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Providence Hospitality Partners Completes Restoration of the
Historic Hotel Colorado in Glenwood Springs; Opened in 1893,
Modeled after the Sixteenth Century Villa de Medici
 
(Glenwood Springs, CO)�May 24, 2007 - Providence Hospitality Partners has completed an extensive top-to-bottom renovation of the Hotel Colorado.  The completion of the year-long, $2 million final stage, and reconfiguration of the historic property�s restaurant and lobby areas, restores the landmark property to its original grandeur. 

Providence Hospitality Partners, which has managed the Hotel Colorado since 1993, contracted with hospitality design firm Ricca Newmark Design of Centennial, Colorado, to create the overall design of the project.  Ricca Newmark, named one of the top 20 �Interior Design Giants� by Hospitality Design Magazine.
 
�Our design objective was to bring back the �spirit� of the historic Hotel Colorado.  We poured over historical photographs of the hotel dating back to when it was built and carefully researched turn-of-the-century interiors,� explains Sandra Blissard, the lead designer on the project. 
 
Ricca Newmark�s attention to detail was meticulous. For the lobby, classic Victorian style furniture was chosen � chairs with high back seats and tufted upholstery, and mahogany stained accent tables with carved legs. Staircase lamps were custom fabricated to replicate the original fixtures that were missing.  The original hardwood floors were uncovered and restored. Custom area rugs were woven in England using a sophisticated color palette of gold, deep reds and terra cotta with highlights of blue and green. 
 
A major component of this project was restoring the original floor plan. The restaurant, formerly in the lobby, was relocated to an interior area of the hotel between the two grand staircases. Tile in a Victorian pattern was placed at the entry to the dining room and a water feature added to pay homage to the original fountains.  Custom banquette seating upholstered in a rich gold floral pattern was created to complement stained hardwood wainscoting and pale green walls. 
 
In the new Polo Wine and Martini Lounge, a reproduction of one of the original bars discovered during the research process was installed. Bar chairs upholstered with rich tapestry, tufted leather lounge chairs, a coffered painted tin ceiling and large scale sepia prints of historic photos of the hotel�s original polo grounds complete the setting.

The project represents Providence Hospitality Partners deep commitment to historic preservation and properties. �The management and restoration of historic properties presents unique challenges,� explains David B. Storm, President of Providence Hospitality Partners.   �However, as a result of our years of experience managing these types of hotels, Providence Hospitality has the expertise to not only renovate vintage properties, but market them effectively as well.� 
 
�Providence Hospitality is currently seeking historic properties in the Western United States to purchase, manage and restore,� states Storm. �The demand from both meeting planners as well as leisure travelers, for a rich, interesting and cultural travel experience is growing, and the Hotel Colorado and our other historic property, The Plains Hotel, can provide that and more, thanks to their significant roles in the history of the West.�

An example of how Providence Hospitality Partners contributes to a multi-facted experience for their guests, and creates an important revenue source for the hotel at the same time, is Legends Trading Company located in the Hotel Colorado lobby. Sales of local specialties and Hotel Colorado logo items including Arbuckles' Presidential Reserve coffee, Boylan�s Bottleworks old fashioned soda, Colorado based Stephany�s Chocolate, and award-winning county jams made with Colorado grown strawberries, rhubard, peaches, jalapenos, and cherries, all contribute significantly to the bottom line.

In previous stages of the renovation, themed-suites were created � a signature of Providence Hospitality Partners � weaving history into the restored property. 

A tribute to the life of one of Colorado�s most colorful residents, The Molly Brown Suite is decorated with family photos, personal items and memorabilia from her world travels including her history-making trip on the Titanic.
 
The Teddy Roosevelt suite features an extended private balcony overlooking the courtyard where President Roosevelt spoke to local citizens before returning to Washington.  Pictures throughout the suite illustrate the life and times of this remarkable president.

Nestled in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, between Aspen and Vail, the historic Hotel Colorado is an icon in the quaint mountain town of Glenwood Springs.  Modeled after the sixteenth century Italian Renaissance Castle Villa de Medici, and built by entrepreneur Walter Devereux in 1893 as a world-class resort, the 130-room Hotel Colorado has been attracting visitors from around the globe ever since.  It is listed of National Register of Historic Places.

Hotel Colorado's red stone exterior walls mirror the natural beauty of the surrounding red canyons. The world�s largest mineral Hot Springs Pool, known for its health benefits, is steps away.  The mighty Colorado River flowing through the towering cliffs of Glenwood Canyon providing numerous recreational activities such as fishing, whitewater rafting, biking, and hiking.  
 
Providence Hospitality Partners (PHP) has been in the hospitality business for over 18 years, and is an approved operator for Marriot, Omni, Radisson, Sheraton, Intercontinental Hotels Group and Hilton Hotels.  Based in Denver, Colorado, PHP specializes in historic and boutique hotels as well as �turning around� underperforming properties. They currently manage 10 hotels in the Western U.S., including the historic properties the Hotel Colorado in Glenwood Springs and the Plains Hotel in Cheyenne, Wyoming.   PHP will soon break ground on a StayBridge Suites, an all suite hotel located by the Denver International Airport.  PHP is located at 709 Clarkson, Denver, Colorado, 90218.   

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Contact:

Providence Hospitality Partners
709 Clarkson Street
Denver, CO 80218
303-831-1114
providencehospitality.com

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Also See: Providence Hospitality Partners Acquires Major Share of the Historic Plains Hotel in Cheyenne, Wyoming / April 2007
National Trust Historic Hotels of America® Adds Six New Members; Includes The Jumeirah Essex House and Tubac Golf Resort Once Owned by Bing Crosby / April 2007
Barry Allen, GM, Hotel Colorado, Glenwood Springs Elected Chairman of the Board at Colorado Hotel & Lodging Association / Dec 1999
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