Willard InterContinental Debuts New Design

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. January 12, 2009

WASHINGTON, DC, January 12, 2009 - A newly-decorated and expanded lobby and a Scotch bar featuring one of the largest single malt whiskey collections in the region, are two of several enhancements the Willard InterContinental has undertaken in preparation for the inauguration of the 44th president of the United States. Known as the "Residence of Presidents", the Willard has hosted nearly every American president since 1853, and is the hotel of choice for inaugural attendees, selling out early and at a premium. With its prime location on the Inaugural parade route, the hotel is truly Inauguration Central - bedecked in dramatic patriotic d'ecor and filled with some of the nation's most glamorous and influential guests.

Setting out to create "America's Living Room" for the inauguration and beyond, the firm of Parker-Torres Design, LLC of Wayland, MA, designed a gathering place for guests, locals, and visitors from around the world to meet and relax, while respecting the significance of the historic atmosphere in the all marble lobby. The scope of the multi-million dollar renovation includes reconfiguring the lobby and restoring the historic original front desk. The check-in, formerly located at the far end of the lobby, was moved center to utilize the hotel's original golden marble and dark woodwork front desk. The elaborate facility now dominates the lobby, creating a warm sense of welcome. A new VIP concierge lounge was created using custom mahogany millwork, chandeliers, and private desks for one on one personalized appointments. Added to the 5,100 square-foot lobby, is a 840 square-foot social seating area in the former check-in space, featuring scotch, wine, and champagne service.

New furnishings in the vast lobby feature federal style American furniture, woven carpets, and upscale handcrafted millwork with classic European influences in hues of gold, peach and celadon, with dark walnut and mahogany wood complementing the intricate floor mosaics. A custom designed, hand-tufted area rug crafted in deep, warm colors creates a dramatic centerpiece at the foot of the front desk. All furnishings and fabrics were chosen to look fresh, yet timeless, as if they'd always been part of the hotel lobby. Construction and project management were overseen by Carr Hospitality the hotel's ownership entity.

A new Scotch Bar has been incorporated just off the grand lobby in the Willard InterContinental's historic watering hole, the Round Robin. The Scotch Bar at Round Robin features over 100 malt whiskies highlighting Scotland's six regions with an emphasis on their specific qualities and age. Guests may savor flavors by quarter-ounce servings (or tots), with prices ranging from $3 to $20, or they may design their own tasting flight by combining two or more Whiskies. Selections are also available by the one-ounce pour or dram, with prices ranging from $10 to $75. A select Prestige Collection features the rarest and finest Whiskies available in the Washington DC. These include, Glenmorangie, Caol Ila and the Macallan, all 25-year old, and a King George V Blue Label, over 60 years old.

A collection of classic Whiskey cocktails are also offered, such as the Rob Royale made with malt whiskey, honey and champagne, and the Silver Bullet, a "dusty" martini made with Gin and Scotch, are available for $14 per serving. The Scotch Bar at Round Robin's menu is a virtual Scottish Whisky tasting journey through the country's regions; the Highlands, Lowlands, Campbelltown, Islay, the Islands and the most prolific distillation region, Speyside. The Scotch Bar at Round Robin is open from 4:30 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. seven days a week, Tel. 202-637-7348. Contact: Barbara Bahny-David 202-637-7309, or [email protected]

An American institution, the Willard InterContinental is located in the heart of the nation's capital on Pennsylvania Avenue, near the White House, the

Smithsonian museums and the downtown business and theatre districts.

A leader in Sustainable Hospitality, the Willard is the Washington D.C. hotel of choice for heads of state and leaders of the world's business, cultural, social and political elite. The hotel's 332 well appointed large guestrooms include 40 elegant suites. Dining options include The Willard Room fine dining restaurant and Caf'e du Parc, the popular French bistro with seasonal outdoor seating and traditional Afternoon Tea in Peacock Alley. The luxurious Red Door Spa offers a wide array of pampering treatments. The classic Willard InterContinental combines heritage and luxury with contemporary comfort and the latest technology. Visit www.washington.intercontinental.com.

"Willard InterContiental - The Next 100 Years" is a holistic sustainable hospitality program in harmony with social and ecological consciousness. Visit www.willarddc.com/sd, a comprehensive guide to the Willard's sustainability efforts.

Flanked by an elegant portico and marble columns, the multi-level Willard Collection is a plaza comprised of fine retail shops, a courtyard with fountain and seasonal outdoor seating, the Willard Office Building, the Occidental Restaurant, The Willard Room and Caf'e du Parc restaurants, anchored by the historic Willard InterContinental Hotel. Visit www.carrhospitality.com; Tel. 202-349-1441, or visit, www.washington.intercontinental.com