Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE:MAR) announced today that the Hotel Savery was officially re-flagged as the Renaissance Savery Hotel on Oct. 14. Located at 401 Locust St. in Des Moines, Iowa, this newest addition to the Renaissance Hotels, Resorts and Suites portfolio is owned and managed by Shaner Hotel Group of State College, Pa.

Built in 1919 by James and Annie Savery, the 12-story hotel was the first skyscraper in Des Moines, Iowa. The property is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and boasts Georgian-revival architecture and encompasses most of a city block. In 1998 the hotel underwent an extensive $9 million renovation, and in recent years the lobby, meeting space and restaurants have also been refurbished. A new Club Lounge features complimentary continental breakfast, evening snacks and beverages, and late night desserts and coffees for Club-level guests. A retail store also has been added to the lobby area, providing snacks, sundries and gift items.

Situated in the downtown business district, the Renaissance Savery is five miles from Des Moines International Airport. A three-and-a-half-mile, climate-controlled Skywalk system connects the hotel to downtown businesses, restaurants, retail shops and other nearby attractions, including the Des Moines Civic Center, Polk County Convention Complex and the State Capitol building. Guests also can walk to the Court Avenue entertainment district, which features a variety of restaurants, bars, seasonal festivals and special events.

The 224-room hotel offers nearly 15,000 square feet of event space, including 11 meeting rooms. Three ballrooms are available, including the 3,330-square-foot Savery Ballroom, divisible into two rooms, the 3,648-square-foot Herbert Hoover Terrace Ballroom and the 2,856-square-foot Des Moines Ballroom. Guests can take care of all their business center needs by visiting Kinko’s, located directly across from the hotel

Guest rooms at the Renaissance Savery are elegantly appointed and equipped to suit the needs of business travelers, with two phones and an enlarged desk area with data ports. Other amenities include, hair dryer, iron and ironing board and coffee maker. The hotel also features a 4,000-square-foot Penthouse Suite with two bedrooms, two bathrooms and an outdoor terrace.

Fitness facilities include two exercise rooms with weights and cardio equipment, indoor heated pool, two whirlpool spas, sauna, eucalyptus steam room and a private women’s workout area. Locker rooms with private men’s and women’s showers and lounge areas are also available. Guests in search of a little pampering may enjoy the hotel’s hair salon and tanning bed. Other guest services include a 24-hour complimentary airport shuttle service and room service.

The Renaissance Savery offers several dining options with an upscale ambience that appeals to both hotel guests and local customers. The Iowa Room celebrates the tradition of hearty Midwestern cuisine, featuring “Taste of Iowa” products for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Chef Kiet Le and his culinary team present a wide selection of menu items, as well as a daily breakfast buffet and a lunch buffet with chef-carved beef. Monihan’s Speakeasy features a 1920s ambience and serves cocktails and light meals. The lounge offers nightly drink specials and complimentary happy hour hors d’oeuvres. Live jazz entertainment by the Janey Hooper Trio is featured on Friday and Saturday nights.

The Renaissance Hotels, Resorts and Suites brand is for travelers who prize individuality. Renaissance guests can expect comfortable, tastefully decorated environments, thoughtful amenities, appealing restaurants featuring contemporary and regional cuisine, and warm, anticipatory service in a full-service hotel. With over 100 locations around the world, Renaissance strives to delight guests with ambience, style, care and Marriott International’s promise of quality.

For more information and reservations, call the Renaissance Savery Hotel directly at (515) 244-2151, call the toll-free Renaissance line at 800-HOTELS-1, contact a travel agent, or visit the Marriott web site at www.marriott.com.

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