Renaissance Washington, DC Downtown Hotel Unveils a Multi-Million Dollar Lobby Redesign

WASHINGTON, July 9 /PRNewswire/ -- The Renaissance Washington, DC Downtown hotel, situated at 999 Ninth Street at K Street, NW, is celebrating its 21st birthday with a brand new lobby, a multi-million dollar renovation investment by its owners, Sunstone Hotels.  The lobby's design and overarching theme of global connectivity was conceived by Dallas design firm, Looney & Associates.

"The re-concepting of the lobby engages our guests and is as vibrant as the neighborhood we are located in," says Brad Edwards, general manager, Renaissance Washington, DC Downtown hotel.  "From the moment they walk in, guests will see that we have evolved beyond being termed a convention hotel. Our new lobby will provide our guests memorable experiences and opportunities for new discovery upon each visit."

Replacing the former more traditional style is a modern design, mindful of the hotel's unique locale and capturing the essence of our nation's capital.  The once vast atrium lobby has been redesigned through the creation of several spaces allowing guests to conduct meetings or socially connect in public; whether over a bottle of wine or delectable nosh.  Ideal for intimate gatherings, the unique areas can be reserved for with minimum food & beverage guarantees.  

The art throughout the lobby was commissioned to be a modern interpretation of the changing landscape of Washington, DC.  As soon as guests enter the space through the hotel's new vestibule, they will notice the LED juxtaposed series of historic and modern DC images.   Other pieces include modern odes to presidents such as Lincoln and Washington, enlarged money printed on wood blocks, and pop-art takes on the Smithsonian institute.    

The central focal seating area in the lobby, called Mingle, allows the hurried traveler to enjoy a moment of rest and relaxation.  The open and inviting area is encompassed by a cherry- blossom inspired steel and hand-blown glass sculpture, entitled "Contemplative Space" by renowned sculptor Brad Oldham. The residential feel of the lobby library, known as Explore, with its stunning 24-arm Murano glass chandelier, will quickly become a favorite spot for guests to unwind. Guests can have a cocktail on the library's white leather curved sofa or curl up with their own iPad, Kindle or even choose one of the many books that adorn the shelves.

The energetic lobby bar, Mixx, offers an eclectic beverage menu.  Guests can sip on classic cocktails such as The Sazerac with rye, Absinthe, sugar and Peychaud's bitters and a Moscow Mule with Absolut vodka, ginger beer and lime.  Or guests can discover inspired adaptations of originals such as the antioxidant rich Brazilian Cure, a twist on the Caipirinha with VeeV Acai liquor, sugar and fresh lime; and an update on the Champagne cocktail called the Kiss of Pearsuasion with Absolut Pear and Elderflower liqueur.  Regional microbrew beers such as Hook & Ladder, from Silver Spring, Md., and Starr Hill amber ale, from Charlottesville, Va., complete Mixx's selection of American and international draft and bottled beers. The wine menu features a good selection of California, European, and other world selections, both big-label and boutique, moderately priced.  Over 30 wines are offered by the glass and select wines can be served in 3, 6, or 9-ounce pours.

The Renaissance Washington, DC Downtown hotel is situated at 999 9th Street at K Street, NW across from the Walter E. Washington Convention Center and is close to a myriad of dining, nightlife, and shopping experiences in Washington DC's Chinatown & Penn Quarter districts.  With 64,000 square feet of flexible function space and 30 breakout rooms, the hotel is considered to be a premier meeting & convention destination.  The hotel is home to Vida Fitness featuring 6,000 square feet of state-of-the art cardio, strength and resistance equipment and the 4,000 square foot Aura spa offering a variety of therapeutic customized treatments.  Within walking distance to the Penn Quarter neighborhood and Verizon Center, the hotel is near the Gallery Place Metro Station on the red, green and yellow lines.  For more information or reservations contact your travel professional, call the hotel directly at (202) 898-9000 or visit www.dcrenaissance.com  

ABOUT RENAISSANCE HOTELS

RENAISSANCE HOTELS is an upscale brand with more than 140 properties in 28 countries that speaks to passionate travelers in search of authentic local discoveries when traveling for business or leisure. Renaissance Hotels has recently welcomed several new "gems" to its global collection – the ultra-modern Renaissance Paris Arc de Triomphe Hotel, the chic Renaissance New York Hotel 57 in Manhattan and the beautifully restored historic Eden Roc Renaissance Miami Beach Resort . These hotels join a rich portfolio defined by distinctive and well-known icons such as the Blackstone Renaissance Hotel Chicago, the Shelbourne Dublin Renaissance and the Renaissance Hotel Beijing. To make reservations and for more information about Renaissance Hotels, visit www.renaissancehotels.com.  Follow Renaissance on Twitter at www.twitter.com/RenHotels.

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