Crimson Tide Rolls At The Westin South Coast Plaza

Red, or more appropriately crimson, was the predominant color worn by guests, college football fans and even hotel staffers for the past few days as The Westin South Coast Plaza hosted the University of Alabama’s championship Crimson Tide football team and its entourage.

Playing before a full house of more than 96,000 fans at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena Thursday night, Alabama secured its 13th national title with a 37-21 victory against Texas in the Bowl Championship Series National Championship. The hotel is also the headquarters hotel for many professional teams, including those that come to Orange County to play against the Angels.

“Our number one goal was to make the team, coaches and all of the others traveling with them as comfortable as possible so they could concentrate on winning the big game,” says Jennie Hoffman, the hotel’s director of Sales and Marketing. She said the Crimson Tide booked 365 rooms to accommodate about 550 people traveling to Costa Mesa with the team.

Crimson Tide Coach Nick Saban called The Westin a “great hotel” and complimented the staff for their hard work and hospitality. “You helped us win.”

Bill McDonald, the team’s travel coordinator and director of sports medicine, echoed Saban’s sentiments about the hotel and its staff, saying, “They don’t know the word no here. They treated us very well. The hotel is beautiful and the staff is excellent. They were definitely part of our success. I would heartily recommend The Westin South Coast Plaza to any teams or individual coming to Southern California.”

Extensively remodeled, The Westin South Coast Plaza is now more than ever a leading choice for meeting and event planners nationwide, savvy business travelers, as well as leisure guests seeking a sophisticated, yet rejuvenating experience. The hotel’s $20 million renovation included new guestrooms that exude an inviting residential feeling and are furnished with a host of convenient amenities like high-speed Internet access, flat screen plasma televisions, the Westin’s signature “Heavenly Bed” and “Heavenly Bath.” The lobby, public spaces and meeting rooms have been completely redesigned, and a Terrace Level with relaxing outdoor space and a striking 5,100-square-foot pavilion that features insulated walls, an air and heating system, new carpeting, an accent wall and new chandeliers was added.

The Westin South Coast Plaza is located at 686 Anton Boulevard in Costa Mesa, California. For reservations and information, call (714) 540-2500 or visit www.westinsouthcoastplaza.com