Renaissance Denver Downtown City Center Opens In Historic Colorado National Bank Building

DENVER, May 15, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Renaissance Hotels announced today that one of Denver's most iconic structures, the historic Colorado National Bank building, has reopened its doors as the new 230-room Renaissance Denver Downtown City Center.

"Renaissance Hotels is known for embracing the spirit of each destination through design, service and amenities, making it a perfect fit for travelers visiting the vibrant city of Denver," said Toni Stoeckl, vice president for Renaissance Hotels.  "We want to make it easier than ever before for guests and locals alike to discover the very best of this unique building, whether they're looking to learn more about the hotel's storied history, experience our local culinary or mixology adventures offerings or simply to relax and enjoy."

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Colorado National Bank building was designed in 1915 by famed Denver architects William and Arthur Fisher. Originally erected as a four-story building on the corner of 17^th and Champa Streets in downtown Denver, the area was then deemed the "Wall Street of the Rockies." The building's neo-classical, Greek revival architecture is highlighted through its towering white exterior columns and walls, created with marble from the Colorado Yule Marble Company, the same marble used to build the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. Large monogrammed bronze doors open to the three-story interior atrium, constructed with marble flooring, ornate bronze accents and the most secure vaults in existence at the time – details that remain as part of the hotel's design experience.

"We are proud to give one of Denver's most beloved local landmarks new life as a Renaissance Hotel," said Navin Dimond, president and chief executive officer of Stonebridge Companies, owner and operator of the hotel. "There is something special about being able to help connect visitors to the city with a piece of its past. We hope to provide them a modern experience in a historic setting that is completely unique to Denver."

Embracing the spirit of the building's construction in the early 20th century, the hotel showcases various historic elements juxtaposed with sophisticated accommodations and stylish design. Sixteen murals, originally painted for the Colorado National Bank in 1925 by iconic western muralist Allen Tupper True, were restored in the hotel's grand lobby. Denver-based NINE dot ARTS curated a collection of original modern artwork for the hotel, including several signature pieces designed to highlight and complement the historic murals, each from an emerging Colorado-based artist or local gallery. The hotel is also home to a history wall, showcasing a detailed explanation of the True murals, as well as artifacts, mementos, architectural imagery and photos from the bank's storied past.

A complimentary interactive walking tour adds to the one-of-a-kind experience offered within the hotel, available via smartphone to guests and locals alike. The brief cultural tour of the hotel will provide users with information on everything from the artwork – both historic and modern – to the history of banking in Colorado and the related notable elements still viewable in the building. It will also offer information on the hotel's unique culinary offerings including the cocktails and dishes available onsite that use local ingredients or spirits.

The hotel's original restaurant concept, range, features "new American West" cuisine incorporating ingredients and techniques unique to the Rocky Mountain West. Techniques focus on grilling, smoking, wood oven roasting, cast iron sautéing, pickling and preserving. Ingredients will be largely local with a focus on all-natural grass-fed meats, wild game, sustainable seafood, local creamery cheeses, seasonal produce and more. The Teller Bar, located in the hotel's lobby, and aptly named for the Bank tellers who once stood where the bar is now situated, will feature small bites, craft cocktails and local beers, including Countinghouse, a Pre-Prohibition Style Cream Ale created specially for the property by Denver-based Former Future, a craft brewery that recreates historic beer recipes by combining them with cutting-edge techniques, to create delicious and unique brews. The brew, named for the bank that originally occupied the building, is only available at The Teller Bar, range and the brewer's local Denver tap room.

For those interested in booking private events at the property, the Renaissance Denver Downtown offers 6,000 sq. ft. of meeting space, which most notably includes three of the building's original bank vaults, complete with original 33-inch thick, 60,000-lb. steel safe doors.

The eight-story hotel boasts a prime location within Denver's financial district, a half block from the 16th Street Pedestrian Mall and three blocks from the Colorado Convention Center. The hotel is within walking distance to popular downtown hotspots including Coors Field, the Pepsi Center, the Denver Art Museum, the Larimer Square shopping and restaurant district and Denver's major light rail station, Union Station. The hotel is also near Sports Authority Stadium at Mile High, Denver Civic Center, Metropolitan State College of Denver and the University of Colorado Denver. Denver International Airport is just 25 miles away, offering daily nonstop flights from most major markets, and the majestic Rocky Mountains beckon from the horizon, visible from several of the guestrooms.

