RSA's Battle House and Riverview Plaza Hotels to Become Renaissance Brands

Mobile, AL (PRWeb) January 26, 2007 -- As Mobile, Alabama undergoes a major downtown renaissance in 2007 the city will welcome renovated hotels flying Marriott's Renaissance brand flags. Steve Solberg, COO of PCH Hotels and Resorts, announced the Battle House Hotel and Riverview Plaza Hotel will officially become Renaissance hotels after renovations are complete. Both hotels are owned by the Retirement Systems of Alabama.

"The Retirement Systems of Alabama is dramatically changing the look and feel of downtown Mobile," said Solberg. "The newest chapter in its exciting story is the renovations of both the Battle House and Riverview Plaza Hotels and affiliating with the Renaissance Brands."
Internationally, Renaissance hotels have amazing interiors, street restaurants and are known for providing savvy service. Both the Riverview Plaza and Battle House will live up to the exceptional Renaissance reputation.

The Riverview Plaza renovation is expected to cost $32 million and is scheduled to be complete by summer 2007. The Battle House total projects are estimated at $220 million.

"With Mobile's downtown renaissance, we are pleased to welcome the Battle House and Riverview Plaza to the Renaissance family," said Michael Murphy, vice president of Sales and Marketing for Renaissance Hotels. "Having seen plans for both properties, I can see great things are happening along Mobile Bay. We look forward to seeing the final renovations and raising the Renaissance flags."

Both hotels will provide Mobilians and visiting tourists with gracious hospitality, amazing cuisine, magical meeting spaces and an overall whimsical experience, Solberg said.

HISTORIC BATTLE HOUSE HOTEL BROUGHT BACK TO LIFE
Step back in time, to an age of opulence, to an era of civility, where attention to gracious living was eclipsed only by an appreciation of arts and culture. Image a destination reminiscent of early 20th century Europe, a haven known for pampering and good life. Its décor and eclectic furnishings recall the old days of France, laced with the finest fabrics and textures of England, and imbued with the vibrant colors of Spain, Africa and the Caribbean.

Mobile's most historic hotel is getting more than a facelift. The spirit of the grand dame is being maintained while modern conveniences such as wireless internet accessibility, European-styled spa and updated guest rooms with luxury baths will provide the comforts demanded by today's savvy travelers. The 238-room will be a blend of the old and new and will reopen in May 2007. The original eight-story Mobile hotel, which first opened in 1852, will be connected to the sleek, state-of-the-art RSA Battle House Hotel, the tallest building in Alabama and along the Gulf Coast, built in recognition of the economic and high tech needs of the future.

The Battle House Hotel, boasting the most elegant ballroom in Mobile history, will feature 40,000 square feet of unique and flexible meeting and pre-function space. The ornate Crystal Ballroom is the showpiece of the hotel, with its grand staircase entryway and cathedral ceilings located just of the bustling fully-renovated Grand Lobby. The Grand Ballroom is located between the hotel and RSA Tower and features spectacular architectural details. The hotel's proximity to the Mobile Convention Center, and versatile Mobile banquet rooms will undoubtedly make it a premier event business or leisure destination.

The Battle House Hotel will feature an array of dining options, including the 100-seat Trellis Room, with its awe-inspiring cathedral ceilings and upscale show kitchen. Diners can enjoy regional and continental cuisine at the hotel's other Mobile restaurants, too. The Royal Street Lounge will be the perfect place to end a busy day of sightseeing or meetings, with the best of southern libations and afternoon and evening snacks.

The Battle House promises to be the place to see and be seen in Mobile. For more information on the Battle House Hotel, visit http://marriott.com/property/propertypage/mobbr.

RIVERVIEW PLAZA UNDERGOING MAJOR RENOVATIONS INSIDE AND OUT; NEW TOP TO CHANGE MOBILE SKYLINE
Adjacent to the Mobile Convention Center, the Riverview Plaza renovations will amaze conventioneers for decades to come. Renovations to the hotel are underway and are scheduled to be completed by summer 2007, but will remain open during the extreme makeover. Once complete, the exterior profile will compliment the RSA Battle House Tower and feature an architecturally enhanced top.

While the exterior will create exciting views from Mobile Bay and surrounding vistas, the interior space and exceptional service will bring the Riverview Plaza enthusiasm to life. With 375 beautifully appointed rooms and 32,000 square feet of meeting space, the hotel will offer visitors to the city hospitality, comfort and exceptional style consistent with Renaissance properties.
The Mobile hotel is connected to the Convention Center via skywalks, allowing guests easy access to meetings during their stays. The state-of-the-art convention center, which has won a number of architectural awards for its distinctive design, has a 100,000 square foot Exhibit Hall, a 15,000 square foot Grand Ballroom and 16 meeting rooms.

For dining, the Riverview Café & Grill offer classic Gulf Coast cuisine. Overlooking Mobile Bay, the inviting décor offers a casual relaxing atmosphere perfect for any occasion. The Riverview Café & Grill is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. A new Lobby Bar will be a natural gathering place for both the business and leisure guests. The hotel's fourth floor terrace features a beautiful outdoor pool and whirlpool. The fully equipped fitness center features state-of-the-art treadmills, cycles and stair climbers.

For more information on the Renaissance Riverview Plaza Hotel Mobile, visit http://marriott.com/property/propertypage/MOBRV.

PCH HOTELS & RESORTS is owned by the RETIREMENT SYSTEMS OF ALABAMA (RSA) which also has investments in Alabama's Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail, US Airways, Raycom Media, 55 Water Street in New York, Community Newspaper Holdings and other interests. PCH is a collection of world-class hotels located throughout Alabama. PCH Hotels & Resorts maintains exceptionally high standards for group meetings, as well as leisure travelers. All PCH properties are located either directly on the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail or are only minutes away. Many have spas and children's programs. All have fine dining and great guest rooms.

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