and celebrated Inspirational menu. All diners at CLAES Ovation within the next week will receive a complimentary glass of champagne to celebrate the honor!

Laguna Beach, CA -- (SBWIRE) -- 08/05/2011 -- Andersen Hotels is elated to reveal CLAES Ovation at the historic Hotel Laguna has been named as one of the Top Scenic View Restaurants in the Nation by OpenTable Diners. This long-standing restaurant is well versed for being recognized and celebrated for its view of the Laguna Beach coastline.

This prestigious list of restaurants is derived from reviews submitted by OpenTable diners for more than 12,000 restaurants in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Based on feedback collected from OpenTable diners between July 2010 and June 2011, the 50 award-winning restaurants received the highest scores.

The honor of being listed is double-fold for this newly reinvented eatery because it comes from the Guests! "We're so pleased to recognize these award-winning restaurants because what they're doing is creating singular dining experiences," said Caroline Potter, OpenTable's Chief Dining Officer. "In addition to the priceless views, the restaurateurs and staffers are providing flawless service and cuisine that complements the awe-inspiring scenery. Each restaurant serves a meal to remember."

Hotelier Georgia Andersen says "I am so excited to know that not only are our guests enjoying our cuisine, they also are enjoying the complementing view! To be nationally listed with restaurants such as Top of the Tower in New York is just an honor beyond compare." Andersen holds a prominent membership with invite-only culinary society Confrerie de la Chaine des Rotisseurs, maintaining the title of Bailli Honoraire of the Orange Coast Riviera Bailliage. A plaque from the distinguished group is displayed proudly outside the doors of CLAES Ovation.

Executive Chef Paul Bauer is "excited to add another prestigious decoration to our location. Along with our award winning wine list (Wine Spectator Award, Best Award for Excellence for 9 Years - Gold Bacchus Winner, 1998) and famed menu, it was only a matter of time before our renowned setting received recognition to match".

The view that is showcased only from CLAES Ovation previously made headlines in the Orange County Register in an article written by Anita Lau (May 31, 2011 - "You can go for the View, stay for scallops", Orange County Register, LIFE Section, p. 3) as well as her epicurean online blog "diary of a Mad Hungry Woman" (http://www.madhungrywoman.com). Anita Lau ends her observations by saying, "The view alone is worth a visit".

The week immediately following the announcement of the National Listing, CLAES Ovation will be thanking its supporters with a gratis glass of champagne to celebrate for every diner who comes in! "The diners gave us this honor so we would like to share the celebration with them" says Heinz Hofmann, Chief Operating Officer. CLAES Ovation is open for dinner Wednesday through Sunday with reservations starting at 5:00 p.m. You can make your reservation at http://www.opentable.com/claes-ovation or by phone (949) 494-1151.

About Hotel Laguna
Prominently located in the heart of downtown Laguna Beach, Hotel Laguna is a historic 65-room boutique hotel with a European flair sitting on an exclusive stretch of the Southern California coast. Hotel Laguna was the very first hotel in Laguna Beach and the first substantial business building as well. Being the most recognizable structure in Laguna Beach, this building of Spanish-style architecture was built in the 1930s and has given 112 years of almost continuous service. Picturesque, romantic and harboring an intriguing past, the Hotel Laguna was purchased by the Andersen Family in 1985. Soon after, the interior and exterior were refurbished and the 'Grand Old Lady' quickly became an award-winning establishment with multiple outlets, including the OceanView Bar & Grill, Private Banquet Rooms and newly awarded CLAES Ovation!

Facebook: facebook.com/hotellaguna | Twitter: @Hotel_Laguna and @ClaesOvation

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Hotel Laguna's partnership with The Pageant of the Masters and property-wide renovations is building excitement with appointing of new Chief Operating Officer, Heinz U. Hofmann. Hotel Laguna, one of the most famous buildings in Laguna Beach, is creating synergy within the community by coupling with the Pageant of the Masters for the property-wide renovations by displaying beautiful photographs taken ‘behind the scenes’ at the Pageant of the Masters as décor pieces through-out the guest rooms.

Laguna Beach, CA -- (SBWIRE) -- 07/22/2011 -- This year, friendship, community and local history are all playing parts in a major renovation for Hotel Laguna, one of Laguna Beach's best-known landmarks. It's the result of a collaboration between old friends inspired by a sense of history and tradition that harks back to the spirit of cooperation - neighbors helping neighbors - that was at the heart of life in early Laguna a century ago.

