The 26-story, contemporary-style hotel at North 17th and RaceStreets was built in 1980 and renovated in 1998. It stands fourblocks from the Pennsylvania Convention Center and is one of thecity's largest convention hotels. It currently has 55,000 sf ofmeeting and exhibit space on two levels, including a 20,000-sfballroom.

The renovation will encompass all guestrooms and baths,corridors, the lobby and both restaurants. Guestrooms will have newcarpeting and newly upholstered furniture. Granite countertops,marble flooring and new sinks and tubs will be installed inguestroom baths. New carpeting and wall coverings will be installedin all corridors.

Guestroom and hallway renovations will begin one floor at atime. The first floor is scheduled for completion by Jan. 30, 2004,and subsequent floors will be completed every two weeks after thatdate.