MINNEAPOLIS, Dec. 6, 2011-- Carlson, a global hospitality and travel company, today announced the Radisson Blu Resort, Marina & Spa, St. Martin, will reopen its doors on Dec. 15, 2011.  The property was closed in May to undergo a renovation in excess of USD 10 million, strengthening the hotel's position as the leading upper-upscale resort on the French side of the island.

The Radisson Blu Resort, Marina & Spa, St. Martin is a premier 18-acre resort property in French St. Martin, offering guests 1,600 feet of beachfront in Anse Marcel, and an exclusive water taxi service between the airport and resort marina. The property features 63 suites and 189 guestrooms; a 7,000 square foot ballroom; a full-service spa (Le Spa) and fitness center. There are three on-site dining venues, including complimentary full breakfast buffet at Le Marche, a wide selection of the region's finest rums and tapas at Le Lobby Bar, and world-class cuisine and panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea at C Le Restaurant.

"We have made a number of significant upgrades over the past seven months to ensure our guests have a comfortable and relaxing experience during their stay at the Radisson Blu Resort, Marina & Spa, St. Martin. Our investment in this property reinforces our commitment to our guests and employees, and supports our strategy to further expand our Caribbean portfolio in the future," said Javier Rosenberg, vice president, Owned and Managed Operations, Carlson Hotels, Americas.

Key upgrades to the property include replacing the air conditioning and domestic hot water systems with new state-of-the-art systems to ensure an overall improved guest experience. The property's spacious accommodations that showcase contemporary Euro-Caribbean furnishings were completely re-carpeted and marina suite rooms were converted to tile floorings.  The 7,000 square foot ballroom features upgraded air conditioning and lighting and sound systems, and the wooden floors have been redone.  The resort gardens were also landscaped and feature enhanced lighting. The breakfast buffet at Le Marche has been upgraded and will now offer additional breakfast items including hot and cold selections which will vary daily. Guests will also now be able to enjoy snacks and beverages poolside at the resort's new pool bar, which will offer a new cocktail menu and expanded wine list.

In addition to property improvements, guests will benefit from a higher level of customer service including faster check-in and check-out.  During the seven month renovation period, over 170 employees remained on payroll and received close to 500 hours of training to provide an elevated level of hospitality service, in keeping with the Radisson brand's Yes I Can! (SM) service philosophy and 100% Guest Satisfaction Guarantee.

Carlson appointed a new general manager, Jean-marc Jalbert, for the Radisson Blu Resort, Marina & Spa, St. Martin last month. Jalbert has worked across Europe and the United States for Sofitel Luxury Hotels, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts and independent Relais & Châteaux properties.  His most recent experience includes more than eight years with Sofitel in a number of properties and capacities, including general manager and vice president of Food & Beverage for the Americas.

"We value the support of our guests and employees during this past year and look forward to sharing the many new property enhancements with them when we reopen. The enhanced meeting facilities and overall guest experience at the property will strongly reinforce the Radisson Blu Resort, Marina & Spa, St. Martin as the premier destination for your next stay in the Caribbean," said Jalbert, general manager, Radisson Blu Resort, Marina & Spa, St. Martin

About Radisson Blu Resort, Marina & Spa, St. Martin
The Radisson Blu Resort, Marina & Spa, St. Martin is a luxury resort nestled in the picturesque cove of Anse Marcel, on the Northwest coast of the French side of St. Martin. Located 25 minutes from Princess Juliana International Airport via the resort's exclusive water shuttle service, the full-service hotel is spread over 18 acres and comprised of 63 suites and 189 guestrooms. The hotel features C Le Restaurant, which offers gourmet French and Caribbean cuisine, as well as outdoor massages and state-of-the-art spa treatments at Le Spa. http://www.radissonblu.com/resort-stmartin

About Carlson
Carlson is a global hospitality and travel company headquartered in Minneapolis, Minn. Carlson encompasses 1,070 hotels, including, Radisson®, Country Inns & Suites By Carlson(SM), Park Inn by Radisson and Park Plaza®; 909 T.G.I. Friday's® restaurants; and a majority stake in Carlson Wagonlit Travel®, the global leader in business travel management. Carlson operates in 164 countries and its brands employ more than 170,000 people. http://www.carlson.com

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