Property’s $44 million investment offers new amenities that will appeal to corporate travelers, convention attendees and other guests
PEORIA, Ill., (JUNE 28, 2013) – Peoria’s Grand Lady, the Peoria Marriott Pere Marquette Hotel—an iconic Downtown landmark for the past 86 years—will reopen at 3 p.m. today. Closed in December 2011, the impeccably restored, full-service hotel at 501 Main St. is sure to dazzle visitors and guests with its historic beauty and modern amenities.
“My firm conviction has always been to give Peoria a full-service hotel that makes the city proud. The public and guests can expect historical integrity, stunning interiors and modern amenities, state-of-the-art life and safety mechanicals, and Marriott flag and management,” said Developer Gary Matthews, president of EM Properties. “This is your hotel, Peoria. Come see the historical and charming, yet modern hotel in Peoria’s downtown—Peoria’s Grand Lady.”
The 14-story hotel has been remodeled from top to bottom. All 286 guest rooms, public spaces, four ballrooms and seven meeting rooms are luxuriously designed and decorated. The well-appointed hotel design, along with the renowned Marriott service, delivers a high-tech and high-touch guest experience. The “Great Room” lobby concept, integrates the front desk, business center, lobby bar and restaurant area for a unique and sophisticated environment. The signature restaurant, Table 19, will twist and elevate regional American favorites by incorporating seasonal produce and sourcing the finest local ingredients whenever possible. Handcrafted cocktails and a global wine list will further satisfy the tastes of the truly cosmopolitan crowd.
“Our hotel has a rich heritage in the City of Peoria and we welcome the opportunity to preserve this tradition,” said Laura Lojas, the hotel’s general manager. “The exquisite refurbishment and quality craftsmanship will immerse guests in genuine sophistication—whether they are here for work or play.”
Renovations to the Pere Marquette are part of a three-pronged Downtown hotel project. Of the $93 million cost, about $44 million was dedicated to the hotel, the new 400 space parking deck at Fulton and Monroe streets and a pedestrian skywalk that will connect the complex with the Peoria Civic Center. The other main component of the project is a 10-story, 116-room Marriott Courtyard Hotel, which will be built adjacent to the Pere Marquette. The companion hotel will cost about $15 million and will be completed by the second half of 2014. Marriott will manage both the Pere Marquette and the Courtyard Hotel.
Opened on Jan. 5 1927, the Hotel Pere Marquette cost $2.5 million and featured 500 guest rooms, each with its own bathroom. It was named after Father Jacques Marquette, the French explorer, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Over the years, the Hotel Pere Marquette underwent several renovations, and hosted five sitting presidents as well as other famous celebrities and entertainers. Today, the Peoria Marriott Pere Marquette Hotel has been restored to its full elegance and offers visitors modern amenities while simultaneously paying tribute to its historic past. This one-of-a-kind hotel will continue to be part of Downtown Peoria for years to come.
For more information about the hotel, visit: www.PeoriaMarriott.com