The Keating Hotel gets a racy remodel by Pininfarina Extra  

CAN A HISTORIC HOTEL MOVE AT 120 MPH?  Oh yeah.

By Martha Christopherson

Photos courtesy of The Keating

SAN DIEGO, California - Is it possible for a historic hotel to stand still in time yet look like it's moving at 120 miles per hour?  If the hotel is designed by Pininfarina, the company behind the sleek lines of Ferrari and Maserati cars, then yes, it's possible.  The Keating Hotel, in the heart of the Gaslamp Quarter, is the stunning result of a collaboration between Edward Kaen, founder and CEO of the Keating Hotel Group and Pininfarina Extra, the product and industrial design group of the Turin-based Italian firm known for its work on everything from exotic sports cars and espresso machines to soccer stadiums and futuristic Coca-Cola dispensing machines.

Kaen's quest to maintain the historic details of the original Keating Building, erected in 1890, was incorporated into Pininfarina's sleek, Italian design in everything from the grand staircase in the lobby and cage elevator to the exposed brick in the guest "stanzas" and the original bank vault in the hotel's nightclub.

The Keating is a five-star style hotel located at the lively intersection of 5th Avenue and F Street in downtown San Diego.  Its 35 stanzas (loft-style rooms), are equipped with modern conveniences like LaVazza espresso machines, Frette linens, Bang & Olufsen entertainment systems, high-speed internet and WiFi access, "Sip & Crave" bars, Dornbracht walk-in rain showers and designer robes and slippers.

The Keating offers four categories of loft-syle accommodations - the Stanza, which is a standard room, but there is nothing standard about it, with its Californina-king-size bed;  The Chic Suite has a seating area adjacent to the bed, upgraded entertainment system and skyline views; the Imperiale Suite features a living area separate from the bedroom, a wet bar, Pininfarina desinged Morphosis Jacuzzi tub and skyline views; and the Fresca Spa Suite with bedroom, garden terrace with outdoor Jacuzzi and spa retreat area. Stanzas with wet bars include access to an on-call mixologist, available to create custom libations for guests. All stanzas are designed with sleek, clean lines mixed with warm woods and plenty of touches of Ferrari red decor.

Ferrari red carpet rolls through the hallways of the hotel and a different, one-of-a-kind mini model of a Ferrari conept car is displayed on each of the four floors.  The Keating was Pininfarina's first foray into creating a hotel and the link to its Ferrari and Maserati design tradition is subtle yet relevant throughout the property.

As a full-service hotel, The Keating features a restaurant, boutique nightclub, pizzeria, meeting spaces, spa services, fitness room and business center.  The MerK Bistro Italiano, named for a mercantile once housed in the space, serves rustic Italian dishes with California accents created by a talented culinary team led by Executive Chef Brian Rutherford.  The MerK also features a world-class wine lounge where patrons can select their own bottle from the wine vault or enjoy an evening of wine tasting with the guidance of a sommelier.  Krust Pizzeria has casual fare including wood-fired pizzas, sandwiches, soups, salads and pasta dishes.  Perhaps the most alluring space at hotel can be found underground at Sway, a subterranean lounge and boutique nightclub aglow in rich, red lighting and cooled by a stainless steel, high-tech bar.  Sway is open weekends and offers VIP botte service until 2 a.m.  The origainal vault from a previous, turn-of-the-century tenant - San Diego Savings Bank - was converted into private liquor and cigar lockers for clients and is a focal point with its exposed brinck and granite encased within glass walls.

Although The Keating may be sought after for its luxurious and chic design, it's known for great service too.  The staff offers exceptional personal service and is dedicated to seeing that each guest has an extraordinary experience.  A personal concierge can arrange anything from a sightseeing adventure in a Ferrari to a pet-griendly room package complete with dog-walking service.