PHILADELPHIA- Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group reports that it is rebranding the Radisson Plaza-Warwick Hotel Philadelphia to become the Radisson Blu Warwick Hotel Philadelphia.

The Minneapolis-based hotel group says the transformation will be complete by the late summer of this year. The 301-room hotel in the Rittenhouse Square district will undergo a $17-million renovation that will include a redesign of all guestrooms and corridors, as well as the hotel's grand lobby to reflect Radisson Blu's contemporary style while maintaining the charm and heritage of the landmark property. The hotel will remain open throughout the conversion, Carlson Rezidor officials state.

“The expansion of the Radisson Blu brand to Philadelphia, an international business and cultural center, is a key step in our Ambition 2015 strategy,” says Thorsten Kirschke, president, Radisson, Americas. “For more than 86 years, The Warwick has been a symbol of distinctive hospitality, and as an owned and managed hotel, Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group is thrilled to continue its legacy of excellence as a Radisson Blu.”

The Radisson Blu flag has 272 hotels in operation and 86 under development worldwide.