"It's the perfect option for clients relocating to Pleasanton, employees involved in corporate training programs and workers on temporary assignment," says Marlene Fahrenkrog, Sierra's sales manager.

The hotel's units feature one-room studio apartments with five functional areas: sleeping, living, work/study, bathroom, and kitchen.

The rooms feature a number of amenities designed for the business traveller on a long-term assignment. A large closet holds an iron and ironing board. The work/study station doubles as a dining table and is equipped with a direct-dial speaker phone, data port, two phone lines, special task lighting and an ergonomic business chair.

The room's telecommunications capabilities are further enhanced by an individualized voice mail system which allows guests to record customized greetings and retrieve messages from remote locations.

The kitchen is fully featured as well. A refrigerator/freezer, microwave, two-burner stove, dishwasher, coffee maker, and toaster may be found, along with cooking and eating utensils.

The sleeping area holds a king or queen sized bed. The living area also features a fold-out sleeper sofa.

Sierra Suites currently has properties in Atlanta, Phoenix, and Washington, D.C., and will open locations in suburban New York City, Seattle, Boston, and Orlando in the next several months.

Courtyard by Marriott

Hacienda's Courtyard by Marriott, at 5059 Hopyard Road, has 145 units specially configured for business travellers. Each room features a large work desk, two telephones with voice mail and data ports, separate seating areas, and a complimentary newspaper delivered to each room on weekdays.

"The typical traveller makes a short-term stay, between two and four nights," says Linda Robles of the Pleasanton Courtyard.

"Our location also helps," she adds. "People are within walking distance of restaurants, shopping, and BART."

Rooms with king-sized beds, two double-sized beds, and king suites are available. The hotel also participates in the Marriott Rewards and Courtyard Club programs, which offer points similar to a frequent flyer program and other amenities.

There are more than 300 Courtyard by Marriott locations in the United States, Canada, and England.

Four Points/Sheraton

Four Points is Sheraton's brand of mid-priced, full-service hotels. The Pleasanton Four Points, at 5115 Hopyard Road, is given a four diamond rating by AAA.

The hotel features rooms with either one king- or two queen-sized beds, along with a patio or balcony. Along with bath amenities and a lighted vanity with bench seat, each room features hair dryers, irons, and full-sized ironing boards.

The Four Points also has many features desired by business travellers. Each room has three separate phones, along with two lines. Voicemail is offered, along with complimentary in-room coffee and tea service and a free newspaper on weekdays. The hotel offers meeting space to accommodate from two to 300 people, theater style.

The Hacienda Four Points also features a complimentary fitness room, Olympic-sized swimming pool, and spa. Room service and poolside service is provided by Faz America restaurant and lounge, which shares the site with the hotel.

There are over 250 Four Points hotels worldwide.

Also in this issue ...

• Roche to Expand in Park After Acquisition
• Callahan Property Celebrates 20 Years of Hacienda
• Business Bits
• Executive Profile: Tom Sinton of ProBusiness
• Extended Stay Specialists Sierra Suites Adds an Additional Option to Hacienda's Hotel Menu
• Researchers Seek Participants for First U.S. "Smart Car Linking" Study
• Borders Books Offering Corporate Discounts, New Lunchtime Workshops
• Guaranteed Ride Home Program to Benefit Park Commuters
• Hacienda Index