Edmonds, Wash. (May 17, 2013) – The Hotel Group , (THG) an award-winning hotel management and ownership company, celebrated the completion of the multi-million dollar transformational renovation of its property in South Bend, Indiana, located at 123 North Saint Joseph Street. THG kicked off its renovation celebration on May 14 with a ribbon cutting ceremony and entertainment by aerialist acrobats, followed by tours of the 291 room property.

More than 800 guests mixed and mingled at the renovation celebration, which featured opening remarks by South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg and Rob DeCleene, executive director of Visit South Bend/Mishawaka. The Hotel Group founders Edmond and Barbara Lee joined President and CEO Doug Dreher for a ceremonial ribbon cutting. Aerialist acrobats wowed guests with acrobatic stunts, DJ Mauricio from New York City set the tone for dancing in the Grand Ballroom, and guests sampled food and drink from Baker’s Bar and Grille. Guests toured several public areas and guestrooms of the transformational renovation, which encompasses all 291 guestrooms and 15,000 square feet of meeting space as well as corridors, lobby and atrium; mechanical and HVAC functions throughout the hotel also received updates. The newly re-branded hotel boasts a Starbucks store and vibrant new restaurant concept, Baker’s Bar and Grille, which offers a classic American menu, daily drink specials and Studebaker-themed decor.

“We are excited to open our doors and welcome the community to the new DoubleTree by Hilton-South Bend,” said General Manager Leonard Clifton. “Our neighbors and friends in the local business community have been very supportive throughout the transition and are delighted to see a fresh, full-service hotel.”

The general contractor of the hotel renovation is Holladay Construction Group, LLC; the architect is Jensen Fey and the project is designed by Innovate Design Environment Associates (IDEA). The lobby design is inspired by the University of Notre Dame with subtle collegiate colors, exposed wood and contemporary furnishings to complement the existing architecture of the atrium.

Doug Dreher, president and CEO of The Hotel Group said this is a solid time to invest in South Bend and its lodging market. “We’ve always had an affinity for college towns, and South Bend offers a prime location in the center of everything. As families of Notre Dame students come to visit and future students come to tour the extraordinary campus, the revitalized and rebranded hotel offers comfortable and inviting accommodations. Our proximity to the Century Center conference facilities coupled with DoubleTree programs and rewards make the rebranded hotel a prime location for business and leisure travelers alike.”

Located in the heart of downtown South Bend, DoubleTree by Hilton South Bend overlooks the St. Joseph River and is minutes from the University of Notre Dame, Saint Mary’s College, the Studebaker National Museum and Potawatami Zoo. Contemporary guestrooms boast Sweet Dreams by DoubleTree Sleep Experience bedding and the property offers signature chocolate chip cookies upon arrival, a fitness center, pool and business center.

About The Hotel Group
The Hotel Group (THG) is a nationally-recognized Top 50 hotel company and currently manages and/or owns 26 properties in 10 states, representing 10 brands and employs more than 1,600 people. Since its inception in 1984, THG has managed 111 properties in 25 states, directed the design and construction of more than 40 new hotels, completed the acquisition of more than $150 million in private investment as the sponsor of Hotel Group Opportunity Funds I, II, II and IV. For more information, visit www.thehotelgroup.com or call 425-771-1788.