New Look, New Brand for Mobile's Battle House and Riverview Plaza Hotels

Mobile, AL (PRWEB) May 11, 2007 -- As Mobile, Alabama, undergoes a major downtown revitalization, this year the city will welcome renovated hotels flying Marriott's Renaissance brand flags. The Battle House Hotel and Riverview Plaza Hotel, owned by Retirement Systems of Alabama (RSA), will officially become Renaissance hotels after renovations are complete.

"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."

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.

"The Retirement Systems of Alabama are dramatically changing the look and feel of downtown Mobile," said Steve Solberg, COO of PCH Hotels and Resorts. "The newest chapter in their 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."

The 238-room Battle House Hotel will be a blend of the old and new and will reopen in May 2007. The original eight-story 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. Boasting the most elegant ballroom in Mobile history, this hotel will feature 40,000 sq. ft. 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 off of the bustling fully-renovated Grand Lobby. The Grand Ballroom is located between the hotel and RSA Tower, ideal for a small Alabama convention and features spectacular architectural details.

The Battle House Hotel in Mobile, Alabama, will feature an array of dining options, from the 100-seat Trellis Room, with its awe-inspiring cathedral ceilings and upscale show kitchen. Diners can enjoy regional and continental cuisine. 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.

Adjacent to the Mobile Convention Center and with stunning views of Mobile Bay and surrounding vistas, the Riverview Plaza Hotel in Mobile, Al. has 375 beautifully appointed rooms and 32,000 sq. ft. of meeting space. While the hotel remains open, renovations are underway and are scheduled to be completed by summer 2007. Once complete, the exterior profile will compliment the RSA Battle House Tower and feature an architecturally enhanced top.

The ideal Mobile conference hotel is connected to the Mobile Convention Center via skywalks, allowing guests easy access to meetings during their stay. The state-of-the-art convention center, which has won a number of architectural awards for its distinctive design, has a 100,000 sq. ft. Exhibit Hall, a 15,000 sq. ft. Grand Ballroom and 16 meeting rooms.

For dining, the Riverview Café & Grill offers 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.

"Both the Riverview Plaza and Battle House will live up to the exceptional Renaissance reputation," said Solberg. "Both hotels will provide Mobilians and visiting tourists with gracious hospitality, amazing cuisine, magical meeting spaces and an overall whimsical experience."

About the Mobile Renaissance Hotels
The Battle House, A Renaissance Hotel and the Renaissance Riverview Plaza Hotel blend southern charm with modern ingenuity. Both Mobile, Al. hotels are located in the revitalized downtown business and entertainment districts and are near the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail with 54 championship holes at Magnolia Grove. The historic Battle House Hotel features eight floors, with 238 hotel rooms including 31 spacious suites. This Mobile resort hotel has 12 meeting rooms and when renovations are complete, it will have 40,000 sq. ft. of unique and flexible meeting and pre-function space. The largest meeting room, the Moonlight Ballroom has a maximum meeting space of 9,628 sq. ft. and can seat 956 guests The Renaissance Riverview Plaza Mobile Hotel is connected by skywalks to the Arthur R. Outlaw Convention Center, and provides 44,000 sq. ft. of modern meeting and event space. 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. Both downtown Mobile hotels include fine dining options, including the 100-seat Trellis Room, with its awe-inspiring cathedral ceilings, and the Riverview Café & Grill, serving classic Gulf Coast cuisine.

For more information on the Renaissance Battle House Hotel, visit http://marriott.com/hotels/travel/mobbr-the-battle-house-a-renaissance-hotel/. For more information on the Renaissance Riverview Plaza Hotel, visit http://marriott.com/hotels/travel/mobrv-renaissance-riverview-plaza-hotel/.

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