The hotel's owner, Georgia Andersen, together with her husband Claes, bought the 65-room establishment in 1985. After Claes' death last summer, Andersen concluded that the hotel needed some serious improvements. "I've heard the hotel called 'the grand lady of Laguna Beach,'" she said. "This is her facelift." Following some additional storm damage this winter, plans for a major renovation were set in motion.

In its various incarnations, the iconic Hotel Laguna located at 425 S. Coast Highway dates back more than a century. Its rooms looking out over Main Beach and the Laguna shoreline have provided idyllic getaways for everyone from foreign dignitaries to many of Hollywood's brightest stars. It is the oldest and easily the most recognizable establishment in Laguna Beach. In 1930, it was rebuilt in the style it maintains today: a white, Early California Mission-style, three-story building with Spanish arches and its signature bell tower.

As Andersen was beginning plans for the hotel's remodel, some upgrades and repairs were obvious, but when it came to determining the amenities that would create the hotel's new look and feel, she turned to her close friend, Evalyn Daniel-Putnam, for assistance. The two had known each other for many years; their daughters were best friends. Daniel-Putnam's consulting firm, Daniel Fine Art Services, has provided art consultation since 1984 for a broad spectrum of clients including the Montage and Ritz-Carlton. But when her friend approached her for help, the project wasn't just about business. "Anything I can do to help," Daniel-Putnam told Andersen. "This was a labor of love."

Daniel-Putnam brought in Paul Jones from Las Vegas-based Project Dynamics for a fresh perspective. With input from Jones, Daniel-Putnam suggested to Andersen using eye-catching photographs taken behind the scenes at the Pageant of the Masters as design accents.

Another friend of Daniel-Putnam's, local artist and former Festival of Arts exhibitor and board member Roark Gourley, put the consultant in touch with Festival of Arts Marketing and Public Relations Director Sharbie Higuchi to discuss a possible tie-in between these two Laguna Beach institutions.

Andersen, Daniel-Putnam and Higuchi were in agreement about the possibility of placing Pageant photographs in the hotel's rooms. "Everyone was thrilled," Daniel-Putnam said.

Once Higuchi had received approval from the Festival's board of directors, a series of color photographs was selected from the Pageant's archives. Printed on fine art paper, the large scale (40"x50") photos feature behind-the-scenes images of the last-minute fine tuning that goes on backstage before the curtain opens and the lights come up on a Pageant "living picture." The photographs showcase the stage magic that goes into transforming three-dimensional sets and costumed-and-made-up cast members into artful illusions.

After working closely with Andersen and Daniel-Putnam on the selection process, Higuchi was pleased with the ways in which the photographs also complemented the hotel's legacy. "There's something magical about the images," Higuchi said. "They make you aware you're in the presence of Laguna's art and history."

The hotel's "facelift" is expected to be completed by early fall, culminating with an open house and celebration. In addition to luxurious upgrades throughout, Andersen is also planning a conceptual makeover for the hotel's Claes Restaurant, which will be renamed Claes' Ovation. It will now feature "Festival fare" including small plates and a three-course prix fixe menu especially designed for visitors on their way to the Pageant and art festivals. And, in keeping with making the hotel's transformation a family-and-friends affair, Andersen's son, who recently received his Bachelor of Science in hotel management, will be returning to Hotel Laguna to carry on in the family business.

In the meantime, Andersen's enthusiasm about her collaboration with Daniel-Putnam and Higuchi is infectious. "We make a good team," she happily stated.

The Pageant of the Masters will be performed nightly from Thursday, July 7, through Wednesday, August 31, 2011. Tickets for Only Make Believe, the 2011 Pageant of the Masters, may be purchased at http://www.PageantTickets.com. Tickets start at $15. For further information, call 949-497-6852, or toll free 800-487-3378.