Navigator is Renaissance Hotel's lifestyle hospitality concierge service, which comes to life through Ambassadors on property specially trained to bring the local destination to life in a meaningful way for hotel guests. Navigators stand ready to share the very best in local, including information about the city's best craft breweries; the closest Colorado Fourteeners to summit; downtown rooftop patios with the best views of the Rockies; top local live music venues; and favorite farm-to-table restaurants among other favorites for locals and travelers alike.

Nearing 170 hotels in 40 countries by the end of 2014, Renaissance Hotels is a lifestyle brand within Marriott International's global portfolio of 18 brands. Renaissance Hotels, with its proud motto of "Live Life to Discover," offers today's lifestyle business traveler a unique guest experience woven through design, service and unique programming inspired by each destination's locale.

About Renaissance Denver Downtown City Center

Opening May 2014 in downtown Denver's famous Colorado National Bank building, the Renaissance Denver Downtown provides guests with a modern experience in one of Colorado's most historic buildings. The hotel features 221 guestrooms and nine suites; 6,000 sq. ft. of meeting space; a fitness center; and range, an original concept restaurant and bar, serving locally-purveyed cuisine inspired by the Rocky Mountain West. Imbued with a series of 16 murals from the iconic western muralist Allen Tupper True, the property showcases historic elements from the building's original construction in the early 20th century, juxtaposed with the accommodations, amenities and comforts of a modern luxury hotel. The Renaissance Denver Downtown City Center is ideally situated in Denver's financial district, a half block from the 16th Street pedestrian Mall, three blocks from the Colorado Convention Center and within walking distance to popular sporting venues such as Coors Field and the Pepsi Center, as well as to local retail and restaurants on Larimer Square and at Union Station. For more information, visit http://www.rendendowntown.com or call (303) 867-8100.

About range

Within the former Colorado National Bank building, range is located at 918 17^th Street, and is open daily from 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Under the direction of Executive Chef Paul Nagan, range will offer cuisine that celebrates the cultural heritage and adventurous spirit of the American West, prepared with a modern day sophistication. The restaurant will feature a bar offering a wide selection of local beers, liquors and wines, a private dining room and a wood fired oven, in which much of the fare will be prepared. In addition to offering daily featured dishes, the menu will change seasonally and will offer a large selection of shareable plates in addition to entrees and side dishes. For more information about range, call (720) 726-4800.

About Stonebridge Companies

Founded in 1991 by Navin C. Dimond, Stonebridge Companies is a privately owned, innovative hotel management company headquartered near Denver. Currently, Stonebridge Companies operates more than 45 hotels comprising more than 7,000 guest rooms nationwide. The diverse portfolio includes select-service, extended stay, mid-scale and full-service hotels in primary and secondary markets. For detailed information, visit www.StonebridgeCompanies.com.

About Renaissance Hotels

Renaissance Hotels encourages guests to Live Life to Discover^SM at more than 155 hotels in 35 countries around the world.  Set to open at least one hotel per month this year, the brand is expected to near 170 hotels in 40 countries by the end of 2014.  Each hotel is unique and every stay offers an opportunity to explore local discoveries exclusive to the destination.  At every hotel, Renaissance Navigators are local experts ready to assist guests in discovering local flavors and activities.  Signature RLife LIVE entertainment events are designed to showcase emerging talent in music, the arts, culinary and more to inspire discovery. R.E.N. Meetings offers groups an experience beyond a traditional meeting rooted in creative sensory meeting design, RLife LIVE networking events and custom curated local Navigator excursions.   At Renaissance Hotels, we work to ensure that every trip is transformed into an eye-opening, unforgettable journey. You spend your life working; you should discover the world as you go. To discover more visit www.renhotels.com. Like us on Facebook www.facebook.com/RenHotels. Follow us on Twitter www.twitter.com/RenHotels.

About Marriott International:

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SOURCE Renaissance Hotels