Joie de Vivre Hotels today announces that The Epiphany Hotel is officially open, becoming one of only two hotels to debut in downtown Palo Alto in more than a decade. First guests were greeted by General Manager Lorenz Maurer and a stylish team outfitted in custom uniforms by Taylor Stitch. Shaped by the surrounding start-up zeitgeist, The Epiphany affords an authentic experience, including innovative meeting spaces, smart amenities, friendly service, and a casual spirit.

"We are thrilled to open our doors in such a vibrant and entrepreneurial community, with the spirit of

Palo Alto reflected in our collaborative and intuitively-designed spaces," said Lorenz Maurer. "We hope to inspire our guests and neighbors with curated experiences that evoke intrigue, curiosity and productivity, making The Epiphany Hotel a dynamic home base for business or pleasure in the heart of Silicon Valley."

Located at 180 Hamilton Avenue, a block from Palo Alto's prime retail street - University Avenue - the

building, which was originally constructed in the 1970s, was beautifully rebuilt from the ground up under the direction of esteemed Palo Alto-based Steinberg Architects and McCartan Interior Design. The Epiphany Hotel's new exterior - paneled with perforated metal - retains the original façade's six- story-tall mosaic portrait of El Palo Alto, the thousand-year-old coastal redwood that gave the city its name.

Geared to innately meet the needs of the Valley, guest rooms and suites are modern yet warm,

providing smart, user-friendly capabilities so guests can unwind and relax while easily staying connected. The Epiphany Hotel offers an array of services and amenities to ensure seamless and comfortable stays, from a full-service hotel concierge and dedicated Technology Concierge to complimentary high-speed internet access and complimentary preferred access to the expansive Vivre health club only steps away across the lobby. Conceived by Palo Alto's design and innovation firm IDEO and designed by McCartan, mezzanine-level meeting and co-working spaces are perfectly wired spots to network, brainstorm, or catch up on work.

On the ground floor of The Epiphany Hotel is Lure + Till, a welcoming, all-occasion indoor-outdoor

restaurant led by Executive Chef Patrick Kelly, serving simple, honest food and craft cocktails. Lure + Till is currently serving breakfast and lunch through in-room dining. The restaurant will open for full breakfast, lunch and dinner service on Monday, March 17.

For more information or reservations, visit www.jdvhotels.com.

About Commune Hotels & Resorts

Formed in October 2011, Commune Hotels & Resorts is an international, multi-brand lifestyle hotel management company which manages and operates Thompson Hotels, a luxury lifestyle brand; Joie de Vivre Hotels, a collection of independently branded boutique hotels; and tommie, a new, micro-lifestyle brand launching in 2015. The San Francisco-based company manages more than 40 hotels and resorts across the U.S., Canada, and Europe, and is expanding its portfolio while establishing a presence in Mexico. For more information, please visit www.communehotels.com.