Providence Acquires Major Share of Plains Hotel, Cheyenne

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. October 14, 2008

CHEYENNE, WY, April 10, 2007. Providence Hospitality Partners (PHP) has gone from management company to managing partner of the historic Plains Hotel located in Cheyenne, Wyoming in early 2007. Built in 1911, The 131 room Plains Hotel completed a top-to-bottom, $4.5 million renovation in 2003 that restored the landmark property to its former grandeur. PHP, which has managed the property since November 2005, is well-suited to take the reins of a property like The Plains Hotel.

"Historic hotels present specific operational challenges," explains David B. Storm, President of Providence Hospitality. "Even seasoned managers of large, full-service resorts can find themselves at a loss when dealing with the idiosyncrasies of a vintage hotel, particularly in the area of restoration, maintenance and marketing. Providence Hospitality Partners is uniquely suited, thanks to our years of experience with historic properties, to make sure that The Plains Hotel is a tremendous success on all levels."

Providence is interested in investing in historic properties because, according to Storm, "There is a tremendous interest, by both meeting planners as well as leisure travelers in the historic hotel experience. Properties like The Plains Hotel come with a built in story, and it makes for a richer, more multi-faceted experience. Providence can fill a niche by providing not only well-managed, meticulous restored properties, but by expanding and capitalizing on the historic experience to the benefit of our guests."

'Bringing history alive' is one of the ways Providence Hospitality engages its guests - and the community where their properties are located - by creating events that honor the past and celebrate the present. Consequently, Bourbon Tastings, "Murder Mystery" Nights, reenactments of historic events, wine dinners and dances are just a few of the evenings on the calendar at The Plains Hotel designed to both entertain and educate visitors to the property. This year with Providence Hospitality at the helm, the hotel has also stepped up the hotel's community involvement by sponsoring the inaugural Cheyenne Heart of the West Festival - a citywide festival celebrating the traditions of the "Old West," produced by renowned songwriter and musician Jon Chandler.

In addition to creating events that connect to The Plains Hotel's colorful past, Providence Hospitality pays extraordinary attention to the small details that help to create a historical ambience and sense of place.

At the Plains hotel this translates as handcrafted "do not disturb" signs that read "please tidy the bunkhouse/prairie dreams", staff attired in vintage-inspired 'costumes' rather than uniforms, custom designed furniture, and Western-themed artwork, photography and artifacts throughout the property. "People come to The Plains Hotel seeking the 'Real West' and it is our goal to not only fulfill their expectations but to ultimately become the number one destination in town for the authentic Cheyenne experience," says Storm.

Built in 1911, the Plains Hotel has long been the icon of elegant High Plains lodging and dining, and a favorite of presidents, movie stars and cattle barons. It was the social hub of Wyoming's capitol city, catering to the state's early captains of industry. The Plains Hotel has been recognized by the National Park Service on the list of National Register of Historic Places. The property features 131 guest rooms, including 30 suites, as well as more than 9,000 square feet of meeting space with five flexible meeting rooms, high-speed wireless internet, professional catering staff, and a dedicated meeting services liaison to assist with meeting arrangements, menu planning and facility coordination.