2008-08-04 15:34:58 - Culinary Arts Instructor and former chef of New York's Plaza Hotel, Martin Gilligan, joins Kyoto Grand Hotel and Gardens in LA as Executive Chef.

LOS ANGELES, CA, August 2008 - The Kyoto Grand Hotel and Gardens, a premier choice in Los Angeles hotels, is excited to announce the addition of new Executive Chef Martin A. Gilligan, CEC, to the Los Angeles hotel's already stellar culinary team. The hotel, which recently completed $8 million in property upgrades, is conveniently located in downtown Los Angeles near

the Civic Center in 'Little Tokyo'. Managed by Crestline Hotels & Resorts, the Los Angeles hotel offers 434 guestrooms along with meeting space, a traditional Japanese Garden, and three popular restaurants.

Mr. Gilligan brings substantial experience and a proven commitment to excellence to the Kyoto Grand Hotel's boutique dining experience. In his more than 20 years in the culinary field, Mr. Gilligan has worked for Four Seasons properties in New York and California as well as New York's world-famous Plaza Hotel. In addition, Chef Martin has served as a Culinary Arts instructor at Le Cordon Bleu U.S.A. and The Art Institute of California and as a Guest Chef on the faculty of Johnson & Wales University.

This extensive background has given the chef a skilled hand in both the preparation and teaching of fine cuisine, and his dedication to putting out only the very best has not gone unnoticed. Chef Gilligan has won a number of Gold and Silver medals from the American Culinary Federation, from whom he also holds an Executive Chef certification. In 2005, he was awarded 'Chef of the Year' from the Chef De Cuisine Association of California. He is currently a member of the International Food Service Executives Association, a distinguished member of the Escoffier Society and a member and honoree of Chaine des Rotisseurs.

An asset like Chef Gilligan will only strengthen the commendable culinary reputation of the Kyoto Grand Hotel and Gardens. With three restaurants spanning the reaches of cuisine and flavor from traditional American favorites to the freshest sushi and Japanese-style teppan-yaki, the Kyoto Grand takes Los Angeles hotel restaurants to the next level entirely.

For more information on the Kyoto Grand Hotel and Gardens or the on-site restaurants, please visit the website at www.kyotograndhotel.com/index.html.

About Kyoto Grand Hotel and Gardens:
The lively city of Los Angeles is full of surprises, and the same could be said for the Kyoto Grand Hotel and Gardens. A Los Angeles boutique hotel like no other, the Kyoto Grand immerses you in warm accommodations that capture the chic and refined accents of Los Angeles without sacrificing their soulful comfort. The distinct Asian-influence of the rooms and grounds will quickly put your mind at ease, and the convenient location and incredible onsite amenities will ensure you are never wanting. Begin that escape vacation at one of the finest hotels in downtown Los Angeles today.

About Crestline Hotels & Resorts, Inc.:
Crestline Hotels & Resorts, Inc. is one of the nation's largest independent hospitality management companies. Founded in 2000, the company presently manages 70 hotels, resorts and conference and convention centers with nearly 14,600 rooms in 14 states and the District of Columbia. Crestline Hotels & Resorts manages 13 independent properties in major US markets including Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles and Washington D.C. Crestline also manages properties under such well-regarded brands as Marriott, Hilton, Westin, Renaissance, Sheraton, Crowne Plaza and Wyndham.