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Rucci: hotel will switch to California Palms, Hotel and Suites
By ROBERT CONNELLY
AUSTINTOWN
Instead of appealing a trademark decision, hotel operator Sebastian Rucci will change the name of his facility known for its faux palm trees.
In an email early Thursday, Rucci said the new name will be California Palms, Hotel and Suites. The township luxury hotel had been named Hotel California, but a judge this week ruled Rucci had to stop using that name in print, Internet-based and all other advertising by June 10. That was part of a preliminary injunctive relief and a temporary restraining order in a trademark-infringement case filed against Rucci by a California-based hotel operator.
“We have a phenomenal restaurant run by the Fifth Season Restaurant. The public is welcomed, and on Friday and Saturday, they can see the comedy show for free and dance to our DJ for free if they have dinner here,” Rucci said.
Atty. Sharon A. Luarde represented Richard A. Butler III and Ocean Avenue Properties LLC in his case in front of U.S. District Court Judge John R. Adams.
“The court has properly ruled that Rucci cannot use the current name Hotel California, and he has no choice but to change the name of his hotel. We have no comment on any name Rucci has selected at this point in time; however, if Rucci selects any name that infringes on the existing trademark, we will be certain to challenge that selection,” she said Thursday.
Rucci had said Wednesday night he could appeal the case, but that he would also think of a few alternative names. He wanted to go with a name that had a “sunny” feel to it, he said.