Hard Rock San Diego Announces New GM

Leading Hotel Executive Robert Todak Named to Prestigious Post

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. October 14, 2008

SAN DIEGO, CA, March 13, 2006. Hard Rock Hotel San Diego, the city's first branded condo-hotel, announced today the appointment of Robert Todak to the position of General Manager.

With 20 years professional hospitality experience, Todak will be responsible for operations of the 315,000 square-foot luxury hotel boasting 420 suites including 17 individually designed "Rock Star" suites. Todak has earned great respect as a significant player and dynamic leader in the hospitality industry, helping define and create the contemporary lifestyle hotel experience. Having led some of the world's most prestigious hotels, he brings extensive knowledge and expertise to Hard Rock Hotel San Diego.

"I am eager to welcome Robert Todak to Hard Rock Hotel San Diego," said Greg Casserly, President of Tarsadia Hotels, the hotel's operator. "He is a leader in the hotel business and is the premier example of Hard Rock's core principles. Todak has exceptional attention to detail, has an unwavering belief in the brand and has true compassion for both his associates and guests. With an immeasurable emphasis on service, he walks the walk and stands alone amidst his competition."

Todak's most recent position was General Manager of Hard Rock Hotel Chicago, Hard Rock's first "urban" hotel. Under his direction, the hotel earned the impressive AAA Four-Diamond recognition and was selected as one of Cond'e Nast Traveler's 2005 "Hot List" properties.

Prior to his career at Hard Rock, Todak served as Vice President of Ian Schrager Hotels Miami, overseeing Delano, known to elite travelers as one of the finest hotels the world over. Year in and year out, under Todak's direction, Delano was one of the country's best performing style-play hotels, setting the standard for the modern urban resort. During this period, Todak also oversaw the successful re-launch of The Shore Club, an ultra-chic hotel and magnet for the jet set as well as entertainment and fashion trendsetters.

Before this prestigious position, Todak was Director of Operations for music magnate Chris Blackwell's Island Outpost hotel group. The collection included seven boutique hotels in Miami Beach's Art Deco District, including The Tides, ranked by Departures Magazine as one of the top 15 beach hotels worldwide and known as a destination landmark for the distinguished leisure and business traveler alike.

Todak comes to Hard Rock Hotel San Diego with an impressive list leading the world's most renowned hotel properties. Some of his fondest memories, however, came earlier in his career with the launch of Paramount in New York alongside Ian Schrager and Philippe Stark, the home of the first Whiskey Bar and one of the greatest triumphs in the lifestyle hotel revolution. He also has many stories to tell about The Marlin, South Beach's 12-suite mecca for the rock world, uniquely equipped with a recording studio used by music greats such as U2, Aerosmith, Jimmy Buffett, Nine Inch Nails, Oasis, and Grace Jones amongst many others.

Todak likens San Diego's Gaslamp Quarter to South Beach circa 1994. "San Diego offers remarkable weather, historic architecture and natural beauty. It's a mirror image of the East Coast not too long ago, just waiting to explode," says Todak.

"Hard Rock is authentic and irreverent with rock-n-roll as the driving factor," continues Todak. "These elements, combined with world-class dining and entertainment partners, the famed Nobu Restaurant and Rande Gerber Bars, cutting-edge design and an infrastructure capable of satisfying a diverse profile of travelers, will clearly differentiate this hotel experience. Hard Rock Hotel San Diego will be THE place to see and be seen in the heart of downtown San Diego's scene. The city will soon be rocked by a whole new level of experience that has yet to be encountered, but soon to be embraced."

Given the hotel will also be San Diego's first branded condo-hotel, the demand on Todak will be greater than other hotel General Managers. He will be balancing the needs and desires of both the condo-hotel owners and hotel guests and was intentionally hired more than a year prior to the hotel's opening to ensure the owner VIP treatment starts immediately. Guests will be invited to enjoy the hotel's various amenities including 24-hour concierge, a world-class spa and fitness center, a high-tech screening room, a landscaped outdoor pool deck with private cabanas, a 7,000 square foot live music venue, a world-renowned restaurant as well as a chic lobby lounge and rooftop pool bar. Owners will receive a number of additional "Rock Star" benefits such as an owner-dedicated VIP manager available to fulfill every request, whether it is a table at one of Gerber's bars, a reservation at Nobu or a last minute private yacht excursion on the bay. Todak is an expert at pampering stars such as Madonna, Jennifer Lopez and Prince Albert. At Hard Rock Hotel San Diego every person who walks through the door will be treated like a star. No detail will be overlooked and no compromises will be made, making it easy for those visiting to work hard and play harder.

A dedicated civic leader, he is thrilled to be a new member of the growing community and excited to become involved in San Diego's activities. During his time in Miami, Todak sat on the Board of Directors for the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Greater Miami and the Beaches Hotel Association. He also served on the City of Miami Beach Mayor's Blue Ribbon Tourism Panel and was Co-Chair of the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce's Hospitality Committee. Todak received a Bachelor of Science in Hotel Management from Rochester Institute of Technology. He now resides in La Jolla, CA.

Currently under construction at the corner of Fifth Avenue and L Street, Hard Rock Hotel San Diego is scheduled to open in Spring 2007.