Do you know where idea of Father’s Day came from?

Father’s Day is just around the corner so we thought you might enjoy some fun facts about how it all got started. Doubletree Hotel San Jose will be offering a Father’s Day Dinner in Spencer’s For Steaks and Chops, more details coming soon.

The idea for creating a day for children to honor their fathers began in Spokane, Washington. A woman by the name of Sonora Smart Dodd thought of the idea for Father’s Day while listening to a Mother’s Day sermon in 1909.

Having been raised by her father, William Jackson Smart, after her mother died, Sonora wanted her father to know how special he was to her. It was her father that made all the parental sacrifices and was, in the eyes of his daughter, a courageous, selfless, and loving man. Sonora’s father was born in June, so she chose to hold the first Father’s Day celebration in Spokane, Washington on the 19th of June, 1910.

In 1926, a National Father’s Day Committee was formed in New York City. Father’s Day was recognized by a Joint Resolution of Congress in 1956. In 1972, President Richard Nixon established a permanent national observance of Father’s Day to be held on the third Sunday of June. So Father’s Day was born in memory and gratitude by a daughter who thought that her father and all good fathers should be honored with a special day just like we honor our mothers on Mother’s Day.

So since June is also considered Popular Wedding Month and in honor of all Fathers…I’d like to share the following verse from one of my favorite songs, Sing Me A Song Again Daddy, by Jose Mari Chan:


Jose Mari Chan Lyrics

Leah Meadows
Sales Manager

Splash into Summer at Doubletree Hotel San Jose

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The days are heating up here in San Jose and with June just around the corner the temperature can only go up! This wonderful weather is a great time to experience our Winchester Mystery House Package whether you’re an in town or out of town guest. Package comes complete with an overnight stay and two tickets to this intriguing historical landmark (additional tickets can be purchased). After your day of touring staircases to no where and the other oddities of the 160 room Victorian mansion come back to relax at your home away from home hotel. Grab a cocktail and lounge in the sun by our sparkling pool or take a soak in the hot tub.

Sound Good? Book today!

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CBS 5 Green Beat Interview on Doubletree Hotel San Jose

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Carrie McAllen, Director of Business Development for Doubletree Hotel San Jose talks to CBS about water conservation using Hydropoint’s WeatherTrak Water System. The results equate to: Water Reduction, energy reduction, water run off elimination and drought conservation. Good for us, great for our planet!

Click to watch the interview

Memorial Weekend Flight Tips!

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The Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport has offered up some tips for the on how to save some time and frustration with the whole airport experience during the busy weekend, and in the midst of their construction (Scheduled for completion in 2010):

With many recent changes to roads, parking and terminals at SJC because of construction, travelers during this holiday weekend should get to the airport at least 90 minutes before their flight is scheduled to depart to allow time get to parking lots, navigate airport roadways, and pass through security.

Park at the Airport and save $3 a day on Long-term Parking. Plenty of parking is available throughout the holiday weekend. Visit www.flysanjose.com to download a $3 off per day coupon for parking in the long-term lot on Martin Avenue. The regular fee for long-term parking is $15 per day. Short-term parking is also available at $30 per day in the Terminal A garage.
Check your flight status before coming to the Airport. You can confirm the status of your flight by contacting the airline’s toll-free number or by visiting the airline’s web site. Links to airline web sites and schedules can be found at www.flysanjose.com.

Check in early. Use online check-in to obtain your boarding pass before arriving at the airport. Airlines will allow you to check in as early as 24 hours in advance. If you can print out your boarding pass from home, you will be able to bypass the ticket counter if you are not checking luggage. Also use airlines’ electronic check-in kiosks at the ticket counters to get your boarding pass.

Pack smart. Remember the TSA’s 3-1-1 security program: only liquids and gels that are no more than three ounces are permitted in carry-on luggage. They must be kept in a clear sealed plastic bag, no larger than one quart, and only one bag per traveler is allowed at the security checkpoint. For a complete list of prohibited items and permitted items, visit www.TSATravelTips.US.

Fuel up for the flight. In-flight meals have gone the way of printed airline tickets – they hardly exist anymore. Dine at the airport, or grab some take-out for the trip. All airlines allow you to carry food onto the plane. The food courts in both terminals are now available post-security for boarding-pass holders only.

Shawn Parker
Catering Manager

Graduation Time Is Here!

Congratulations to the class of 2009!