About Hotel Laguna
Prominently located in the heart of downtown Laguna Beach, Hotel Laguna is a historic boutique 65-room hotel with a European flair sitting on an exclusive stretch of the Southern California coast. Hotel Laguna was the very first hotel in Laguna Beach and the first substantial business building as well. Being the most recognizable structure in Laguna Beach, this building of Spanish-style architecture was built in the 1930s and has given 112 years of almost continuous service. Picturesque, romantic and harboring an intriguing past, the Hotel Laguna was purchased by the Andersen Family in 1985. Soon after, the interior and exterior were refurbished and the 'Grand Old Lady' quickly became an award winning establishment with multiple outlets, including The OceanView Bar & Grill, Private Banquet Rooms and the newest on-property inauguration, CLAES Ovation!

Contact Information
Sarah Lawson
Marketing & Media Relations | Hotel Laguna

425 S. Coast Highway | Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Phone: (949) 494-1151 | Fax: (949) 497-2163
sarah@hotellaguna.com | www.hotellaguna.com
Facebook: facebook.com/hotellaguna | Twitter: @Hotel_Laguna

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Laguna Beach, CA -- (SBWIRE) -- 07/19/2011 -- Andersen Hotels is pleased to announce the appointment of industry leader Heinz U. Hofmann as the Chief Operating Officer of Hotel Laguna. But, for those who know the close relationship between the Andersens and the Hofmanns, this is really more of a "home-coming".

Heinz says "The Hotel Laguna is close to my heart because the Andersen family is close to my heart." As a long-time returning guest to the Hotel Laguna (or, as his family calls it, the 'Hofmann beach house'!), Heinz not only is bringing immense enthusiasm and passion to the property, he also imports over 50 years of international experience in food, beverage and hospitality. Reminiscent of Claes Andersen, Heinz "comes from the kitchen." Heinz and Claes met through the prestigious dining group, Confrerie de la Chaine des Rotisseurs in 1985. Both men traveled to Paris often as they were members of the ruling council of the Chaine in Paris. It was here where they bonded over their deep-rooted love of all things culinary, as well as their European ties. Heinz had the recent honor of inducting both Executive Chef Paul Bauer and Claes' son, Stefan Andersen, into this distinguished group. "We are very pleased to have Heinz join the Hotel Laguna family and look forward to adding his expertise to our continued commitment to delivering an outstanding experience for our guests," says Hotel Laguna owner, Georgia Andersen.

Heinz brings over 50 years of stellar success and global industry experience. Prior to joining the Hotel Laguna, Heinz apprenticed in the kitchens of Switzerland (his native land).

His extensive resume includes Managing Director of a 1000-room resort in the Bahamas, Director of Food & Beverage for multiple Westin Hotels in Canada and the Westin Continental in Chicago, and then San Francisco's St. Francis Hotel. As Owner of his consulting company, he was then contracted as manager for implementing and executing property remodels, design/development and grand openings, the most recent and impressive being the $25.7 million construction project for La Quinta Country Club. Delivering the massive project under budget and on time is credited to Heinz's dedication to hard work, and was applauded and commended by this members-only Country Club.

Heinz will take on the Hotel Operation responsibilities in addition to maintaining his roles with the invitation-only gastronomic society, Confrerie de la Chaine des Rotisseurs, as Conseiller Culinaire et des Professionels National and Officier Commandeur, a valued membership he has had for more than 30 years. He also holds the rank of Commandeur for his 15+ years of service to Les Amis d'Escoffier, a private membership association of active and retired Chefs, Restaurant Owners, and Hoteliers.

About Hotel Laguna
Prominently located in the heart of downtown Laguna Beach, Hotel Laguna is a historic boutique 65-room hotel with a European flair sitting on an exclusive stretch of the Southern California coast. Hotel Laguna was the very first hotel in Laguna Beach and the first substantial business building as well. Being the most recognizable structure in Laguna Beach, this building of Spanish-style architecture was built in the 1930s and has given 112 years of almost continuous service. Picturesque, romantic and harboring an intriguing past, the Hotel Laguna was purchased by the Andersen Family in 1985. Soon after, the interior and exterior were refurbished and the 'Grand Old Lady' quickly became an award winning establishment with multiple outlets, including The OceanView Bar & Grill, Private Banquet Rooms and the newest on-property inauguration, CLAES Ovation!

Contact Information
Sarah Lawson
Marketing & Media Relations | Hotel Laguna

425 S. Coast Highway | Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Phone: (949) 494-1151 | Fax: (949) 497-2163
sarah@hotellaguna.com | www.hotellaguna.com
Facebook: facebook.com/hotellaguna | Twitter: @Hotel_Laguna

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm