Washington School House Opens, Unveiling Park City's Newest Luxury Boutique Hotel

PARK CITY, Utah, Dec. 27, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Washington School House, a National Historic Registry landmark built in 1889, announced its official opening today as Park City's most exclusive luxury boutique hotel. After undergoing a stunning eight-month renovation, old school is the new cool at the downtown Park City hotel, located in one of the last surviving original school houses in the United States.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20111227/LA27459 )

The Washington School House has been a Park City icon for well over a century. The recent renovations respect the building's historical integrity while re-imagining the stunning interior. The design team of Paul and Shannon Wehsener of Paul Allen Design and architect Trip Bennett crafted 12 spectacular suites and rooms within the original structure, creating breathtaking spaces throughout the historically significant hotel.

"We are looking forward to opening along with Park City's winter ski season and as a new hotel for the Sundance Film Festival," commented Jessica Davis, General Manager. "With a vigilant attention to detail in every aspect of design and service standards, we expect guests will find it to be a welcome surprise unlike anything they've ever experienced."

Sitting atop Park Avenue, just steps above Main Street, Park City's mountain-urban dining, shopping and entertainment district, the school house boasts an original quarried limestone exterior, which has been protected with the installation of a new standing seam metal roof, restoring the building's authenticity. A new heated pool and spa have been terraced into the hillside enveloped by aspens, spruce and boulders. It is a private retreat under the stars exclusively available to guests and highlighted by an original steel Olympic torch from the 2002 Winter Olympics in Park City.

Stepping inside, guests will first be awed by the striking historic living room with sixteen-foot ceilings. This heart of the hotel is commandeered by a roaring fireplace punctuated by original antiques and art including a 10-foot tall antique mirror from an opera house in the south of France and a one-of-a-kind massive antler chandelier, lacquered in white and layered with crystals.

Guests will luxuriate in their rooms, piled in white Pratesi linens and down feather beds and pillows. Sixteen-foot ceilings and original nine-foot school house windows enlighten many rooms and suites. The concept is simplicity perfected -- a judicious use of color, exquisite fabrics, fine original artwork and a carefully curated collection of antiques hand-selected by the designers. Original reclaimed oak barn wood is beautifully repurposed as flooring, while the bathrooms are stunning with ice-white marble, heated floors, walk-in showers and period fixtures.

Epitomizing luxury service and style, the Washington School House's opening reveals a number of notable architectural highlights including the restructuring and redesign of the hotel's seven rooms and five suites. Standout suites include the Lofted King Suite, with double-height, lofted 16-foot ceilings.  The downstairs offers a king guest bed and a cast iron spiral staircase that leads to a lofted den with additional sleeping room for two. The Penthouse Suite has magnificent 270-degree views of the town of Park City stretching 500 miles to the High Uinta Mountains. Set apart with a private elevator entrance, the Penthouse offers a galley kitchen, full living room, dining space, fireplace with antique mantle, a sleeping den with a queen size bed and a private king bedroom.

For those who have hitting the slopes on their agenda, Park City Mountain Resort's Town Lift is just steps away. After a day of snowshoeing, skiing or boarding in the winter or mountain biking and hiking in the summer, guests can end the day by following the hotel's recognizable belfry as their guide to navigate to the back of the hotel off the mountain. In winter, the ski valet will greet them to take care of their equipment so that guests can head straight to the chic ski lounge where fabulous apres-ski fare is served. In-house lift ticket purchase, in-room massage and a 24-hour concierge eliminate the need to lift a finger. The hotel's Apothecary Boutique will offer an exquisite original selection of collections found only at the Washington School House and exclusively for guests, including custom silk scarves designed by New York designer Jonathan Cohen and pieces from the hotel's antique and vintage silver collection.

Rates start from $700 per night in the winter and unique hotel packages are available. Reservations can be made by calling 800-824-1672 or at www.washingtonschoolhouse.com.

SOURCE Washington School House Hotel