Marketing Volume Travel - Industry News

March 12, 2003

Renaissance Tulsa Hotel - Convention Center Grand Opening

Tulsa, OK -- Springfield, Mo.-based John Q. Hammons Hotels celebrated the grand opening of the new $50-million, 300-room Renaissance Tulsa Hotel and Convention Center with a weekend of festivities that kicked off with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and culminated with a black-tie charity gala. Located at 6808 South 107th East Ave., in the heart of Tulsa's southeastern shopping and dining corridor, the Renaissance Tulsa Hotel and Convention Center is owned by Mr. John Q. Hammons, managed by John Q. Hammons Hotels, Inc. and is Tulsa's first new full-service hotel to be built in more than 18 years.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on Friday, February 28, and included remarks from Tulsa Mayor Bill LaFortune, who served as the event's honorary chairman; Mr. John Q. Hammons, founder, chairman and chief executive officer of John Q. Hammons Hotels, Inc.; Bob Fugazi, John Q. Hammons Hotels regional vice president; and Gordon Rostvold, general manager of the Renaissance Tulsa Hotel and Convention Center. Special guests attending the ribbon-cutting ceremony included U.S. Congressman John Sullivan; Oklahoma State Senator Scott Pruitt; Oklahoma State Representative Chris Hastings; Jay Clemens, president and chief executive officer of the Tulsa Chamber of Commerce; and Ted Coleman, vice president of franchise relations for Marriott Corporation.

"The City of Tulsa commends Mr. Hammons for his foresight and vision to develop a first-class hotel and convention center in the heart of our city's booming southeastern corridor," said Tulsa Mayor Bill LaFortune. "The new addition of the spectacular Renaissance Tulsa Hotel and Convention Center gives Tulsa a competitive advantage as we focus on expanding our city's meetings and convention business."

The festivities continued at the hotel on Saturday, March 1, with a black-tie gala benefiting Tulsa's art community. Themed "Together for Tulsa II," the gala raised $75,000 for the Tulsa Ballet and the Tulsa Opera. More than 500 honored guests and friends, including business, civic and organization leaders enjoyed live performances by the Tulsa Ballet and Tulsa Opera, as well as continuous piano music played by Pat Conroy of Tulsa's Summit Club. Guests dined on fusion-style dishes, such as lobster sabayon, Mediterranean tapas and assorted sushi, prepared by Executive Chef Wayne Christensen and his staff.

"We are delighted to announce the opening of the Tulsa Renaissance Hotel and Convention Center and are excited to contribute to the growth of Tulsa's rapidly expanding southeastern corridor," said Mr. Hammons. "I have been impressed by the support and anticipation of the local community surrounding the development of this property. I always strive to build and maintain the finest hotels in growth markets, and the Renaissance Tulsa Hotel and Convention Center delivers on that commitment."

Property Information

The Renaissance Tulsa Hotel and Convention Center provides exceptional service to a discriminating clientele and features rich colors and textures, paying homage to Tulsa's cattle baron and oil industry roots. Designed with the signature atrium style of John Q. Hammons Hotels, the unique decor of the nine-story hotel is vibrant and inviting. Keeping convenience top-of-mind, the hotel is ideally situated just 10 miles south of the Tulsa International Airport and is easily accessible from Highway 169 and the Creek Turnpike.

The more than 50,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, including a 28,800-square-foot grand ballroom, the largest ballroom in Oklahoma, makes the Renaissance property ideal for a variety of events from lavish weddings and celebrations to corporate meetings and conferences. The hotel's staff caters to a group's specialized needs and provides a full range of event planning assistance and catering. The hotel also features a variety of amenities for both business and leisure travelers. Guests can dine at the Cyprus Grille, which is the hotel's full-service restaurant featuring steak and seafood with a Mediterranean flair, or they can relax at Merlot's Wine Bar and Lounge. The hotel is complete with a health and fitness center, indoor pool, whirlpool and sauna.

Copyright 2003 HSMAI. All rights reserved. Article reprinted from http://www.hsmai.org.

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