May 6, 2011 - Renaissance Hotels celebrated the official grand opening of the the much-anticipated St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel in London’s King Cross. The event marks the completion of an impressive £150 million restoration and the rebirth of  the original hotel, one of London’s most iconic hotels and now. The newest gem in the Renaissance Hotels global portfolio of 150 hotels.

Last evening, the newly restored hotel hosted an exclusive opening celebration, featuring a special musical performance by renowned British artist Jamie Cullum. The highlight of the event, the performance also was part of Renaissance Hotels RLife LIVE program (www.RLifeLive.com), an entertainment and music platform that provides hotel guests and local patrons the chance to discover emerging and established artists on-site at Renaissance Hotels around the world.

Hailed as the most romantic building in London, the St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel London features beautifully restored architecture, art, design and décor by Manhattan Loft Corporation in conjunction with building contractors Galliford Try Plc, RHWL Architects, conservation architect Richard Griffths and interior designers GA Design International. The work on the hotel began in 2005 and its completion marks the final piece of the St. Pancras regeneration project, which has included the restoration of St. Pancras Station, now the home of Eurostar.

Having originally opened in 1873 as the Midland Grand Hotel, the structure is applauded for its dramatic High Victorian Gothic architecture and stately interior, and is celebrated as one of the most impressive Victorian buildings in London and the UK.  Recognized as one of the city’s greatest landmarks, the building exemplifies the style and design of the old station during the 1800s, and serves as the ultimate location for all travelers who are looking for the architectural romance and history of London.

“We are proud to welcome this esteemed property into the Renaissance global portfolio,” said Tina Edmundson, senior vice president of Lifestyle Brands for Marriott International. “We look forward to doing this majestic building justice on its opening by entertaining guests with top-tier talent, exquisite cuisine and wowing those in attendance with a first look at some of the finest architecture in the world. Renaissance believes in discovering the hidden gems of every city, and I cannot imagine a greater or more unique find.” Renaissance Hotels is a lifestyle brand within the Marriott International, Inc. family of lodging brands, with more than 150 hotels in 34 countries. The brand is known for creating authentic travel experiences which offer passionate travelers the opportunity to discover local experiences through hotel touch points including design, cuisine and distinct amenities.

The property boasts an impressive 542 square meter lobby as well as two restaurants and bars including The Gilbert Scott restaurant which is run by one of Britain’s most celebrated chefs, Marcus Wareing.  The dining area also features a beautifully designed interior by David Collins Studio which complements the Victorian Gothic features of the building.  The main banquet facility, Hansom Hall, accommodates up to 550 people in its 449 square meters of luxurious space.  There are eight additional meeting and function rooms which includes the meticulously-renovated “Ladies Smoking Room,” known for being the first place in all of Europe where it was acceptable for women to smoke in public.  A sweeping forecourt and a formidable grand staircase serve as a unique entry for the London hotel, displaying with it the subtle yet elegant details in both the ceiling and walls.

With 245 rooms in its threshold, the St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel comprises 38 gracious Victorian suites within its historic Chambers, in addition to the newly constructed Barlow House that hosts original artwork and contemporary design.  Travelers far and wide will be entrenched in British history with every corner they turn, whether it be at The Booking Office Bar & Restaurant or the barber’s shop and luxury spa, which includes a swimming pool and six treatment rooms.

For more information or bookings, please visit www.stpancrasrenaissance.com or phone +44 (0) 20 7841 3540.

RENAISSANCE HOTELS is an upscale brand with more than 150 properties in 34 countries that speaks to passionate travelers in search of authentic local discoveries when traveling for business or leisure. Renaissance Hotels has recently welcomed several new "gems" to its global collection – the historic 5-star St Pancras Renaissance in London, the exotic Renaissance Sanya Resort and Spa in burgeoning China, the urban boutique Renaissance Atlanta Midtown and the sexy Renaissance Sao Paulo. These hotels join a rich portfolio defined by distinctive and well-known icons such as the Mayflower Renaissance Hotel in Washington, D.C., the Eden Roc Miami Beach Resort & Spa, and the Renaissance Paris Vendome Hotel. To make reservations and for more information about Renaissance Hotels, visit www.renaissancehotels.com.  Follow Renaissance on www.twitter.com/RenHotels, Facebook.com/RenaissanceHotels and the Rlife Blog at TheRenaissanceLife.com.

Visit Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE: MAR) for company information. For more information or reservations, please visit our web site at www.marriott.com, and for the latest company news, visit www.marriottnewscenter.com.

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