In the sleeping villas, four of the 152 guestrooms were upgraded into executive suites with attached parlors.  All guest rooms feature new contemporary furniture, while the executive suites are also equipped with VCRs, stereo systems and a business/casual atmosphere for VIP guests.  The Bayview Lounge, situated in the main building, re-opened as Linwood�s Bar and Grille following a complete make-over which included the addition of a new fireplace, new furniture, an enlarged bar, and removal of two walls to enhance sweeping views of Monterey Bay. 

�This renovation adds a sharp, crisp, professional feel to what was already a beautiful property,� said Kim Crawford, Director of Sales & Marketing.  �It solidifies our place as the top conference center in the Bay Area and we are sure that clients will notice the difference.�

In conjunction with the renovation work, Chaminade also purchased a permanent art collection. Designer Lorri Kershner, working primarily with local artists, selected an eclectic mix of contemporary paintings and textured wall sculptures.  One highlight is an entire wall occupied by a school of three-dimensional ceramic salmon, swimming towards the Sunset Dining Room. 

Chaminade rests among the rolling hills of the Santa Cruz mountains overlooking Monterey Bay.  The conference center, which offers complete meeting packages, features 12,000 feet of meeting space, ergonomic chairs, teambuilding and ropes courses, and the latest in audio/visual and computer equipment. The recreational amenities include a fitness center, lighted tennis courts and miles of hiking trails.
 

History buffs may be interested to know that Chaminade takes its name from a French priest and educator, Father William Joseph Chaminade.  Father Chaminade founded the Society of Mary (Marianist) in the late 1700s with the goal of creating a superior educational system following the chaos of the French Revolution.  In 1929, Chaminade�s Marianist Brothers began construction of the Chaminade Boys High School. The building was completed and classes began in 1930. The building, now fully renovated, forms the core of the meeting rooms and dining facilities of the Chaminade Conference Center.  Chaminade functioned as a school until World War II, when it became a novitiate utilized to train novices in the Marianist order. The training facility continued until the early 1970s when it became a religious retreat.  Today, Chaminade measures up to the promise of its surroundings, nestled on a heavily wooded ridge with a spectacular view of the Monterey Bay. Amid eighty acres of lush manicured landscaping, guests can enjoy hiking our nature trails, a game of tennis on one of our lighted courts, a workout in our fitness center or just a relaxing day by the pool.

Headquartered in The Woodlands, Texas, Benchmark Hospitality is a recognized leader in resort, conference center and conference hotel management.