Is it possible to reinvent one’s self? It is for Tom Cole, the new General Manager of the Alta Mira Hotel of Sausalito.
By Mary Swift-Swan
Published: May, 2004
Is it possible to reinvent one’s self? It is for Tom Cole, the new General Manager of the Alta Mira Hotel of Sausalito. When Tom turned 40 he left a 20-year corporate management career by answering an ad to become the manager of a small boutique bed and breakfast in Santa Cruz. Quickly learning the trade, he expanded his range and expertise over the next few years, changing to a few larger properties before finally joining Inns by the Sea, ten properties located up and down the California coast. Queried by a customer in Fall 2003, he met with the new owner of the Alta Mira Hotel, Mike Blatt. Tom knew and had stayed at the Casa Madrona Hotel on several occasions, while enjoying Sausalito. After seeing the Alta Mira property, he was inspired to guide the reinvention of the Alta Mira Hotel.
The once grand 35-room Alta Mira Hotel and public dining establishment had a long history as a restaurant that served Sunday Brunch with a great view and a bar that concocted a delicious Ramos Fizz. “Time, neglect and complacency about the view, wore down the Grand Lady over the last 10-15 years. She was in dire need of a new dress, earrings and shoes,” said Tom. “A major remodel took place in January and February of 2004 giving her just that. We removed the tunnel-like entry canopy, took off the blinds from the view windows, reworked the reception area to make it more welcoming and less formal. Most of the work has been non-structural. It has been primarily redecorating.”
Alta Mira has reopened as a 22-room Bed and Breakfast Inn with guest only and private event dining. The main building is finished with new paint, new furnishings, updated features, and the bar area is now furnished as a front room. It is where Alta Mira hosts their continental breakfast or evening wine and cheese. It is available to B&B guests to relax and watch the sailboats slide by while enjoying the view. The new casual elegance feels like a 1930s British Colonial Inn with Tommy Bahama touches.
The kitchen is still under renovation. It is temporarily being used as a catering kitchen by Il Fornaio, which provide sumptuous meals for birthdays, weddings, banquets, receptions, and corporate events. The newly reopened Alta Mira currently has 105 events booked, up to the end of November. The kitchen remodel will soon be complete, by the end of May or early June, allowing the main deck to reopen for public seating for Sunday Brunch. Watch for a Famous Ramos Fizz contest to be held in the near future.