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Are you traveling to the area to attend a graduation ceremony at San Jose State University, Santa Clara University, or one of the many local high schools? Let Doubletree Hotel San Jose be your home away from home during your visit. We are currently offering weekend rates starting at $89. Flying in? We are just 1/4 mile from the airport and offer a complimentary shuttle. We are also conveniently located less than 5 miles from both universities. Click here to reserve today.

Take your grad out to dinner with our Room For Steak package and receive a credit for our award winning restaurant Spencer’s for Steaks and Chops.

Let’s Talk Trash

The Green Meetings Industry Council’s (GMIC) 1 Million Tons of Trash Challenge

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Meetings Podcast interviews GMIC about the Trash Challenge! Find out how you can get involved and tell your story by visiting the GMIC website.

Did you know that the average meeting produces 20 pounds (9.1 kilograms) of waste PER PERSON, PER DAY?

Join event industry leaders who are pledging to divert 1 Million Tons of trash from worldwide landfills in 2009.

The Million Tons of Trash Challenge was conceived by leaders and members of the Green Meetings Industry Council during the 2009 Action=Sustainability Conference. The purpose of the Challenge is to build momentum and awareness toaward the ultimate goal of reducing the environmental footprint of meetings and events, thereby building a more sustainable industry.

The challenge website offers tips, resources, case studies, and networking opportunities for anyone who wants to reduce event trash.

All who are involved with events to invited to sign up and commit to reduce and divert waste and to measure and submit statistics using the GMIC online calculator.

Follow them on Twitter and check back often to see Blog updates and new case studies that will motivate the industry to make a difference and change their event waste habits forever.

Questions about how to participate in the Trash Action Challenge? Please email challenge@greenmeetings.info.

Thanks to MeetingsPodcast.com and the Green Meetings Industry Council for your article.

Detox Pool Party Moved this Weekend

Detox guests please note: The Detox Pool Party will be held at the Clarion Hotel in San Jose on Sunday, May 24th. Doubletree Hotel San Jose will resume as the location on Sunday, June 28th.

Doubletree Hotel San Jose Fireside Chat Show # 11

Weekly Fireside Chat with Carrie McAllen, Director of Business Development and Rob Balmer, General Manager discussing the latest news & events at the Doubletree Hotel San Jose and City of San Jose California.

This week we have a special co-host, Kelly Nestlen, Director of Group Sales chatting with Rob Balmer, General Manager.

Topics discussed in this episode: May Day San Jose California hits population of 1 million! Microchip celebrates it’s birthday World Poker Tournament hits San Jose at the Doubletree Doubletree Cookies are “free fat” when you book a room at the hotel!

6 Tips for cheaper road trips!

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I was hoping to take a road trip this summer with my family to Oregon and wanted to find out some ways to save money. I came across an article with tips and additional website links in the Yahoo News that gives readers great ideas on how to save money. I wanted to share some of these ideas!!

1. Keep an eye out for welcome centers near state lines. They’re an excellent source of coupons for nearby hotels and tourist attractions.

2. Check the Internet for deals before you leave. A lot of hotels are offering discounts this summer.

3. Bring a cooler. Food is one of the biggest expenses on any road trip. The more you get from the grocery store, the better. Travel site RoadTrip America lists dozens of “road food” recipes from blackberry rice krispies treats to the hardcore road tripper’s omelet in a bag. Click here to see them.

4. Haggle. No room rate is fixed — especially when the hotel parking lot is empty. If a place seems largely vacant, feel free to inquire about a special discount.

5. If you’re visiting national parks and federal recreational lands, consider an annual pass. At $80 for the general public and $10 for seniors, it may be a cheaper way to get around. You can find more information about the passes here.

6. Look around for hidden discounts. Soccer clubs, church groups, professional organizations and other groups have prearranged travel discounts at various hotels and tourist spots. See if you qualify.
Have a great trip!!!

Article from Yahoo News AP Associated Press

Jillian Saludo
Events Manager

Our First Twitter Giveaway!

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This week Doubletree Hotel San Jose reached over 50 followers on Twitter! One of the first 50 were drawn to win a tin of our signature Doubletree chocolate chip cookies. The winner was Leslie (Meetings411), a meeting planner from Miami!

Out quest continues. Be one of the next 50 to join and you can also have the chance to win a tin of our famous cookies. Become a follower today www.twitter.com/doubletreeSJ