PRESS RELEASE

Casa de Estrellas
Santa Fe, New Mexico

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Contact:
John Keesing
300 East Marcy Street
Santa Fe, NM 87501
505/795.0278

Casa de Estrellas in Santa Fe, New Mexico Wins Three International Awards

In the tradition of the Golden Globes and the Academy Awards, the IRHAS and the International Restaurant & Hotel Awards are the world’s most prestigious awards recognizing the best in value, moderate and luxury travel establishments in the industry.

On November 16th, 2008, Mark DeCarlo from “Taste of America” on the Travel Channel USA, hosted the gala ceremony at the home of the Golden Globes in Beverly Hills, where this years winners were honored. With its mission to celebrate the world’s finest hotels and restaurants, committed to the highest standards of quality and service, the awards are bestowed on those that assist travelers in attaining unforgettable experiences.

Casa de Estrellas, a Boutique Hotel in downtown Santa Fe, New Mexico came home with an extraordinary three wins. First place winners take their place with the legends of the travel and dining industry… winning 1st in the Luxury Hotels category for “Endless Amenities”, Casa de Estrellas has blown away the competition with providing amenities that most travelers haven’t even thought to ask for. The other awards were for “Best New Hotel of the Year” and the “Best Bed & Breakfast”! Overwhelming their travel guests is exactly what Jay Payne, the owner of Casa de Estrellas, had in mind when he purchased the historic property in downtown Santa Fe.

The staff at Casa de Estrellas has served hundreds of guests since it opened in June 2007. Each time someone stays with us we learn a little bit more about taking good care of a traveler. The first months were hard, we made a few mistakes. Now though we keep a guest book in each villa and they are filling up with heart warming compliments and testimonials about how we are doing our job well. That’s the reward we work for knowing each guest of Casa de Estrellas has a ‘Square Stay Every Time”.

Learning how to take care of an out of town guest was the first step in developing a luxury hotel. Unlike most, Casa de Estrellas is focused on personal, consistent, luxury amenities and service at a reasonable price. One way we have done that is by keeping the property small. Size means a lot when it comes to personalized service and we are proud of the service we provide. A smaller property also keeps the maintenance staff and overhead low which is another important benefit to our guests.

While working many rewarding years in the design industry, Jay never had the opportunity to design or build a hotel. He always wanted the opportunity to develop some ideas that he had brewing about hospitality, travel and lifestyle. When the opportunity came to purchase what is now, Casa de Estrellas, he knew and could here a voice saying, this is the one. He knew this private compound of historic buildings is where he could share his ideas and others could learn how to enjoy the best of life at a reasonable of the cost. He also believed he would eventually meet and help build a team of talented professionals who were also good at what they do and passionate about their work. That team is ready and waiting to help make every stay here enjoyable and more memorable than the last.

A manager’s life in hospitality is not envied, but it can be rewarding when everything goes the way it should. We are pleased to have someone who has a great deal of experience caring and catering to travelers. John Keesing is one of those rare individuals who has a heart of gold with the awareness and fortitude of a Fort Knox security chief combined with the charming personality of the Queens 1st Knight. All reasonable guest requests will be graciously fulfilled and even some the most unreasonable as well. A great manager’s job is to never judge but fulfill the honored guests’ wishes to the best of his ability. Whether it means getting a last minute table at your favorite restaurant or finding those hard to get tickets at one of Santa Fe’s many posh cultural events, John with his wit and tact will soon become your best friend at Casa de Estrellas. If you plan on returning year after year as a guest, there is good chance, John will be you first contact. We believe returning guests make the best future guests, so if you are coming back for your second, third or fourth time you can expect even more than you got on your first visit.

As just one of our “Endless Amenities” and the single most important factors making us the “Best New Hotel of the Year” is our Spa. Our onsite spa, Estrellas Moroccan Spa is managed by Mary Boudreau whose background in world class resorts such as Canyon Ranch, Mandala Medispa and Rock Resorts, brings cutting edge treatments and a depth of knowledge in skin, massage, relaxation and holistic body care to every guest. Having an onsite steam room, sauna and private hot tub area is just another one of the many perks our guests come to enjoy as everyday life at the spa.

ELOPEMENT
By Robert Rand

Vows: Meet with the officiant or fill out a questionnaire to help personalize the ceremony.

Photographer: This may be a once in lifetime event and pictures leave a lasting impression. Will your wedding photographer capture those important moments. Choosing the right photographer makes all the difference.

Flowers: From your arrival at the chosen site to the evenings reception, flowers express how you feel. Take time to choose and plan the use of flowers throughout the event.

Music: Years down the road, music will take you back to the most romantic moments. Be sure the music memories are wonderful by choosing the right songs.

Julia & Colin Hill enjoy a private moment in the ‘Big Chair' at Casa de Estrellas .

But Where?
Well, perhaps Europe or some other exotic destination.  However, as soon as you leave The United States, you can have language problems, difficulty securing a marriage license, and finding a planner who will create with you a wedding ceremony respectful of your wishes.

You may think of Las Vegas as a wedding alternative.  It may be trendy, convenient and downright cheap to have a drive through wedding, to be one of many waiting their turn at an all night wedding chapel, or to be married by your own Elvis impersonator.   But… is there any meaning… any real romance? 

Then it dawns on you….. How nice it might be to have a garden wedding amidst the beauty of Historic Santa Fe.  But once again…. You think about all the wedding planning to simply find a fine wedding photographer and an officiant to tastefully conduct your marriage ceremony.

You hope there might be a wedding package which will give you the opportunity to elope in a special place and have a great wedding on a budget. 

Whether a large event or not, the reality of planning this event really begins to set in when decisions have to be made. In Santa Fe there is a venue that knows what you need and helps pull it all together. Kat Schilke the onsite planner and Executive Hostess at Casa de Estrellas says, “Whether planning a large wedding or simple elopement, couples need a friend, not a dictator to help with the details.” She then adds, “knowing how to create a lifelong, memorable experience within a given budget is an art. In my case it is a joy getting to know couples in love and helping them realize their dream.”

“Your assistance in planning the wedding went way beyond professional could be considered family.” Becky Ferrell & Michael Humphrey”

The Wedding Garden at Casa de Estrellas is a private, romantic oasis located in the heart of historic, downtown Santa Fe . Luxury Villas, Spa and courtyard provide each couple the opportunity to plan the ceremony and reception in one location. Because each Villa is a single family residence separated by courtyards in a private compound, family and friends can mingle, share each others Villa and enjoy the event without driving or relocating. http://www.janebernard.com/CasaEstrellas/

Casa de Estrellas is located at 310 E Marcy St. , Santa Fe , New Mexico 87501 . Phone (505) 795-0278. Visit their website at www.casadeestrellas.com
E-mail: manager@casadeestrellas.com

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