The first phase of the renovation, involving 150 guest rooms on the second and third floors, is expected to be completed prior to May 7. About 75 rooms will be out of service at a time to complete the restoration � the property�s first guest-room renovation in 12 years.

The new décor, celebrating the Hotel�s 125th anniversary, was designed by Jillian Van Dresser, an Atlanta-based designer who grew up in Blacksburg, Va.

Each guest room receiving new traditionally inspired furniture from American Martinsville includes: dresser, night stand(s), desk, desk chair, coffee station, easy chair or sofa bed and lamps. Flat screen TVs also will be installed in selected rooms. 

Working with existing monogrammed Hotel Roanoke headboards and newly installed Doubletree Sweet Dreams Beds, �soft goods� like carpeting, draperies and shears, bedspreads, wall vinyl and trim paint also are being redone during this process.

Each guest bath is being renovated to present a more residential appearance to include new tile flooring and cove base, wall vinyl, lighting, mirrors and custom vanity cabinets with black granite tops. The corridors on levels one, two and mezzanine are receiving new wall vinyl, trim paint, wall sconces and custom designed carpeting.

�This renovation carefully preserves the traditional look of our unique and historic hotel while adding more modern touches today�s travelers expect,� said general manager Gary Walton.

The Hotel�s ownership is investing about $3 million in renovations during 2007. The Hotel will complete the remaining 181 guest rooms and corridors beginning this December, with completion of this second phase expected March 31, 2008.

The Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center has 332 luxuriously appointed guestrooms and a 63,000-square-foot, high-tech conference center. It is a joint project of Hotel Roanoke LLC, the City of Roanoke and Virginia Tech operated by Doubletree Hotels, a part of Hilton Hotels Corp. 

Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center
www.hotelroanoke.com