The Benjamin Completes Final Phase of $7 Million Refresh

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. August 30, 2011

NEW YORK, NY - August 29, 2011 - The Benjamin, a boutique luxury hotel centrally located in New York City on Lexington Avenue and 50th Street, unveils a fresh look this fall, completing the final phase of the hotel's $7 million enhancements. The multi-phase project transforms the hotel with an elegantly redesigned lobby under the direction of James Mohn Design Studio, Food Network celebrity chef Geoffrey Zakarian's award-winning restaurant The National, renovated meeting and event space, a new guest lounge and enhanced guest rooms and suites.

Inspired by the intimacy and refinement of a luxurious Park Avenue study, James Mohn's redesign of The Benjamin lobby includes a new seating area with velvet and leather furniture including a chesterfield sofa, hall chairs, ottoman, glass and copper coffee table, library tables with two chairs, and an area carpet with over-sized floral design. Deep shades of chestnut blended with rich teal accents are illuminated by soft gallery lighting, reading lamps and decorative sconces. Within the lobby, guests of The Benjamin can enjoy free access to WiFi.

“The thoughtful enhancements we've made throughout the hotel bring much depth and personality to the space,'” said Andrew Labetti, General Manager of The Benjamin. “And completing our $7 million refresh with the unveiling of this beautiful lobby is the perfect way to introduce our guests to the 'new look' of The Benjamin from new executive desk chairs to customized menus from celebrity chef Geoffrey Zakarian.”

During the final phase of the refresh, all 209 of The Benjamin's suites and guestrooms have been enhanced with cream-colored bedding, grommet-adorned headboards, streamline clock radio systems with iPod docks, new carpeting, executive desks chairs and spacious spa-like bathrooms offering illuminated wall mirrors and polished nickel accessories.

The first phase of the redesign was conducted from June - November 2010 by the Rockwell Group with the creation of Food Network celebrity chef Geoffrey Zakarian's all-occasion, James Beard Award-winning grand cafe, The National. The 125-seat restaurant is modeled after traditional European grand cafes with distressed chocolate and teal leather banquettes, classic marble table tops, and geometric black and white glazed tile flooring. Special in-room menus offer guests of The Benjamin 24-hour access to Geoffrey Zakarian's coveted modern bistro cuisine, including the signature Ugly Burger.

Additionally, the second floor was reconfigured to create five residentially styled modular rooms for premiere events. A stunning, oiled bronze spiral staircase was added to lead guests from the main floor of The National to the second floor, where five dining rooms provide elegant seated dining for up to 80, and cocktail receptions for up to 200. The space includes cafe-inspired features such as an antique hutch that opens for bar service and a vintage cocktail cart. All menus are personally crafted for each party by Geoffrey Zakarian.

An intimate 24-hour Benjamin Guest Lounge was conceived on the second floor for guests to mingle and meet with clients. The living room-inspired space includes a seating area and two repurposed 7-foot steamer trunk work stations to provide quick access to the Internet and any printing needs.

The Benjamin, located in the heart of midtown Manhattan at the corner of Lexington Avenue and 50th Street, offers true luxury and supreme comfort in an intimate, boutique-style setting. Classically elegant accommodations, world-class amenities, premier technology and seamless, anticipatory service are the hallmarks of The Benjamin. Known for its comprehensive sleep program, The Benjamin features the industry's first and only Sleep Concierge, a 12-choice pillow menu and custom Benjamin Bed. The hotel houses Food Network chef Geoffrey Zakarian's award-winning restaurant, The National. The Benjamin brand is operated by Denihan, a nationally recognized, independent owner and operator of boutique hotels with more than 50 years in the hospitality and service industries. For more information, visit www.TheBenjamin.com or call 1-888-4-BENJAMIN.

About Denihan Hospitality Group
Denihan Hospitality Group is a privately-held, full-service hotel management and development company that owns and operates 13 boutique hotels in major urban markets in the U.S. Over the past 50 years, the Denihan family has built a world-class lodging investment platform within the boutique hotel space, creating value by acquiring, repositioning and managing independent hotels. The Denihan portfolio includes properties operating under The James and Affinia Hotels brands, as well as Manhattan luxury independents, The Surrey and The Benjamin, and affiliates including the Royal Palm in Miami. The company's uniquely guest-centric approach, refined through three generations of Denihan leadership, has made it an industry leader in hospitality, property and restaurant development, as well as hotel operations, management and marketing. More details can be found at www.denihan.com.

Contact:
Gina Sisco
Redpoint Marketing PR, Inc.
212.229.0119
[email protected]