The fabled US Grant hotel, on the edge of San Diego’s trendy Gaslamp Quarter, has named Douglas Korn as its new general manager. He doesn’t have far to move: Korn has spent the last six years as general manager of the Westin Gaslamp Quarter, San Diego, which is minutes away by foot from The US Grant.

The US Grant emerged from a $56 million renovation in 2006 and is now a member of Starwood’s Luxury Collection. The hotel is a AAA Four-Diamond and Exxon-Mobil Four-Star hotel.

Korn says that his immediate order of business is to generate new sources of business and oversee the ongoing development of a full-service luxury spa at the hotel. The property currently boasts 270 guest rooms, including 47 suites. Of course, anyone staying at the property must eat at the Grant Grill, an institution since 1951 where movers and shakers are said to eat and “where deals get done.”

The US Grant originally opened in 1910 and has been listed on the National Registrar of Historic Places since 1979.

We hear that Auberge Resorts has picked up the management contract to operate the Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa in Rancho Sante Fe, CA, along with sister property, La Valencia Hotel, in neighboring La Jolla. Along with the announcement, Auberge is installing David Friederich as managing director of both properties.

Under the agreement, Rancho Valencia will be branded as an Auberge Resort, while La Valencia will not. It will become, instead, an affiliate hotel managed by Auberge.

Rancho Valencia, located in the affluent and exclusive enclave of Rancho Sante Fe, is an all-suites property, wherein each suite features a fireplace and private garden terrace. For those who like an active vacation, the property boasts 18 hard-court tennis courts, complemented by a comprehensive tennis program. There, too, is Spa Rancho Valencia—the perfect place to unwind after a day’s worth of pounding the courts.

Sister property, La Valencia Hotel, endearingly nicknamed the “Pink Lady of La Jolla” for its pinkish exterior hue, is 82-years old and offers an assortment of room categories, along with four dining venues, all overlooking La Jolla Cove and the Pacific Ocean. The hotel is a member of Preferred Hotels and Resorts.

The properties will be under the watchful eye of Friederich, who, for the previous five years, worked at the Cloister Hotel on Sea Island, GA, most recently in the position of general manager. He also spent 11 years with Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts.

Fresh from a $25 million renovation, L’Auberge Del Mar (www.laubergedelmar.com) will re-open its doors on June 6, 2008 outside of San Diego. The historic seaside resort’s 120 rooms have been given a fresh new look, with custom-designed furniture, premium bedding, iPod docking stations, and 42-inch flat screen televisions. We hear that many of the guest rooms now have fireplaces; 14 garden-level rooms have private patios. Additionally, all bathrooms have been completely renovated and now have walk-in showers and marble-topped vanities. The new open-air lobby leads to the chic new Bleu Bar, while a new pool deck features private cabanas.

If you’re sending a group or a bride, take note: A new outdoor terrace features 2,000 square feet of space for weddings and private events. We’re told that in September, Executive Chef Paul McCabe will open a new signature restaurant with market and farm-driven menus. A 4,500 square foot luxury spa will be introduced in December 2008, featuring organic ingredients. Note: Spa services will be available in the property’s existing spa from June to December. The resort is managed by Destination Hotels & Resorts (www.destinationhotels.com).