ROANOKE, Va. (July 10, 2007) � The Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center celebrates its 125th anniversary later this year with 125 days of celebration that will include special events and exhibits open to the public in recognition of the hotel�s historical, social and economic significance to southwest Virginia.

As the community�s social centerpiece since the birth of Roanoke in 1882, the Hotel Roanoke, a Doubletree® hotel, is planning events to pay tribute to the community, its employees and the many thousands of guests who have called it home.  

�As both our Hotel and the City of Roanoke together celebrate this milestone anniversary, we are preparing events for the community that will reflect the deep bond between our historic hotel and residents throughout southwest Virginia,� said general manager Gary Walton. 

A full calendar of events is being developed from September through January, with something to see and do every day during the 125 days of celebration. Activities are being grouped into themes for each month of the celebration:  

� September: �The Grand Old Lady� -- a historic Virginia hotel with a unique railroad heritage. 
� October: �The Social Center of Roanoke� -- a celebration of weddings, special events and cultural activities at the Hotel Roanoke.
� November: �It�s Our Employees Who Made Us Great� � Recognizing Hotel Roanoke team members past and present. 
� December: �A Victorian Christmas� -- a holiday tradition in the spirit of the Hotel�s past.
� January: �125 Years of Hospitality� -- What's next for the Grand Dame?

Residents of the Roanoke Valley are passionate about the Hotel Roanoke � so much, in fact, that many furnishings, utensils, accessories and other memorabilia disappeared when the Hotel closed for six years in 1989.

With the Hotel Roanoke about to celebrate its 125th anniversary, now�s the time to dig through boxes, check the attic and scour the basement for artifacts illustrating the Hotel�s historical, social and economic ties to the Roanoke Valley.  But don�t worry � people can request to have their treasures back.

�We know how much The Hotel Roanoke means to area residents,� Walton said. �Just about everyone has a memory of the Hotel or participated in emotional events that occurred here, like weddings and other social gatherings. How deep this connection is was evident in 1989, when items were removed from the Hotel by public sale � or other ways. It seems that people wanted to preserve their memories by taking things from the Hotel home with them.� 

Now, the public is invited to share these nostalgic items as the Hotel prepares displays of artifacts to illustrate its rich history. If you have Hotel Roanoke items, or know of some, consider lending the items back to the Hotel for special exhibits.  Here�s how you can be a part of this unique event:

� Beginning August 1, 2007, people can bring Hotel Roanoke items to the hotel.
� Every item will be carefully catalogued with a receipt and returned to the person who provided the item following the 125 days of celebration.
� Those donating mementos will be asked to consider a donation to a charity of their choice as �amnesty� for keeping memorabilia.
� Items will be on display from Sept. 7, 2007 to Jan. 11, 2008. Items will be rotated and replaced often, so visitors will see different items during every visit. 

To sign an online guestbook, share personal memories, find out more about 125th anniversary events and learn more about the incredible history of the Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center, visit our hotel website at www.hotelroanoke.com.

Lisa Cole / Thomas Wingham
Hotel Roanoke Doubletree Hotels
305-796-8383 / 310-205-3381
[email protected] / [email protected]