The 46-room Colgate Inn is in the midst of enhancements that will yield a
refurbished lobby, new public space as well as wireless Internet
technology. The timing of the transformation coincides with two major
efforts in Colgate Inn’s hometown of Hamilton, NY: the Partnership for
Community Development and the Hamilton Initiative. Renovations to this
historic property, which began in fall of 2003, are scheduled for
completion in mid-March 2004.
“The Colgate Inn is the gateway, literally the front door, for visitors to
Colgate University,” said David Grant, General Manager of the Colgate Inn.
“These image and technology enhancements will ensure that our guest
experience holds to the historic charm of Hamilton, while providing all
the sophisticated amenities akin to a progressive learning institution.”

According to Grant, the Inn’s goal is to become the “cornerstone of the
community,” a welcome center that is comfortable and inviting yet still
retains the stature of a University environment. The changes at the
Colgate Inn are designed to complement local initiatives, which include
restoration of the Village Green, a renovated public library and theater,
as well as improvement to facades and streetscapes in downtown Hamilton.
The campus’ University Bookstore, a gathering place and local attraction,
is located just adjacent to Colgate Inn.

The current renovation at Colgate Inn includes the Hamilton Parlor, a
former breakout room that is being converted into a cozy sitting room. It
will be open to the public and will feature shelves full of rare books and
a fireplace. The former fine dining venue has been renamed the Corner
Grill and offers a more casual, wood fire grill menu. A new restaurant,
the Salamagundi Bar & Restaurant, features Americana country cuisine and
salutes Colgate University with nostalgic collegiate decor. In addition to
wireless Internet technology in the meeting spaces, guestrooms will be
equipped with wireless, hi-speed online access.

“The property’s efforts to provide a more user-friendly facility and
environment underscore ARAMARK Harrison Lodging’s overall focus on
service, amenities and guest satisfaction,” said Mike Fahner Vice
President of Sales & Marketing for ARAMARK Harrison Lodging.

Built in 1925, The Colgate Inn, which is part of ARAMARK Harrison
Lodging’s Collegiate Collection, is located in historic Hamilton, New
York. A gateway to Colgate University, the Dutch Colonial landmark houses
46 guestrooms and 3,000 square feet of function space serving events from
2 to 200. Three restaurants include the 1840 Tap Room, the Corner Grill
and the Salamagundi Bar & Restaurant. Guests can enjoy a round of golf at
the Robert Trent Jones-designed Seven Oaks Golf Club, rated by Golf Digest
as one of the top five college courses in the nation and the 7th best
public-access course in New York State. Named after the first U.S.
Secretary of State, Alexander Hamilton, the community was recently named
#8 on the Christian Science Monitor’s list of most “Walkable Small Town’s
in the Northeast.” Furthermore, Hamilton Initiative received the
‘outstanding’ award for historic preservation from the American Institute
of Architects. For more information on Colgate Inn, please call (315)
824-2300.

Offering a collection of the world’s most effective environments for
learning, communication and personal growth, ARAMARK Harrison Lodging
operates more than 50 conference centers, corporate training centers, and
specialty hotels in educational environments—each strategically located
close to leading business destinations and/or institutes of higher
learning. The company supports the stringent standards of the
International Association of Conference Centers (IACC) and harnesses the
power and expertise of its founding entities to expand its contributions
to the industry.

ARAMARK Corporation is a world leader in providing award-winning food and
facilities management services to healthcare institutions, universities
and schools, stadiums and arenas, international and domestic corporations,
as well as providing uniform and career apparel. ARAMARK was named one of
“America’s Most Admired Companies” by FORTUNE magazine in 2004,
consistently ranking since 1998 as one of the top three most admired
companies in its industry as evaluated by peers. Headquartered in
Philadelphia, ARAMARK has approximately 200,000 employees serving clients
in 18 countries.
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