Press Release

EXTREME HOTEL MAKEOVERS PHILLY-STYLE
Popular Properties Undergo Nearly $50 Million In Renovations

Park Hatt at the Bellevue

Photo courtesy of the Park Hyatt

PHILADELPHIA, October 12, 2005 - The Wyndham Philadelphia at Franklin Plaza recently completed a $12 million dollar renovation, making it the first of several area hotels to dramatically upgrade facilities in order to better accommodate the growing number of tourists to the region. In 2004 alone, Philadelphia and Its Countryside^TM welcomed 25.5 million visitors, an increase of 5.4% over 2003. The Wyndham's extreme makeover transformed the hotel lobby, hallways and all 758 guest rooms, outfitting each room with new carpeting, upholstery and Kohler bathroom fixtures. Other hotels are getting in on the renovation act too. Here's a look:

• Come January 2006, the 19th floor of the Park Hyatt Philadelphia at The Bellevue will be home to two new restaurants, a nightclub/lounge, a chef's "Viewing Island" and "Market Pantry," a wine room and meeting space. The massive $5 million re-conceptualization project will bring new life to the architecturally magnificent hotel located in a 100-year-old National Historic Landmark building. The redesigned space is heavily influenced by the evolution of couture fashion through the 20th and 21st centuries. Broad & Walnut Streets, (215) 893-1234, www.parkphiladelphia.hyatt.com
• In July 2005, the Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia began a six-month renovation project that includes the transformation of its 364 guest rooms. Designed by Cheryl Rowley, each Federal-style room will be decorated with new furniture, fabrics, wall coverings and Philadelphia-inspired artwork. The $10 million refurbishment also covers upgrades in technology, making high-speed Internet access and wireless connections standard. One Logan Square, (215) 963-1500, www.fourseasons.com/philadelphia
• Located in the historic PSFS building (erected in 1932), the modern Loews Philadelphia Hotel is in the midst of a $4.8 million upgrade. The project includes window replacements, new bedding, select furniture, wall coverings and carpeting. 1200 Market Street, (215) 627-1200, www.loewshotels.com/hotels/philadelphia
• The Radisson Plaza-Warwick Hotel, built in 1926, is in the midst of a $15 million renovation and conversion project. By fall 2006, the property will be part hotel, part condominiums. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the building will soon be home to 235 condos and 290 upgraded rooms, a win/win for residents and visitors alike. 1701 Locust Street, (215) 735-6000, www.radisson.com/philadelphiapa

The Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation (GPTMC) builds the region's economy and image through destination marketing to increase the number of visitors, the number of nights they stay and the number of things they do in the five-county region. For more information about travel to Philadelphia, visit www.gophila.com or call the Independence Visitor Center, located in Independence National Historical Park, at (800) 537-7676.

Note to Editors: For photos of Greater Philadelphia, visit our Photo Gallery..

CONTACT:

Donna Schorr, GPTMC
(215) 599-0782, donna@gptmc.com