Minnewaska Lodge to Undergo Renovation

GREENWICH, Conn., March 26, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Starwood Capital Group, a leading global private real estate investor, today announced plans to renovate the Minnewaska Lodge, the popular boutique hotel located at the base of the Shawangunk Mountains and nearby the "Gunks" hiking and wildlife nature preserves in Gardiner, NY. The Lodge, which has 26 uniquely designed guest rooms with such features as cathedral ceilings, private balconies and spectacular mountain and forest views, will remain open during the renovation and be finished in time for the Spring holidays and vacation season.

The redesign of the lobby and atrium of the Lodge will balance authenticity and eco-friendliness by using products and methods in-line with the mission and style of the Lodge, while staying true to the property's stylish yet rustic character. Design plans call for the renovated lobby and atrium to open, expansive and ensconced in stone tile, inviting guests to meet, relax and linger over small plates and drinks or utilize a corner computer space and tulip wood slab counters.  A grand mantel with floating shelving and artwork will anchor the space, which will retain original details such as the floor to ceiling glass walls looking out on the dramatic cliff face. A prominent local contracting company, McMahon's Home Improvement of Gardiner, NY was selected to handle the renovation project.  

The renovations follow major guest enhancements at the Lodge in 2012. Two 42" stone fire pits were installed in the backyard area, creating an ideal location to relax after an adventurous day, hold a corporate retreat or celebrate a wedding. All 26 guest rooms benefitted from new flat screen televisions, custom designed furniture, new mattresses and bedding. The island entryway was professionally landscaped to blend with the natural beauty of the surrounding area, while allowing for the Lodge to be clearly visible when heading up the driveway.

"Minnewaska Lodge is a distinctive area icon and we are excited to continue its evolution and status as New York State's fashionably rustic boutique destination through this renovation, which will honor the Lodge's rustic integrity while adding layers of craft, detail and luxury that will enhance the guest experience," said Roy Shanholtz, Vice President, Starwood Capital Group.

"What makes this property unique is its ability to appeal to guests looking for the classic American lodge as well as those wanting an easy to love modern hotel," said Kemper Hyers, head of design at Starwood Capital Group.  The new Great Room design, for example, bridges those two worlds with it new stone hearth, modern mission- inspired furniture and new colors and art.  These things layer the design and really give the hotel its voice."

About Starwood Capital Group
Starwood Capital Group is a private, U.S.-based investment firm with a core focus on global real estate.  Since the group's inception in 1991, the firm has raised over $16 billion of equity capital and, through its various funds, has invested $13.7 billion representing $36 billion in assets.  Starwood Capital Group currently has over $22 billion of assets under management. Starwood Capital Group maintains offices in Greenwich, Atlanta, San Francisco, Washington, D.C., Los Angeles and Chicago, and affiliated offices in London, Luxembourg, Paris, Mumbai and Sao Paulo.  Starwood Capital Group has invested in nearly every class of real estate on a global basis, including office, retail, residential, senior housing, golf, hotels, resorts and industrial assets.  Starwood Capital Group and its affiliates have successfully executed an investment strategy that includes building enterprises around core real estate portfolios in both the private and public markets.  Additional information about Starwood Capital can be found at www.starwoodcapital.com.

About Minnewaska Lodge
Nestled upon 17 acres at the base of the rugged Shawangunk Mountains lies the Minnewaska Lodge, a uniquely designed 26-room property in the quaint town of Gardiner, New York. Surrounded by 25,000 acres of State park preserve, with breathtaking views of the Gunk's Ridge 1,200 feet above the lodge, this Hudson Valley hotel offers a tranquil boutique experience.  Accommodations at the Minnewaska Lodge are comfortable, providing the amenities and services of a fine hotel, with the ambience of a cozy bed and breakfast. Oak Mission-style furniture and arts and crafts décor create a charming mountain retreat-like setting. Minnewaska Lodge is centrally located just 75 miles North of New York City in the historic Hudson Valley, making it an unparalleled destination among New Paltz hotels for romantic getaways, weddings, reunions, corporate retreats, meetings, parties or small events. Minnewaska Lodge is owned by Starwood Capital Group Global, LLC. Additional information about Minnewaska Lodge: www.minnewaskalodge.com.

SOURCE Starwood Capital Group