Hotel on the hill has new name, look

An Auburn hotel off Interstate 80 recently went through a makeover to attract more guests locally and from out of the area. Hotel Vista Sierra, formerly SpringHill Suites at 13535 Bowman Road, reopened its doors under its new name to guests and visitors Thursday evening following a rebranding that lasted more than a year. The three-story hotel is part of the Marriott Bonvoy franchise and opened in 2019. The relaunch of the hotel is in hopes of attracting new customers, including families and businesses. The hotel celebrated the launch of its elevated brand with an evening of live music from the two-man band Lando Koop, who performed at the patio near the swimming pool. There were also culinary tastings and signature drinks. Entering the hotel that sits on top of a hill where visitors can still see the snow-covered mountains is a fireside lounge that has paintings and a TV. Straight ahead is the fireside lounge, where guests and visitors gathered to enjoy their tastings and drinks. "We're at the highest points in Auburn," said Melissa Bowers, an Auburn resident who is the director of sales and marketing for the hotel. "We have a really great view." Visitors were allowed to view the remodeled rooms on the second floor. The Corner King room is perfect for the couple on their honeymoon or celebrating their wedding anniversary. This room has a balcony. "This grand opening marks more than just a name change – it's a celebration of the experiences that bring people together: families, friends, co-workers, all sharing what they love with the people who matter most," said Hoss Bozorgzad, managing member of Hotel Vista Sierra who greeted visitors and guests during the reopening. "The Hotel Vista Sierra brand is inspired by the natural beauty and vibrant culture of Auburn, and we're proud to see that spirit reflected throughout the property. "Our owner had a vision of creating this full-service opportunity as this community becomes a destination." Bowers hopes the hotel will attract corporate clients for retreats and off-site meetings, along with family leisure and vacationers going east or west on I-80. For families big and small visiting Auburn, there is a family room that has one and two beds and a small living room. For a large group, such as a bridal party, there is a trundle bed in the living room that slides out from underneath a higher bed. The trundle bed, which looks like a couch, is designed for space-saving convenience and offers extra sleeping space without adding another bed to the room. The hotel also offers micro-weddings, which are more intimate and with a guest list of fewer than 50 people. "We can do it inside or we have this beautiful terrace," Bowers said. "They can use the banquet space for receptions." Depending on the size of a gathering, from wedding receptions to high school reunions and more, Bowers said reservations can be made up to a year in advance. "I'm telling you, it's such a cool feeling when we have the families come to stay here," Bowers said of wedding receptions and other family celebrations. "It's like a family reunion every weekend." The hotel, Bowers added, offers shuttle service to Downtown Auburn, plus selective breweries and wineries. Hotel Vista Sierra also offers its guests electric bikes. "To really showcase this community what it's all about," Bowers said. Bowers said the hotel plans to offer brunch for guests and everyone in Auburn and Placer County on Sundays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., hopefully starting in June. To book a reservation or learn more about the hotel, visit www.hotelvistasierra.com or call 530-492-5656. The hotel also has an Instagram profile at @hotelvistasierra.