Media Relations & Tourism Sales Department of the Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Larry Meehan, Vice President of Media Relations & Tourism Sales, lmeehan@bostonusa.com, 617-867-8231; Stacy Shreffler, Media Relations & Tourism Sales Manager, sshreffler@bostonusa.com 617-867-8203. David Ritchie, Omni Parker House, dritchie@omnihotels.com, direct line for media: 617-725-1657

OMNI PARKER HOUSE CELEBRATES $30 MILLION RESTORATION AND RENOVATION

Oldest Continuously Operating Hotel Blends Historic Charm with Contemporary Amenities

Boston, MA (March 25, 2008) — The luxurious Omni Parker House Hotel celebrates the completion of a $30 million restoration and renovation project, making it the perfect blend of modern amenities and historic charm.  While preserving the timeless beauty that has made the Omni Parker House a Boston landmark since 1855, this multi-phased transformation includes renovations to the hotel’s interior and exterior.  

Upon completion, the 551 luxury guest rooms will have cherry-wood furnishings, richly-colored fabrics, lush bedding and contemporary amenities, including flat-screen LCD televisions and MP3 compatible alarm clocks.  The new furnishings will create a more spacious atmosphere while staying within the classic style of the original design.  The history of the building is elegantly showcased by the new artwork. 

The hotel completed extensive renovations to the exterior façade which not only preserves, the visual beauty of the building, but improves the insulating attributes as well.  The masonry was re-pointed and decorative rooftop cornices were preserved and remounted to maintain the rich heritage of this famous hotel.

“The Omni Parker House has exceptionally deep roots in Boston,” said John Murtha, general manager of the hotel.  “The changes to the hotel are a continuation of the brand’s commitment to this city and the company’s dedication to offering a great guest experience.” 

To improve all aspects of the guest experience, food and beverage enhancements were made, meeting space was updated and a new fitness facility was added.  Parker’s Bar and Last Hurrah Bar were redecorated, including vibrant new carpet, furnishings and cherry-wood walls throughout.  Parker’s Restaurant, home of the famous Parker House roll and Boston Cream Pie has introduced innovative new menus with a New England flair.  The new meeting room décor aligns with the traditional design of the hotel, but also adds contemporary comfort.  A new 1,200 square-foot, world-class gym is now open 24 hours a day and features flat-screen LCD televisions, new Nautilus elliptical machines, treadmills, and a free-weight station.

This historic hotel has taken on the environmental responsibilities of today with the addition of energy-efficient windows and improved insulation.  The hotel also added individual guestroom heating and cooling units to further minimize energy usage. 

Omni Parker House Hotel plans to complete restorations and renovations by April 2008.

About the Omni Parker House Hotel

            The Omni Parker House is America’s longest continuously operating luxury hotel and remains one of its most elegantly refined.  Located in historic downtown Boston on the Freedom Trail, the venerable Omni Parker House Hotel opened its doors in 1855 and offers distinguished décor and thoughtful amenities in each of the 551 luxurious accommodations. 

Omni Hotels creates compelling, memorable guest experiences by tempting the senses in innovative ways, surrounding them with a balanced blend of scents, sounds, sights, textures and tastes.  Omni Hotels offers luxury accommodations at 45 hotels and resorts in leading business gateways and leisure destinations across North America.  From exceptional golf and spa retreats to dynamic business settings, each location features four-diamond services, including award-winning signature restaurants and unique fitness options.  Omni’s mission for total customer service is further supported by its “Power of One” program that empowers associates to make on-the-spot decisions to meet or exceed guest expectations.  Guests can locate hotels and book accommodations by visiting www.omnihotels.com or by calling 1-800-THE-OMNI. 

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