NASHVILLE, TENN., October 31, 2007

The Renaissance Nashville Hotel, adjacent to Nashville's Convention Center, has completed a $9 million renovation designed to appeal to both hotel guests and individuals who live, work and play in downtown Nashville.

The renovation includes installation of iPod, sound and laptop computer stations in common areas of the first and third floors, wireless internet throughout, a new front entrance, 12 large LCD screens in the common areas, redecoration of meeting rooms and suites, and thorough makeovers to its lobby, "great room", Commerce Street Grille restaurant and bridge outlet crossing Commerce Street overlooking downtown.

"The renovations at the Renaissance are giving a new sense of identity to this hotel, one that reflects the fact that the hotel is adapting to the diverse needs of people who live and work in downtown Nashville," said General Manager John Fleming. "Incorporating the Music City theme was a natural decision, but we also have added a fun dimension to the live-work lifestyle that pervades the central business district right now."

The renovations come at a time of substantial downtown growth with more people living and working in Nashville's core than ever before. A recent report from the Nashville Downtown Partnership estimated that over 3,200 residents were living downtown, a number that is expected to more than double by 2009. Furthermore, 50 percent of those residents work downtown also.

The new renovation designs, many of which incorporate elements of the Music City theme with a broadened interpretation to include genres such as jazz, rock and classical, can be seen throughout the entire hotel, most notably in the lobby and the bridge area that overlooks downtown and connects the hotel to the adjacent parking garage across Commerce Street.

Described by designer Linda Snyder as "upscale and whimsical," the new design scheme uses vibrant colors, contemporary furniture and modern technological details such as iPod docking stations, multiple flat-screen televisions, wireless internet throughout and automated check-in kiosks.

"In the grand lobby, the first additions visitors will notice are the new revolving door and black and ivory tile flooring that is reminiscent of piano keys," Snyder said. Custom-designed and woven carpet has a colorful wave pattern, one that Snyder says gives it a "lyrical flow." Flat screen televisions adorn the wall behind the check-in counter and custom-designed artwork adds flare from the walls. Red Italian lighting hangs from the ceiling and pours a soft glow over the lobby.

Nearby a new full-service Starbucks® now resides where a gift shop used to stand. A new and improved gift shop is now open on the second floor.

On the third floor bridge spanning Commerce Street, now called "The Bridge at the Renaissance," there will be live music five nights a week, and patrons can relax on plush new contemporary couches or at sleek bar tables while enjoying a signature cocktail such as a Music City Martini, Blueberry Lemon Drop and Blackberry Mojito. The Bridge also features a new 42-foot bar, believed to be the longest in Nashville. Food is offered a la carte, and lunch buffets are available on weekdays. Multi-colored hanging cylinder lamps illuminate the space from above and can be seen at night from many vantage points around downtown.

"The Bridge at the Renaissance is a great new place to relax or grab a drink after work or on game days," said Fleming. "But it's also a convenient business meeting hot-spot with outlets for laptops and free high speed internet."

About the Renaissance

The Nashville Renaissance Hotel is part of Renaissance Hotels & Resorts which offers more than 135 hotels in over 30 countries. This upscale hotel brand combines whimsical touches with expressive modern design and décor. Renaissance Hotels & Resorts cater to travelers who delight in the travel experience and are able to combine business with pleasure and value a higher level of service and distinct sense of place. Renaissance Hotels and Resorts is also a brand of Marriott International, Inc., leading worldwide hospitality company with nearly 2,900 lodging properties in the United States and 68 other countries and territories. Marriott International operates and franchises hotels under the Marriott, JW Marriott, The Ritz-Carlton, Renaissance, Residence Inn, Courtyard, TownePlace Suites, Fairfield Inn, SpringHill Suites and Bulgari brand names. The 25-story Renaissance Nashville Hotel sits adjacent to the Nashville Convention Center and offers 649 guest rooms, 24 suites, 18 meeting rooms and 31,000 square feet of total meeting space.