Back to all press releases

VICEROY HOTEL HELPS GRANT YOUNG GIRL'S WISH OF A LIFETIME

Santa Monica, Calif. - Viceroy in Santa Monica, one of four stylish hotels in the Kor Hotel Group portfolio, worked in coordination with the Kids Wish Network to help grant one girl's wish of visiting Los Angeles and meeting actress Hilary Duff, star of Disney's new "Lizzie McGuire The Movie". Melissa Hagen, a 9-year-old from Florida, spent four days with her family in Los Angeles receiving the star treatment, including accommodations at one of the newest celebrity hot spots, Viceroy, limo rides around the city and a walk down the red carpet at the premier of Hilary Duff's new movie.

The Kids Wish Network, a charity that grants wishes to children with life threatening illnesses, sponsored Melissa and diligently worked to make her wish come true. Melissa has been diagnosed with a condition called cystinosis, a metabolic disease that causes cystine crystals to accumulate in the body's major organs. Each day, Melissa must take nine different medications to combat her illnesses that have complicated her young life.

"We were thrilled to have the opportunity to help Melissa's wish become a reality," said Vincent Piro, general manager of the Viceroy. "From the moment she arrived at the hotel in her limo, she experienced star treatment from custom gift baskets and room service to appointments for hair and of course, her debut on the red carpet. This was a great experience for everyone involved."

Melissa's most memorable moments in Los Angeles included a hug from her idol, Hilary Duff, and hobnobbing with celebrities like Tim Allen, Kirstie Alley and Aaron Carter at the movie premier after party.

"There wasn't anyone on our trip who didn't make Melissa feel special and it was wonderful. We'll talk about it forever," said Patricia Hagen, Melissa's mother.

Originally built in 1969, Viceroy is located at the crossroads of Ocean Avenue and Pico Boulevard in Santa Monica. This urban retreat at the shore, which debuted as Viceroy in July 2002, overlooks the Pacific Ocean and is minutes away from the variety of shopping, dining, entertainment and recreational options in Santa Monica. Viceroy's interior design is the creation of Avalon Hotel and Maison 140 in Beverly Hills and Viceroy Palm Springs.

The hotel offers 170 rooms, two swimming pools, a large event room, Whist restaurant and Cameo Bar, private poolside cabanas, a library, fitness center and a unique style never before seen in Santa Monica. For further information, tour our website or call the hotel at (310) 260-7500.