August 2007

HOTEL UPDATE

Renovations, Ownership Changes Abound at DC Area Hotels

High-profile ownership changes and high-end renovations are currently underway at hotels in and around the nation's capital. Hospitality industry power-players looked on with high regard in June as basketball legend-turned-urban entrepreneur Earvin "Magic" Johnson formally unveiled one of the biggest DC hotel renovation efforts to take place in years. The Canyon-Johnson Urban Fund (CJUF) and Lowe Enterprises Investors have purchased the iconic Hilton Washington hotel from Hilton Hotels Corporation for $290 million. The new ownership team will invest in excess of $100 million in a top-to-bottom renovation of the legendary hotel that has been the site of prestigious gatherings hosted by U.S. presidents, world leaders and other prominent figures since opening in 1965. The Hilton Washington's major equity investor, the Canyon-Johnson Urban Fund, is a joint venture between Canyon Capital Realty Advisors and Earvin Johnson.

Highlights of the renovation include updated guest rooms with new color schemes and fresh décor, 110,000 square feet of reconfigured meeting and event space, the addition of a new coffee bar and extensive modifications to the gym and pool areas. The existing 1,200-square-foot fitness center will be reconfigured to include a spacious spa to be located adjacent to the junior Olympic swimming pool and sundeck.

The Hilton Washington isn't the only DC hotel undergoing changes. Here are just a few updates on what else is happening in the District's hotel world:

The Key Bridge Marriott in Arlington, Marriott International's longest operating hotel, recently unveiled a new ballroom after a $5 million renovation. The new ballroom has a total of 6,000 square feet of ample function space and has floor to ceiling windows with unobstructed, panoramic views of Georgetown, the Potomac River and Washington, DC. The space can accommodate up to 500 guests (seated) and can be divided into three sections.

The Jefferson Hotel is currently undergoing a full-scale restoration. The hotel closed its doors on March 1, when the renovation effort officially began. The property update will include new guestrooms, a new restaurant and new event and public spaces throughout the hotel. The hotel is expected to reopen in the fall of 2008.

Since Sep. 2006, the St. Regis Washington has been undergoing a massive renovation. Those working to update the hotel are staying true to the its Italian-influenced design by preserving the original, hand-painted ceilings in the lobby and ballroom, but they are also incorporating new technology to meet the needs of business travelers. New features of the property will include interiors designed by the renowned New York-based firm Sills Huniford, custom-designed furnishings comprised of the richest materials and incredible amenities commensurate with the St. Regis signature services including wireless Internet, Pratesi linens, 32" Plasma televisions, DVD players and personal fax machines. Arguably most impressive, however, will be guests' access to the St. Regis Butler service. Blending old-fashioned butler service with new technology, the hotel will equip all St. Regis butlers with wireless handheld devices so that they can be easily accessible personal assistants for guests at any time. The hotel is expected to reopen in late 2007.

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LXR Brings Fashion-Forward Hotel Concept to Georgetown

In spring 2008, DC’s fashionable Georgetown neighborhood will become home to a glamorous new hotel concept. LXR Luxury Resorts & Hotels is joining forces with a high-end furniture guru to open the Hotel Ralph Pucci in the former home of The Georgetown Inn on Wisconsin Avenue.

Each of the 96-room hotel’s five floors will bear the signature minimalist looks of one of Ralph Pucci’s colleagues and contemporaries: Robert Bristow, Patrick Naggar, Jens Risom, Christophe Delcourt and Paul Mathieu.  The hotel’s lobby will host changing art exhibitions that complement its unique space. Artwork adorning the floors and walls will also come from top national and international talents.

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DC's José Andrés Teams Up with SBE

DC’s own José Andrés (www.joseandres.com), whose wildly popular eateries Jaleo, Café Atlantico, Zaytinya and Oyamel helped make the downtown’s Penn Quarter neighborhood a popular destination for dining and nightlife, is teaming up with SBE Hotel Group (www.sbeent.com) to launch a new luxury hotel concept, SLS Hotels. Andrés will oversee food and beverage development for the new hotel group’s restaurants, lobbies and bars, along with its in-room dining and banquet menus. The brand will debut in 2008.