March 24, 2009 (Boston, MA) �  The Millennium Bostonian Hotel in historic downtown Boston has put the finishing touches on its $25 million renovation.  The opening of North 26 Restaurant and Bar, a progressive New England dining concept, caps off the hotel�s transformation, bringing high quality and stylish additions to all guest rooms and public areas.

New and returning guests have much to anticipate at the newly-renovated Millennium Bostonian Hotel. Designers Jinnie Kim Design of Boston (who handled guest rooms, public areas and exterior) and CCS Architecture of New York (the new restaurant and bar) took inspiration from local and regional influences to create a timeless concept. 

�The renovation of Millennium Bostonian Hotel creates a striking addition to the Millennium portfolio in North America, and we look forward to welcoming guests to one of the city�s most desirable addresses,� said Dominique Marty, General Manager of Millennium Bostonian Hotel.

North 26 Restaurant and Bar

At North 26, trend meets tradition with an innovative new menu created by Executive Chef Brian Flagg, featuring fresh seafood, choice cuts of beef, hearty appetizers and indulgent desserts. 

North 26 offers a New England dining experience that blends the old world with the new, promoting natural and sustainable cooking in historic downtown Boston. The new restaurant offers a fresh take on New England�s best culinary specialties with pure and comfortable food with a twist, whether guests are looking for dinner with friends, a business lunch, a night on the town or an after-work cocktail in the heart of downtown Boston.

For breakfast, guests can choose healthy staples like steel-cut oatmeal and fresh fruit smoothies, or treat themselves to bananas foster French toast, a rich lobster omelet or traditional steak and eggs. Lunch offerings include lobster deviled eggs or a crisp green salad paired with a hearty soup or sandwich.  For dinner with Boston flare, North 26�s menu features dishes such as herb crusted north Atlantic cod medallions and New England Shellfish Stew � a succulent combination of lobster, clams, mussels, scallops, squid and chourico in a saffron tomato broth. 

The new restaurant features seasonal outdoor seating as well as operable windows that open toward the bustling markets of downtown Boston, for relaxing with a signature cocktail or enjoying fresh-air dining. A floating bar of Calcatta Marble and American black walnut is positioned in the foreground of the restaurant, with a 12-foot-high, 840-bottle wine rack behind created from an edge-lit glass. A softly lit, gently curving passage leads to the dining area, teeming with custom wraparound booths and banquettes, custom oversized linen pendant lights, a floating steel-and-canvas canopy, and American black walnut paneling running from the floor to the 18-foot-high-ceiling. Abstract paintings by nationally-recognized artist Rob Douglas adorn the walls and add to the sophisticated but comfortable feel of the restaurant.  North 26 also offers a semi-private dining area with seating for 12.

Lobby and Interiors

Design elements such as floating ceilings and wood-stained millwork make an artful statement in line with Millennium Bostonian�s new contemporary feel. A delicious palette of medium-toned woods and leather accented with rich reds predominate in the hotel�s lobby and other public areas, setting a sophisticated yet inviting tone. The hotel�s lobby is all about comfort, albeit of a most-stylish vein, with wood flooring in contrasting colors, wood and leather wall panels, and striking and original art installations. A floating ceiling system of cove lighting and feature lighting casts illumination, while handmade area carpets, red lacquer bookcases and a comfortable �living room� with gas-burning fireplace assures guests feel right at home. 

Guest Rooms

Each of Millennium Bostonian�s 201 guest rooms has been thoroughly updated with comfortable details and amenities. New additions set scenes of stylish comfort, including dressing areas with table, mirror and dressing room ottomans, linen-like wall coverings, wood-stained millwork moldings, 40-inch LCD televisions, and Sealy pillowtop bedding with Frette linens, down comforters and pillows.

Exterior and Ballroom

The exterior of Millennium Bostonian has been dressed up as well, with additions including a new fountain of uncoated copper with bronze patina finish, a driveway of paving stones, historic bollards, and an entrance of French-paneled glass surrounded by a chic black frame. 

Meanwhile, the hotel�s former power-lunch spot, Seasons Restaurant, has been completely redesigned into Seasons Ballroom, a 3,000 square-foot event space with new bay windows and a glass ceiling for natural lighting. The ballroom can be arranged for wedding and social functions of up to 160 guests, for stand-up receptions of up to 195 guests, and for meetings of up to 200 guests. There is also 800 square feet of pre-function space assuring an exceptional destination for world-class events under direction of on-site meetings and catering staff.

About Millennium Hotels & Resorts
Millennium Hotels and Resorts (MHR) is the North American arm of London-based Millennium and Copthorne Hotels plc (MLC).  The MHR portfolio includes 15 hotels in the U.S., offering both business and leisure travelers upscale accommodations in  premier locations from major cities to resort areas.  Hotels include the Millennium Broadway and The Premier, located in the heart of New York�s Times Square; the historic Millennium Biltmore Hotel in downtown Los Angeles; the Millennium Bostonian, overlooking Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market in Boston; and the Millennium Knickerbocker Hotel, situated on Chicago�s famed Magnificent Mile.  For more information or reservations, please call 866-866-8086 or visit www.millenniumhotels.com
 

Millennium Hotels and Resorts 
www.millenniumhotels.com/boston